Mercedes Mullins
If you're planning to drive in France, it's important to know what type of fuel your car needs. In France, diesel fuel is commonly referred to as gasoil or gazole. While the terms diesel and gazole are often used interchangeably, you may encounter different grades of gasoil at French gas stations, such as super or ultra gasoil, which may have additional cleaning additives or benefits. Additionally, diesel cars in France also require diesel emission fluid (DEF), locally known as AdBlue, to reduce emissions and ensure the proper functioning of the car's emission system.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name in French | Gasoil, Gazole |
| Synonyms | Diesel, Super |
| Additives | Detergent, lubricating, cleaning |
| Bio content | B7 (standard diesel), B10 (recent type with more biocarburant) |
| Brand names | Diesel Premier, Ultimate, Excellium, Diesel Ultra, Diesel Mega |
| Other names | Essence, Super (unleaded gasoline) |
| Price (2024) | €1.7/liter |
| Price (2022) | Peaked at over €2/liter |
| Emission fluid | AdBlue (DEF) |
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What You'll Learn
Diesel fuel is called gasoil in France
Diesel fuel is called "gasoil" in France. While driving through France, you will frequently see pumps vending two grades of gasoil. One is labelled simply gasoil, and the other is labelled something like super or ultra gasoil, both of the same brand. The main difference between the two is that the supreme gasoil has more/better cleaning additives.
The French words "gazole" and "gasoil" are synonyms for diesel. However, there is some confusion over brand names such as "Gazole Supra", "Diesel Ultra", and "Diesel Mega". These are simply registered product names.
In France, diesel engines are more common in cars than in most other countries. Diesel fuel is also known as DEF (diesel emission fluid) or "AdBlue" in France. This fluid is used by the car's emission system to decrease the "dirtiness" of diesel exhaust through a chemical reaction with the DEF and components of a diesel car's exhaust.
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Super or ultra gasoil is also available
In France, diesel fuel is commonly referred to as "gasoil". However, at French gas stations, you may come across pumps offering two grades of gasoil. One is labelled simply as "gasoil", while the other is labelled as "super" or "ultra" gasoil, sometimes with brand names like "Diesel Ultra" or "Diesel Mega". These labels indicate that there may be differences in the fuel's characteristics, such as cetane number, purity, or the presence of additional detergents or lubricants.
While the term "diesel extra" is not regulated, it is used by brands to indicate that this type of fuel offers advantages compared to standard diesel, whether in terms of mileage or engine longevity. "Super" or "ultra" gasoil may also have higher-quality cleaning additives, as suggested by fuel brands like Esso, which markets its Esso Synergy Supreme+ Diesel fuel as offering enhanced cleaning properties compared to its regular Esso Synergy Diesel fuel.
When choosing between standard gasoil and super/ultra gasoil, it is essential to consider your vehicle's requirements and any potential benefits that the higher-grade fuel may offer. It is worth noting that diesel engines are prevalent in cars in France, and you will typically find two types of diesel available: standard diesel (B7) and a more recent type with a higher proportion of biocarburant (B10). The latter may be labelled differently depending on the brand, such as "diesel premier" or "ultimate".
It is important to note that diesel-powered vehicles in France also require diesel emission fluid (DEF), locally known as "AdBlue", to reduce the harmful emissions from diesel exhaust. AdBlue is used by the car's emission system to chemically react with the components of the diesel exhaust, making it less polluting. This fluid is typically available at gas stations, with brands like Total and Shell offering it in various quantities.
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$104.99
Gazole is synonymous with diesel
In France, diesel fuel is called "gasoil" or "gazole". While the terms "gasoil" and "diesel" are often used interchangeably, there are different types of diesel fuel available in France, which can be confusing for drivers.
The term "gazole" is synonymous with diesel. However, at French gas stations, you may encounter pumps offering two grades of "gasoil". One may be labelled simply "gazoil", while the other may have an additional descriptor, such as "super" or "ultra". These different grades of diesel fuel may vary in terms of cetane number, purity, detergent or lubricating additives, or bio content. For example, "supreme gazole" or "extra gazole" may refer to fuel that has more or better cleaning additives.
It is important to note that diesel engines are quite common in cars in France, and you must use the type of fuel that is appropriate for your car. In addition to choosing between standard diesel (B7) and diesel with a higher biocarburant content (B10), diesel car owners in France also need to use diesel emission fluid (DEF), also known as "AdBlue" in France. This fluid is used by the car's emission system to reduce the harmfulness of diesel exhaust through a chemical reaction.
When travelling in France, it is important to be aware of the different types of fuel available and to choose the appropriate one for your vehicle. While "gazole" and "diesel" are often used interchangeably, there are different grades and types of diesel fuel available, and it is essential to select the correct one to ensure the optimal performance and longevity of your vehicle.
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Extra fuel has advantages over non-extra
In France, diesel fuel is called "gasoil" or "gazole". Some pumps also offer "super" or "ultra" gasoil, which is likely to refer to the fuel's cetane number, purity, detergent or lubricating additives, or bio content.
Now, here are some paragraphs on why extra fuel has advantages over non-extra:
Firstly, extra fuel can provide improved performance and acceleration. This is because extra fuel, such as biodiesel and ethanol blends, have higher cetane and octane ratings than regular diesel or gasoline. As a result, vehicles running on extra fuel may experience enhanced engine power and responsiveness, which can be particularly beneficial for sports cars or vehicles used in racing competitions.
Secondly, extra fuel can contribute to better engine maintenance and longevity. Natural gas and propane, which are often classified as extra fuels, tend to burn cleaner than regular liquid fuels. This results in less soot buildup in the engine, reducing the need for frequent oil changes. Over time, this can lead to significant cost savings and extend the lifespan of the engine.
Additionally, extra fuel may offer mileage advantages. While the specific mileage improvements can vary depending on the vehicle and driving conditions, extra fuel is often marketed as providing superior mileage compared to regular fuel. This can be especially true for vehicles with high fuel consumption rates or for long-distance travel.
Extra fuel also has environmental benefits over non-extra fuel. Alternative fuels, such as natural gas, propane, biodiesel, and hydrogen, tend to have a lower environmental impact than traditional fuels. They produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions, reducing the carbon footprint of vehicles. This is particularly advantageous in urban areas, where air pollution levels are typically higher, and can positively impact public health.
Lastly, extra fuel can provide stability in fuel pricing. Natural gas prices, for example, tend to avoid the cyclical price fluctuations that petroleum-based fuels like gasoline experience. This stability in pricing can help vehicle owners better predict and manage their fuel costs over time, contributing to more stable long-term financial planning.
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AdBlue is used to reduce diesel emissions
In France, diesel fuel is called "gasoil" or "gazole". The term "gazole" is often used alongside brand names such as "Gazole Supra", "Diesel Ultra", and "Diesel Mega".
Now, diesel engines produce harmful emissions, including nitrogen oxide and nitrogen dioxide, which are detrimental to human health and the environment. AdBlue is a fluid used in diesel engines to reduce these harmful emissions. It is a colourless, non-toxic, non-flammable, odourless, and biodegradable mixture of urea and de-ionised water. It is stored in a separate tank from the diesel fuel tank. AdBlue is added to the diesel exhaust, where it undergoes a process called selective catalytic reduction (SCR). This process converts dangerous chemicals into nitrogen, water vapour, and carbon dioxide, which are harmless to the human body and the environment.
AdBlue is a legal requirement for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) above 7.5 tonnes and diesel engines fitted with SCR. It is also necessary for any diesel engine that is expected to meet current emissions standards. If a vehicle runs out of AdBlue, its engine power and performance will be reduced to limit emissions, and it may not be able to restart.
AdBlue has become key in helping reduce nitrogen oxide output from engines, improving public health and reducing environmental impact.
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Frequently asked questions
Diesel fuel is called "gasoil" or "gazole" in France.
There is no difference between "gasoil" and "diesel". They are the same thing.
There is no difference between "gazole" and "diesel". They are synonyms.
There are usually two types of diesel in France: standard diesel (B7) and a more recent type with more biocarburant (B10).
DEF, or diesel emission fluid, is called AdBlue in France. It is used by the car's emission system to decrease the "dirtiness" of diesel exhaust through a chemical reaction.
