Sylvie Willis
Gull is a fuel company based in New Zealand that offers a range of fuel options, including Regular 91, Gull 98, and ethanol-blended biofuel. While some people believe that Gull's fuel quality is worse than that of its competitors, others argue that it depends on what is important to the consumer. For example, Gull 98 is said to be better for outright power and detonation threshold but worse for fuel economy. Additionally, Gull has faced controversy over the suitability of its ethanol-blended biofuel for some vehicles in New Zealand, particularly older models. However, if used in suitable vehicles, Gull's biofuel does not appear to pose any additional risk of mechanical issues.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Quality | Gull fuel has a reputation for being of worse quality than other companies' fuel. However, all petrol sold in New Zealand must meet strict quality levels, and there is no evidence that Gull's fuel is worse. |
| Performance | Gull 98 has been shown to provide better outright power and detonation threshold than other pump 98 fuels. However, it also has the worst fuel economy. |
| Compatibility | Gull's ethanol-blended biofuel may not be suitable for older vehicles, particularly those with fuel systems and components that are not designed for blended fuel. This includes small engines and 2-stroke engines that rely on oil mixed with fuel for lubrication, as ethanol can break down the oil. |
| Environmental Impact | Gull's ethanol-blended biofuel emits up to 8% less carbon dioxide than other high-octane fuels. |
| Cost | Gull's fuel is generally more expensive than that of other companies, and the small increase in fuel economy may not offset the extra cost. |
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What You'll Learn
- Ethanol in Gull fuel can cause corrosion and engine failure in incompatible engines
- Gull's ethanol-blended biofuel is better for the environment, emitting 8% less carbon dioxide
- Fuel economy is worse with Gull 98 fuel than other pump 98 fuels
- The majority of vehicles can run on 91-octane fuel, which Gull provides
- Gull's fuel quality is monitored by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
Ethanol in Gull fuel can cause corrosion and engine failure in incompatible engines
Gull introduced ethanol-blended biofuel in 2007, and it has since been the subject of debate regarding its suitability for a large portion of vehicles in New Zealand. The controversy stems from concerns that some fuel systems and components may not be compatible with ethanol-blended fuel, potentially leading to issues such as corrosion and engine failure.
Ethanol-blended fuel has the potential to cause corrosion in both metallic and non-metallic surfaces within the fuel supply system and engine components. This is due to the presence of oxygen in the chemical structure of ethanol, which can lead to pipeline and fuel tank degradation. Additionally, ethanol contains trace amounts of acetic acid, which can deteriorate plastics, rubbers, and steel when exposed to humidity. The formation of local corrosion and the uniform spread of corrosion products can lead to porous surfaces and engine failure if left unchecked.
The risk of corrosion and engine failure is particularly high in older vehicles with fuel systems that are not designed to withstand the effects of ethanol. Distributors of older vehicle models expressed caution towards ethanol-blended fuel, as their older models were considered to be at a higher risk of potential problems. It is generally recommended that ethanol-blended fuel should not be used in cars older than 15 years.
Furthermore, two-stroke engines are also at risk of damage from ethanol-blended fuel. This is because two-stroke engines rely on oil mixed with fuel for lubrication, and ethanol can break down the oil, preventing it from sticking to surfaces. The lack of lubrication can lead to engine failure and cause issues with carburetors.
To mitigate the potential issues caused by ethanol-blended fuel, it is recommended to use it only on suitable vehicles. Gull Force Pro, for example, is a high-performance petrol biofuel designed for use in specific Flexible Fuel (FlexFuel) vehicles that can tolerate blends from E10 to E85. It contains 85% bioethanol and 15% premium petrol, with a corrosion inhibitor added to reduce the risk of corrosion.
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Gull's ethanol-blended biofuel is better for the environment, emitting 8% less carbon dioxide
Gull Force 10 is the biggest distributor of ethanol-blended biofuel in New Zealand. The general manager, Dave Bodger, recommends fuel injection for customers using ethanol-blended fuel. He also advises against using ethanol-blended fuel if your vehicle has a carburettor. Additionally, for two-stroke engines, you need an E10 compatible oil as ethanol breaks down oil and prevents it from sticking to surfaces, which can lead to engine failure.
Gull's ethanol-blended biofuel emits up to 8% less carbon dioxide than other high-octane fuels. This makes it a more environmentally friendly option for vehicles that can use it. The ethanol used by Gull is produced from dairy by-products supplied by Fonterra and originates from grass, which absorbs carbon as it grows, contributing to the environmental benefits.
Gull also offers a special high-performance petrol biofuel called Gull Force Pro, which consists of 85% bioethanol and 15% premium petrol with a corrosion inhibitor. It is designed for use in specific Flexible Fuel (FlexFuel) vehicles that can tolerate blends from E10 to E85, in addition to normal petrol.
While Gull's ethanol-blended biofuel offers environmental advantages, it is important to consider vehicle compatibility. The initial introduction of this fuel in 2007 sparked controversy due to concerns about potential corrosion issues, premature wear, and failure of fuel lines in older models. However, when used in suitable vehicles, Gull's ethanol-blended biofuel does not appear to pose any additional risk of mechanical issues related to fuel quality.
In conclusion, Gull's ethanol-blended biofuel is a more environmentally friendly option, emitting 8% less carbon dioxide, and can be a viable choice for vehicles that meet the compatibility requirements.
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Fuel economy is worse with Gull 98 fuel than other pump 98 fuels
While Gull 98 fuel is proven to be better than other pump 98 fuels in terms of outright power and detonation threshold, it is also proven to be the worst in terms of fuel economy. This means that, despite its other advantages, Gull 98 may not be the best choice if you are looking to maximise the distance your vehicle can travel on a full tank of fuel.
For example, one person reported that when they owned an Audi, they would get 30-50km less range from a full tank of Gull 98 fuel compared to other pump 98 fuels from Z and Caltex. This difference in fuel economy can be significant, especially for those who frequently drive long distances or are looking to maximise their fuel efficiency.
One possible reason for the worse fuel economy of Gull 98 fuel could be the presence of ethanol in the blend. Ethanol-blended biofuel was introduced by Gull in 2007, and it has been a topic of controversy due to concerns about its suitability for some vehicles, particularly older models. While Gull's ethanol-blended fuel can be safely used in suitable vehicles without any additional risk of mechanical issues, it is important to consider that ethanol can affect fuel economy.
Additionally, Gull 98 fuel may not be suitable for small engines or 2-stroke mix engines due to the presence of ethanol. In 2-stroke engines, ethanol can break down the oil mixed with the fuel, preventing it from sticking to surfaces and providing lubrication. This lack of lubrication can lead to engine failure and other issues. Therefore, it is essential to consider the specific requirements and compatibility of your vehicle's engine when choosing the appropriate type of fuel.
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The majority of vehicles can run on 91-octane fuel, which Gull provides
There are varying opinions on whether Gull fuel is bad for your car. Some people believe that Gull has worse-quality fuel than other companies, while others claim that it is the same fuel from the same sources with different levels of additives.
However, it is worth noting that Gull's ethanol-blended biofuel, introduced in 2007, has faced some controversy. There were concerns about the risks to fuel systems and components that may not tolerate ethanol. These fears included potential corrosion issues, premature wear, and failure of fuel lines designed for non-blended fuel. As a result, new vehicle distributors were cautious, particularly with their older models. Despite this, if used in suitable vehicles, Gull's ethanol-blended biofuel does not appear to pose any extra risk of mechanical issues.
Additionally, Gull offers a special high-performance petrol biofuel called Gull Force Pro at selected sites. This fuel is made from 85% bioethanol and 15% premium petrol, with a corrosion inhibitor added. It is designed for use in specific Flexible Fuel (FlexFuel) vehicles that can tolerate blends from E10 to E85, in addition to normal petrol.
In summary, while there may be differing opinions on the quality of Gull fuel, the majority of vehicles can safely use Gull's 91-octane fuel. However, it is important to consider the potential risks associated with ethanol-blended biofuel and ensure that your vehicle is compatible with this type of fuel.
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Gull's fuel quality is monitored by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
There are mixed reviews regarding the quality of Gull fuel. Some people believe that Gull has worse-quality fuel than other companies, while others claim that its ethanol-blended biofuel can be a good choice for those seeking environmental benefits or cost savings. Gull's ethanol-blended biofuel emits up to 8% less carbon dioxide than other high-octane fuels. However, it is important to note that this type of fuel may not be suitable for older car models or small engines.
Gull's Regular 91 fuel is the most popular in their inventory and is refined to meet the requirements of all spark ignition engines. It is considered a standard unleaded petrol, which is the most common type of fuel for many cars. However, some people have expressed concerns about using Gull 91 in their cars due to the ethanol content, which can cause issues in certain engines.
Gull also offers premium fuels, such as Gull 98, which has been proven to provide better outright power and detonation threshold than other pump 98 fuels. However, it has also been shown to be the worst for fuel economy among premium fuels. Additionally, Gull Force Pro is a special high-performance petrol biofuel made from 85% bioethanol and 15% premium petrol, designed for specific Flexible Fuel (FlexFuel) vehicles.
It is worth noting that fuel quality standards in New Zealand are monitored by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) to ensure compliance with the Engine Fuel Specification Regulations. These regulations specify limits on critical properties for various types of fuels, including petrol and biofuels. The main focus of the MBIE's programme is to sample and test the quality of fuels sold to consumers at the point of sale. This monitoring helps ensure that all fuel sold in New Zealand meets strict quality levels, providing consumers with peace of mind.
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Frequently asked questions
Gull fuel is not bad for your car if it is used on suitable vehicles. Gull's ethanol-blended biofuel can be used in vehicles with fuel injection engine systems. It is not suitable for older models with carburettors.
Gull's ethanol-blended biofuel emits up to 8% less carbon dioxide than other high-octane fuels. It is also a cost-effective option.
Gull fuel has been known to cause issues in cars that are refuelled infrequently, especially in humid environments. This is because ethanol absorbs water.
