Super Unleaded petrol

[Russ]

My local petrol station didn't have any normal unleaded petrol this morning so instead I put in some Super Unleaded. I've never used that stuff before so imagine my surprise when there certainly seemed to be a noticeable difference in my car's performance, it felt more punchy, more responsive. I always though the supposed increase in performance would be barely perceptable but it really felt as if I'd gained a few extra bhps - anyone else ever noticed that?

[Bifta]

Originally Posted by Russ D

My local petrol station didn't have any normal unleaded petrol this morning so instead I put in some Super Unleaded. I've never used that stuff before so imagine my surprise when there certainly seemed to be a noticeable difference in my car's performance, it felt more punchy, more responsive. I always though the supposed increase in performance would be barely perceptable but it really felt as if I'd gained a few extra bhps - anyone else ever noticed that?

Super Unleaded in Wales probably = Moonshine .. that might explain things

[Mick]

Originally Posted by Russ D

My local petrol station didn't have any normal unleaded petrol this morning so instead I put in some Super Unleaded. I've never used that stuff before so imagine my surprise when there certainly seemed to be a noticeable difference in my car's performance, it felt more punchy, more responsive. I always though the supposed increase in performance would be barely perceptable but it really felt as if I'd gained a few extra bhps - anyone else ever noticed that?

So I take it will be Super Unleaded from now on then Russ. I have never bought it either because I assumed the same as you but I think I may give it a try now...

[Xaccers]

I'm sure I read somewhere that you shouldn't run your car on super unleaded unless the manufacturer specifies it, like with a ferrari.

This is why I like diesel, you know what you're getting :pp

I always use Super Unleaded, it certainly makes a difference. The higher the octane the better. Shell's is 98, most supers are 97. Standard is 95.

[Xaccers]

Originally Posted by Proppinupthebar

I always use Super Unleaded, it certainly makes a difference. The higher the octane the better. Shell's is 98, most supers are 97. Standard is 95.

What effect does it have on fuel economy?

[keithwalton]

Fuel economey will be increased by itself, but also by the change in driving pattern. If the car goes faster but you actually drive it the same as normal, you'll either be accelerating less (saves fuel) or accelerating with a lower throttle position (again saves fuel).
Most car's with ECU ignition will have a noticable benefit from using higher octane fuel. and can actually save you money. The fuel may cost you more but i know a few people that do alot of miles and when they work out cost per mile it's cheaper.

It's not just ferrari's that want super unleaded, i remember reading the manual of my dad bmw and that wanted 97(ron) or higher prefered. but will run on 95(ron) at reduced performance. It has to adjust engine timing to componsate for 'pinking' in the lower grade of fuel.

Remember the days of leaded fuel ? well unleaded is equiv to 2 star. Where as super unleaded is 4 star. For those cars that require 5 star (classic ferrari's etc) Then you need to use super unleaded + additives. (like you do for leaded cars running on unleaded when there not really supposed to LRP and such).

K

[TigaSefi]

Will my Audi A3 V Reg take it ?

[keithwalton]

Check your owners handbook for details, it'll be in there i'd of thought.
And yes most likely it'll take it and have a notable improvement in performance. and you may find your driving style will adjust accordingly

K

[Jerrek]

I put 89 in usually, 91 in the minivan. The Corvette takes 94.

Don't put it in your car unless your manufacturer recommends it. Over here, 94 is a full 5 pence/liter more expensive over regular 89.

[paulyoung666]

Originally Posted by Jerrek

I put 89 in usually, 91 in the minivan. The Corvette takes 94.

Don't put it in your car unless your manufacturer recommends it. Over here, 94 is a full 5 pence/liter more expensive over regular 89.

89 , i am surprised it moves at all , i honestly cant see super causing any damage as long as it is used by mistake or once in a while if necessary

Originally Posted by Jerrek

I put 89 in usually, 91 in the minivan. The Corvette takes 94.

Don't put it in your car unless your manufacturer recommends it. Over here, 94 is a full 5 pence/liter more expensive over regular 89.

The american values of octane are completely different to the UK. From memory the ratings available typically in the USA/Canada are the same Octane wise as available in the UK.

[Jerrek]

We use pump octane numbers, not motor octane. I didn't realize you guys use RON.

Our 89 = your 94. I put 97 in the minivan, and the Corvette takes 99.

[ian@huth]

Octane ratings in North America are expressed in Anti-Knock Index (AKI), a mathematical average of the MON and RON values. Much of Europe continues to use RON to express octane values of commercially available gasoline.

[Xaccers]

So how about diesel?