What Petrol Should You Use?

What Petrol Should You Use?

Picking the right fuel for your car can feel like a guessing game. With so many options at the pump, it's easy to wonder if you're making the best choice for your vehicle. We'll help you understand what petrol to use, so you can keep your car running smoothly and efficiently for years to come.

Your Car's Manual is Your Best Friend

The single most important piece of advice we can give you is to check your car's owner's manual. The manufacturer has provided a detailed guide on everything from tyre pressure to oil type, and this includes the recommended fuel. The manual will specify the minimum octane rating your car requires.

What is Octane Rating?

Octane is a measure of a fuel's ability to resist "knocking" or "pinging" during combustion. This is the sound of an uncontrolled explosion of fuel in the engine's cylinders. High-performance engines, which are often found in sports cars and luxury vehicles, have higher compression ratios and require a higher-octane fuel (like Premium 95 or 98) to prevent this knocking.

Knocking can cause significant damage to an engine over time, so it's crucial to use the correct octane rating.

Regular vs. Premium: What's the Difference?

In Australia, the most common fuel types are:

• Unleaded 91 (Regular): This is the standard fuel for most older cars and many modern, non-turbocharged vehicles. If your car's manual says to use Unleaded 91, there's no benefit to using a higher-octane fuel.
• Premium 95: This fuel has a higher-octane rating and is recommended for many modern and performance-oriented vehicles. If your car requires 95, using 91 could cause engine knocking and reduce performance.
• Premium 98: The highest-octane fuel available at most pumps, Premium 98 is designed for high-performance and turbocharged engines. Using 98 when your car only needs 95 won't harm your engine, but it's unlikely to provide any significant performance or efficiency benefits that would justify the extra cost.

Can I Put Premium in a Car that Takes Regular?

Yes, you can. It won't hurt your engine. However, as we mentioned earlier, it's generally a waste of money. Your car's engine is tuned to operate efficiently on a specific octane rating. While a higher-octane fuel might offer some minor cleaning benefits due to additives, the performance and fuel economy improvements are often negligible in a car that doesn't require it.

What About E10?

E10 is a blend of 90% unleaded petrol and 10% ethanol. It's often a cheaper option at the pump. E10 has a lower energy content than standard unleaded fuel, so you might notice a slight reduction in fuel economy, but this is often offset by the lower price.

The most important thing to remember with E10 is to check if your car is compatible. Most vehicles made after 2000 are, but it's always best to check your owner's manual or a government-run compatibility website to be sure.

The Big Box Cars Takeaway

The best way to save money and protect your car's engine is to stick to the manufacturer's recommendation.

1. Check your car's manual. It's the most reliable source of information.
2. Use the minimum recommended octane rating. Don't spend extra on a higher-octane fuel unless your car needs it.
3. Consider E10 if your car is compatible. It can be a cost-effective alternative.

At Big Box Cars, our mission is to provide you with the best used cars and the best advice to go with them. If you have any questions about your vehicle, don't hesitate to ask our team. We're always here to help you make the right choice for your car and your wallet.