General / Off-Topic What's the difference between petrol brands?

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Zeeman

Zeeman
That depends on where said brand sources it's fuel, and which standards/octane ratings etc those fuels are made for.

There is also ethanol in the mix (which is *not* green, for the record), with various percentages. In some countries, this is mandated, in others, it's an additional option at the bowser.

Z...
 

Jezzah

Jezzah
Fuel quality varies enormously. My uncle used to work for Aramco and regularly spoke of quality of fuel especially to 3rd world countries. He mentioned "African standard" fuel as being particularly nasty.

I'd imagine there's very little difference in quality in the first world between the various suppliers.
 

verminstar

Banned
verminstar
Do not...repeat DO NOT use tescos brand petrol....they use certain lubricants as additives to keep the engine free of carbon, but over time, it damages the piston rings which are very expensive to replace. Short term benefits, long term consequences...just about any of the local mechanics will say the same.

ASDA brand diesel...seen quite a few cars come through with blocked fuel filters and airlocked fuel lines. Easy to fix on petrol cars but a nightmare on diesels...and expensive.

Is there a difference? Very much so yes but unless ye know what yer looking fer, ye probably just happy nuff saving a few pennies a litre and dont overthink it much...ye get what ye pay fer...ye pay peanuts, ye get rubbish...helps when yer lifelong car enthusiast and dont just see it as practical transport ^
 

[VR] optimal_909

[VR] optimal_909
Arry said:
...and Vodka is just Vodka. Whisky is just Whisky. Run is just Rum. As with all of these, it is the same with Petrol. What you understand and you make it; reflects, what you get for a finished product.
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There is very little difference in the standard fuel at the well known gas station brands. And in most cases, buying premium fuel is stupid.
 

Hell Razor5543

H
verminstar said:
Do not...repeat DO NOT use tescos brand petrol....they use certain lubricants as additives to keep the engine free of carbon, but over time, it damages the piston rings which are very expensive to replace. Short term benefits, long term consequences...just about any of the local mechanics will say the same.
Click to expand...
Some years ago Tesco had problems with the petrol they sold. As I understand it, somehow silicon got into their 'recipe', which caused problems to certain sensors on the cars that used it (the Lambda sensor, IIRC). Once Tesco discovered/acknowledged the problem they let their customers know that, provided the customer could prove that it was petrol supplied by Tesco that caused the problem (a fuel receipt was sufficient) Tesco would pay/reimburse the costs of the repairs (typically around £2000!).
 

Gortron

Gortron
Petrol quality varies enormously between continents. There are certain standards that have to be met in various countries and they will have codes (like RON 95, RON 98, EN 228). The main difference between brands is the additives they use and (literally the branding itself).
 

JetsonRING

JetsonRING
SMcA said:
Different companies use different additives. https://www.quora.com/Petroleum-Is-there-any-difference-between-brands-of-petrol Burp! Pardon. ;)
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This. In the USA anyway, fuel detergents and additives are often added at the fueling stations when fuel is delivered there. Some brands have better additives and some brands use more of those additives. Fuel is fuel, the difference is in the add-ons and in the "octane" rating (Research Octane Number or RON). A fuels' octane rating defines (a) the fuel's resistance to ignition and (b) the speed at which the fuel burns. In modern vehicles unless the owners manual states specifically that the vehicle requires a high-octane fuel (not "recommends"), then regular-grade fuel is usually recommended. If you experience pre-ignition (detonation or "ping") when using regular grade fuel (sounds like gravel rattling around in a can in the engine when you step on the gas) go up a single fuel-grade, not all the way to premium as mid-grade fuel will often solve the problem and premium fuel is relatively expensive compared to other, lower grades of fuel. o7
 
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Seizewell Warrior

Seizewell Warrior
In the UK most car users buy their fuel from the big three supermarkets - Asda, Tesco or Sainsbury.

Interesting the comment above re Tesco fuel. I had a couple of exhaust/MAF sensors replaced on my Corsa during its lifespan (luckily not costing £2k) and my petrol was predominatly purchased from Tesco after the main weekly shop. However i'm sure I heard once that Asda petrol contains a higher percentage of water than other formulas so not good for your engine either.
 

Frank

Frank
I find the cheaper brands of petrol burn the back of my throat. Of course the up-market brands can do that as well if I drink too much of it, but I believe it's worth paying a little more for a better taste.
 

CMDR Cosmic Spacehead

CMDR Cosmic Spacehead
I work, and often fill up at Tesco. (Clubcard points, yay!)

Never once had an engine problem. :)

Except with my new(old- 2005) Saab 93 TiD, which idles all lumpy, sometimes.
But it's done that since I brought it.
It also randomly has an "check engine" light come on, which I clear, and keep driving. :D
The engine is still there. So it's all good. :p

All my cars fall apart in other spectacular ways. Lol
 
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