Rajan Wilcox
In New Zealand, there are three main types of petrol available: 91, 95, and 98 octane. The octane rating of petrol signifies its ability to resist detonation, with a higher number indicating that the fuel can withstand more compression before igniting. The type of fuel a car requires depends on the manufacturer's specifications, and using a lower octane than recommended can cause serious engine damage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel types | Petrol, diesel, kerosene, aviation fuel, ethanol-blended petrol |
| Octane ratings | 91, 95, 98 |
| Octane names | Standard unleaded, premium unleaded, ultra premium unleaded |
| Ethanol-blended petrol | e10, e3 |
| Fuel specifications | Periodically updated, aligned with environmental and health requirements |
| Fuel quality | Sampling and testing ensure fuels meet legal specifications |
| Fuel sources | 70% supplied by Refining NZ, 30% imported |
| Fuel distribution | Pipeline, coastal tanker, road transport |
| Fuel suitability | Petrol vehicles: small cars, saloons; Diesel vehicles: large SUVs, people movers, vans |
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What You'll Learn
- Cars in New Zealand use petrol with different octane ratings: 91, 95, and 98
- The higher the octane rating, the more compression the fuel can withstand before igniting
- Unleaded 91 octane fuel is the most commonly used petrol in New Zealand
- Premium unleaded 95 octane is suitable for newer, high-performance vehicles
- Ultra-premium 98 octane is used for sports and racing cars and is the most expensive fuel
Cars in New Zealand use petrol with different octane ratings: 91, 95, and 98
Standard unleaded petrol is 91 octane, also known as "regular" or "unleaded" fuel. It is the most commonly used petrol in New Zealand and is suitable for most cars on the road, including older and smaller vehicles. When visiting a gas station, most motorists will choose 91 octane to fill up their cars.
The next grade of petrol is 95 octane, also known as "premium" or "unleaded" fuel. This type of petrol is suitable for newer, high-performance vehicles designed to run on higher octane fuel. These cars will perform better and more efficiently when using 95 octane.
The highest grade of petrol is 98 octane, often known as "Ultra Premium". It offers superior performance and engine function while emitting less pollution. However, it is also the most expensive type of petrol. 98 octane is typically used for sports and racing cars, as well as vehicles with highly tuned engines.
It is important to use the recommended octane rating as a minimum. Using a lower octane than recommended can cause serious damage to the engine. However, it is acceptable to use an octane higher than what is advised. For example, if a car requires 91 octane, it can also use 95 or 98 octane if the driver is willing to pay more.
In addition to these three grades of petrol, ethanol-blended fuels such as e10 and e3 are also available in New Zealand. E10 is a mixture of up to 10% ethanol in petrol and can be used as a substitute for 91 octane in most cars. However, it is important to check the owner's manual or consult the manufacturer to ensure compatibility.
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The higher the octane rating, the more compression the fuel can withstand before igniting
In New Zealand, petrol vehicles are the most common for small cars and saloons, while larger vehicles like SUVs, people movers, and vans typically run on diesel.
The three octane-grades of petrol available in New Zealand are 91, 95, and 98, which indicate the amount of compression the fuel can sustain before igniting. The higher the octane rating, the more compression the fuel can withstand before igniting. This is known as the octane rating of petrol and is signified by the numbers 91, 95, or 98. An engine is tuned to use petrol of a specific octane grade, and using a lower octane than recommended can cause serious engine damage.
Standard unleaded petrol, also known as regular unleaded, is 91 octane. This type of fuel is the most commonly used in New Zealand and is suitable for most cars, including older and smaller vehicles. It is also the cheapest option. If your car requires 91 octane, this is the fuel you should use, but you can use 95 or 98 octane if you prefer.
Premium unleaded petrol is available as both 95 and 98 octane. This type of fuel is suitable for newer, high-performance vehicles, which are designed to run on higher octane fuel and will perform better and more efficiently when using 95 or 98 octane. 98 octane, sometimes called 'Ultra Premium', offers superior performance and engine function while emitting less pollution, but it is also the most expensive option. It is typically used for sports and racing cars, as well as vehicles with highly tuned engines.
It is important to note that while some motorists believe that their car performs better with one brand of fuel over another, this is difficult to prove or disprove. The sampling and testing of fuels in New Zealand ensure that all fuels sold meet legal specifications and are well-suited for a variety of vehicles. Factors such as road and traffic conditions and driving style will have a more significant impact on fuel consumption and performance.
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Unleaded 91 octane fuel is the most commonly used petrol in New Zealand
In New Zealand, the three octane-grades of petrol available are 91, 95, and 98. Unleaded 91 octane fuel is the most commonly used petrol grade in the country. It is also known as "regular" fuel and is suitable for most cars on the road, including older and smaller vehicles. It is also the cheapest option available.
Unleaded 91 octane fuel is suitable for most cars in New Zealand, including rental cars. Rental car fleets often operate petrol vehicles for small cars and saloons, while larger vehicles like SUVs, people movers, and vans usually run on diesel.
Refining NZ at Marsden Point is New Zealand's only refiner of oil products and is one of the most modern refineries in the world. It processes a range of imported crude oils, producing premium and regular petrol, automotive and marine diesel, kerosene, and other fuel oils. It supplies up to 70% of the national demand for fuel, with the rest being imported mainly from refineries in Asia, the Middle East, and the Pacific.
While some motorists believe that their car performs better on one brand of fuel than another, this is hard to prove or disprove. Fuels sold in New Zealand are well-suited for a variety of vehicles, and road and traffic conditions, along with other factors, have a more significant impact on fuel consumption and performance.
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Premium unleaded 95 octane is suitable for newer, high-performance vehicles
In New Zealand, the three octane-grades of petrol available are 91, 95, and 98. The higher the octane number, the more compression the fuel can withstand before igniting. 91 octane, also known as "regular" or "unleaded" fuel, is the most commonly used petrol in New Zealand and is suitable for most cars on the road, including older and smaller vehicles. It is also the cheapest option.
However, if you have a newer, high-performance vehicle, you may need to use a higher-octane fuel like 95 octane, also known as "premium" or "unleaded" fuel. These cars are designed to run on higher-octane fuel and will perform better and more efficiently with 95 octane. Using a lower octane fuel than recommended can cause 'knocking' in your engine and lead to major damage if left unchecked.
Premium unleaded 95 octane fuel is suitable for newer, high-performance vehicles. It is a higher-octane fuel that can withstand more compression before igniting, making it ideal for cars designed to run on higher-octane fuel. Using the recommended octane fuel is essential to ensure your vehicle runs efficiently and effectively and to prevent engine damage. While 95 octane fuel may cost more than 91 octane, it is crucial to use the correct fuel grade for your vehicle.
Additionally, 95 octane fuel may offer benefits beyond engine performance. Some claim that premium fuels have more sophisticated additives, resulting in enhanced performance and other advantages. While the benefits of specific brands may be overstated, fuel specifications in New Zealand are designed to meet vehicle manufacturer expectations and requirements. This includes periodic updates to reflect advancements in motor vehicle technology and environmental and health standards.
It is worth noting that while 95 octane fuel is suitable for newer, high-performance vehicles, it is not necessary for all cars. Using a higher octane fuel than the minimum recommended level can result in slightly improved economy or performance. However, the price premium of higher octane fuels typically outweighs the economic benefits. Therefore, it is essential to refer to your vehicle's owner's manual or the manufacturer's recommendations to determine the correct fuel type for your car.
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Ultra-premium 98 octane is used for sports and racing cars and is the most expensive fuel
In New Zealand, the three octane-grades of petrol available are 91, 95, and 98. 91 octane is the most commonly used petrol in New Zealand, often referred to as "regular" or "unleaded" fuel. It is suitable for most cars on the road, including older and smaller vehicles, and is the cheapest option.
The next grade, 95 octane, also known as "premium" or "unleaded" fuel, is suitable for newer, high-performance vehicles. These cars are designed to run on higher octane fuel and will perform better and more efficiently with 95 octane.
Now, let's focus on the 98 octane fuel, which is the most relevant to your query. This fuel is often marketed as "Ultra-premium" and offers superior performance and engine function while emitting less pollution. It is the most expensive type of gasoline in New Zealand. 98 octane is designed for sports and racing cars, as well as vehicles with highly tuned engines. These engines are built to run on petrol with a minimum octane rating, so using a lower grade of fuel than recommended can lead to reduced performance and potential engine damage.
While 98 octane provides enhanced performance, the economic benefit may not always justify the added cost. The improvement in performance is often minimal and may not outweigh the higher price. However, for those seeking the best possible performance from their sports or racing cars, 98 octane is the recommended choice.
In summary, while Ultra-premium 98 octane is the most expensive fuel option in New Zealand, it caters to the needs of high-performance vehicles, ensuring optimal engine function and delivering superior performance for sports and racing cars.
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Frequently asked questions
Cars in New Zealand typically use either petrol or diesel. The type of fuel a car needs will be indicated under the fuel cap or in the registration papers.
Petrol in New Zealand is available in three octane grades: 91, 95, and 98. 91 octane is also known as "regular" or "unleaded" fuel and is the most commonly used petrol grade in New Zealand. 95 octane is a higher-grade fuel known as "premium" or "unleaded premium", suitable for newer, high-performance vehicles. 98 octane, also known as "Ultra Premium", is suitable for sports and racing cars and offers superior performance and engine function.
Smaller rental cars and saloons in New Zealand typically use petrol, while larger vehicles like SUVs, 4WDs, people movers, and vans usually run on diesel.
You should always use the recommended octane fuel as a minimum. If you are unsure, you can check the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer for advice.
