Regan Brown
Filling up at the pump is an inevitable expense for car owners, so it's understandable that motorists would seek out cheaper fuel options. But is cheap fuel bad for your car? The short answer is no. While more expensive fuel often contains more additives that can improve performance and engine cleanliness, all fuel sold in the UK conforms to British Standards, so your car won't be damaged by supermarket fuel. However, if you own a high-performance vehicle, you may benefit from investing in pricier petrol.
Is cheap fuel bad for your car?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | Cheap fuel is usually 3p-5p cheaper per litre than branded fuel |
| Quality | All unleaded fuel sold in the UK conforms to British Standards, so supermarket fuel is not below par |
| Performance | Premium fuels have higher octane numbers, which reduce the likelihood of engine knock |
| Engine | Premium fuels have additives that clean the engine and reduce emissions |
| Economy | Premium fuels may improve economy by 4-5 miles per gallon |
| Suitability | Premium fuels are recommended for high-performance cars |
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What You'll Learn
Premium fuels are available for both petrol and diesel
For diesel vehicles, the chemistry is slightly different as diesel engines do not ignite the fuel for power. Instead, diesel fuel is added to the air that is compressed. Premium diesel fuel features chemicals in its mixture that are designed to remove soot and oily deposits from the engine's fuel system, improving efficiency and performance. Shell V-Power Diesel is one of the most commonly used types of premium diesel and is known for its ability to restore performance and clean the engine.
The use of premium fuels is generally recommended for high-performance vehicles, such as sports cars and hot hatches, as these vehicles can fully utilise the benefits of the higher octane ratings and engine-cleaning properties. For ordinary, mainstream vehicles, the benefits of premium fuels may not be as noticeable, and standard petrol or diesel fuel is sufficient to ensure proper functioning.
It is worth noting that while premium fuels can provide advantages for certain vehicles, they are not a requirement for the average road user. Standard unleaded and diesel fuels sold in the UK conform to British Standards and are suitable for everyday driving. Ultimately, the decision to use premium fuels depends on the type of vehicle, driving habits, and individual preferences.
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Cheaper fuel is unlikely to harm your car
Filling up at a supermarket petrol station is often cheaper than choosing a branded forecourt. However, you may be worried about the quality of the fuel you're using. The short answer is that all unleaded fuel sold in the UK conforms to British Standards, so supermarket fuel is not below par. In fact, the cheaper supermarket fuel and the more expensive big fuel brand product could have come from the same refinery. The difference is that the big fuel brand will add its own cocktail of chemicals and spend millions on advertisements that claim its fuels increase performance and reduce exhaust emissions.
According to Surrey Live, for the average road user, using cheaper fuel over time won't harm your car. However, some higher-spec vehicle owners may benefit from spending more on fuel. Dr Guohong Tian, a senior lecturer in mechanical engineering sciences at the University of Surrey, said that some engines will require a high-spec fuel, and if you top up with a low-spec fuel, you will have some problems. However, he also said that it is very hard to say which fuel car users should buy and that only more high-end engines would benefit from more expensive fuel.
An Egham garage owner and engineer with 30 years of experience in the industry said his advice is to top up with both. He said it is difficult because a lot of people say that when you buy cheaper petrol, it does not have the additives. However, he has also had people who only use supermarket fuel. His advice is to mix it up a bit: put some supermarket fuel in and then, for longer journeys, put better-quality fuel in there.
In most cases, more expensive fuel will boost performance and responsiveness in your vehicle. This is because newer cars have advanced engine technology that can compensate for variations in the gas. However, if you drive an older car, you may not need to worry about which gas you choose. If you're planning to trade your old car in, you should do everything you can to preserve its value.
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Cars with high-performance engines may benefit from expensive fuel
While cheap fuel may not be harmful to your car, expensive fuel may benefit cars with high-performance engines. Premium fuels, which are more expensive, are designed for high-performance engines and can improve their performance.
Premium fuels have a higher octane number, which means they are more resistant to engine knocking. Engine knocking occurs when the fuel-air mixture prematurely ignites, causing cylinder pressure to spike. By using premium fuels, the engine can be more aggressive with its timing and boost pressure, improving performance.
However, the benefits of premium fuels are only noticeable in vehicles that require them. If a car is designed for regular fuel, using premium fuel will not improve its performance. In fact, using premium fuel in a regular fuel engine can be a waste of money and may even cause issues that require a mechanic.
Additionally, the benefits of premium fuel are difficult to prove rigorously due to the many influencing factors. While some additives in premium fuel may provide benefits such as engine cleaning and reduced emissions, the overall performance improvement may not be significant for most cars.
Therefore, it is essential to refer to the vehicle's owner's manual to determine the recommended fuel type. Using the correct fuel type will ensure optimal performance and fuel economy for your specific car make and model.
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Fuel companies add secret ingredients to improve performance
Fuel companies have long added secret ingredients to improve performance, but do these ingredients actually make a difference?
The Claims
Fuel companies claim that their pricier products will improve a car's performance, clean its engine, and reduce its emissions. Premium fuels, for example, are said to offer higher performance and engine-cleaning capabilities. The idea is that by using these fuels, you can boost your engine's health and improve your vehicle's overall performance.
The Reality
The reality of these claims is more nuanced. While some premium fuels may indeed provide benefits, it largely depends on the type of vehicle you own and its specific requirements. University of Surrey senior lecturer, Dr Guohong Tian, notes that while some engines will require high-spec fuel, others may not see any additional benefit from using it. He also mentions that it is challenging to make rigorous comparisons between engines using normal and premium fuel due to the numerous influencing factors.
The Additives
Fuel additives are products that you introduce to your system to improve performance. They can clean your engine, lubricate your system, or increase your gas mileage. The most common additives are designed for diesel engines, but additives for gasoline-powered vehicles are also available.
The Effectiveness
The effectiveness of fuel additives varies. Some additives may not contain enough active ingredients to make a significant difference, while others may only provide temporary solutions without addressing the underlying issues. However, there are also reliable and trustworthy manufacturers that offer high-quality fuel additives that can genuinely improve engine performance and longevity.
The Recommendation
The recommendation is to always follow the vehicle manufacturer's guidelines and recommendations. Routine maintenance and proper car care are essential, and while fuel additives may provide additional benefits, they should not be seen as a replacement for regular servicing.
In summary, fuel companies do add secret ingredients to improve performance, but the effectiveness of these ingredients depends on various factors, including the type of vehicle, its specific requirements, and the quality of the additives used.
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All fuel in the UK meets British Standards
While some choose to spend more on premium petrol or diesel, it is important to note that all fuel in the UK meets British Standards. This means that all fuel sold in the UK, including supermarket fuel, conforms to the same standards as branded fuels supplied by major oil companies.
The Motor Fuel (Composition and Content) Regulations 1994 outline the requirements for the composition and content of motor fuel in the UK. These regulations are based on specified paragraphs contained in British Standard Specifications, such as BS 4040:1988, BS EN 228:1993, BS 7800:1992, and BS EN 590:1993, among others. The regulations include requirements for the maximum permitted lead and benzene content of petrol and the maximum sulphur content of diesel fuel.
In addition to these standards, all diesel fuels for on-road use in the UK must have a maximum sulphur content of 10 ppm, a significant reduction from the previous limit of 50 ppm. This low sulphur content is important for modern diesel engines, which are designed with the European diesel fuel standard EN 590 in mind. EN 590 specifies the properties that diesel fuel must meet to be used in automobiles and is known as Ultra-Low Sulphur Diesel (ULSD).
While all fuel in the UK meets these British Standards, there are different types of fuel available, such as premium and regular unleaded, that can impact a car's performance. Premium fuels, such as Shell V-Power, are claimed by manufacturers to offer benefits like higher performance and engine cleaning. The difference between cheap and premium petrol is often in the octane numbers, with premium fuels having higher octane numbers. However, the benefit of premium fuel depends on the specific requirements of your car's engine.
In summary, while there are different types of fuel available, all fuel in the UK meets British Standards, ensuring that it is safe and suitable for use in vehicles. The specific type of fuel you choose to use may depend on your car's performance and specific engine requirements.
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Frequently asked questions
Generally, no. All fuel in the UK conforms to British Standards, so your car won't be damaged by cheap fuel. However, some premium fuels contain additives that can improve performance and engine cleanliness.
Premium fuels have higher octane numbers, which means the engine is less likely to knock. They also contain additives that can improve performance and engine cleanliness.
No, cheap fuel will not damage your engine. Advances in engine technology mean that a car's onboard computer can adjust for variations in fuel.
Mixing cheap and premium fuel is a good idea. An engineer with 30 years of experience recommends putting supermarket fuel in for everyday use and then using better-quality fuel for longer journeys.
