In what scenario would you expect to hear detonation in an engine?

Detonation, often referred to as "knocking" or "pinging," typically occurs when fuel in the engine's combustion chamber ignites prematurely, before the spark plug fires. This uncontrolled combustion produces a characteristic knocking noise and can lead to severe engine damage if not addressed.

In high-performance engines designed for specific fuel octane ratings, using low-octane fuel can lead to this premature ignition. High-performance engines operate at higher compression ratios which require fuels that can withstand this pressure without igniting early. Low-octane fuel, however, is more prone to premature combustion under these conditions, resulting in detonation.

This scenario highlights the importance of matching fuel octane ratings with engine requirements to ensure optimal performance and prevent damage from detonation.