When its not firing correctly, like the timing is a bit out.
But on ECU type cars thats usually impossible, but it manifests itself as a slight hesitation, or a jump/judder.
In old cars with points it usually meant they needed changing. Or the timing was out.
Back when the change from 4 star to unleaded was around they said an unaltered car would pink on unleaded. They didnt - all it affected was the valve seats!