Premium" Fuel Con

Hey,

quick post just to say I've been researching this matter for some time, and although it may give a more comfortable ride, the extra cost doesn't (anywhere near!) give good value for money - ie: no noticeable extra milage!

There's quite a lot on the various news websites regarding this - but here's an article dated last month for the benefit of those who have not seen this.

(NB: For those a bit confused, 'premium' fuel is high-octane petrol that's supposedly better for your car, and gives better performance, amongst other things. A.K.A "99-98 Octane", "BP Ultimate", "Shell Optimax")

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Filling up? Don't pay for premium

Bridie Smith The Age Friday February 24 2006

An RACV study shows that most cars don't benefit from more expensive premium unleaded petrol.

Motorists paying a premium for top-of-the-range petrol are wasting their money, according to research by the state's motoring body. Oil companies claim filling up with premium unleaded petrol, which can cost up to 10 cents a litre more than regular unleaded, delivers smoother driving, lower fuel consumption and higher performance. But RACV research to be published next month shows cars designed to run on regular unleaded petrol fared no better when premium petrol was used. RACV corporate and government relations manager David Cumming said cars needed to be designed to take advantage of the higher octane petrol for its use to have any benefits. advertisement

advertisement "It's all (based on) perception, but at the end of the day, we are just saying to motorists that if your car isn't designed for it, don't waste the money," Mr Cumming said. The study, conducted at a Ford laboratory in Melbourne, tested three fuels (a regular unleaded 91 research octane number (RON), a premium 95 RON and a premium 98 RON) on two cars, a Ford Falcon and a Ford Festiva. The tests also found that although consumption was lower with a premium fuel, motorists still ended up paying more. "I had a gut feeling that it wouldn't be cost effective and that turned out to be the case," Mr Cumming said. "If people divide the kilometres by the price, they will find that it's not value for money." The research showed that with motorists paying $1.20 a litre for regular unleaded petrol in late January, when the tests were conducted, those selecting premium 95 RON unleaded were in fact paying 5 per cent more for a fuel saving of 2 per cent. Motorists buying the 98 RON unleaded petrol were paying 8 per cent more for a fuel saving of 2.5 per cent. Mr Cumming said when the premium fuels were introduced about five years ago, there was only a four-cent price difference, but it was now up to 10 cents. "Bit by bit they have pushed the premium retail prices higher, because they found a market for it and of course they are going to charge more if there is a market," Mr Cumming said. While the RACV believes the advantages of using premium unleaded petrol are minimal, there are circumstances when there can be greater benefits, including for cars such as V8s and imports where manufacturers recommend a premium fuel. Cars built before 1986 and designed to run on leaded fuel can also benefit. The RACV tests did not take into account the claimed long-term benefits for engine cleaning and maintenance. Mobil spokesman Alan Bailey said the company was not actively encouraging motorists whose vehicles are not designed to run on premium petrol to use the fuel, although he said there was a strong market for Mobil's Synergy 8000. "There is a portion of the market that places some value on this premium fuel," Mr Bailey said. "There is certainly quite strong demand from people who want that superior quality fuel."