What Kind of Petrol does my Car Really Need?


There are so many different types of fuel, each promising a different set of benefits and unless you’re a mechanic, it’s tough to know which is best. We are strong advocates for 98 petrol, though, as we find it burns cleaner and ultimately gives you more bang for your buck.

What are my fuel options?


You probably know quite a few different petrol options, because you see them every time you pull up at a petrol station. The common options are 91-octane, premium unleaded 95, premium unleaded 98, and E10. Different pumps will usually have a couple of diesel options, and some will even have E85 ethanol and liquid petroleum gas, although the latter of these is becoming less and less common with the rising prices of this fuel source.

Is it better to fill up with premium?


We believe that it is and that 98 premium is by far the best, which we are big advocates for. 98 premium boasts an enhanced additive package, which will work to remove deposits in your fuel system. This fuel will keep your engine cleaner and reduce additive build up in your engine, which can improve fuel economy.

Given that premium 98 burns cleaner on the engine, it allows the car to run far better than what the car would on E10 or even 91. This will actually save you money on fuel and decrease the amount you will spend in most cases, potentially unless the cost of 98 is more than 4-5 cents more than E10. E10 has a lower energy content than 98, so it provides lower bang for your buck too.


What about ethanol fuels?


While E10 and E85 are often sold as being more environmentally friendly than other types of fuel, and E10, in particular, but this is not necessarily the case all the time. Especially considering you will need to burn more fuel to achieve the same distance, using E10.

This is because the higher octane your fuel is (98 has higher octane) then the more ability the engine management system has to optimise spark timing to suite the engine load and fuel grade. This will increase the power of your engine and improve fuel efficiency in some circumstances.

So as a result, 98 will often burn cleaner and more efficient than E10.

A good example is a test that was done to compare costs of fuel. A Toyota Camry was filled up with E10, then unloaded, then premium 98 and driven 2000km. The end result of this test was that the premium fuels cost less to cover that distance even though they were at a higher price.Not only that, they ran cleaner and were better for the engine.


If you have questions about the type of fuel that’s best for your car, come in and have a chat with our team at Pearson Automotive! We are a local milton mechanic, and are industry experts with decades of experience. Our goal is to empower you with all the information you need to make great decisions about you vehicle. Give us a call to discuss your concerns, or book a service or repair today to get a vehicle service quote.



Posted in Latest Posts on Jun 11, 2021.