Have you ever thought about what those numbers on the gas pump are and which petrol to put in your car? Different octane fuels can increase the fuel economy of your car or speed up high-performance vehicles. 

Learn how to choose the right fuel for your car and answers to common petrol FAQs.

Different Vehicle Fuel Types

When you go to the petrol station, you see several fuel types available. Understanding fuel types can save you money or boost the number of kilometres you can drive. Some vehicles can only run if you put the proper fuel type in the tank. 

Here are some fuel types you will see at the petrol station and how to choose the right fuel for your car.

91 Unleaded Petrol

This fuel type is the most common you will find when refilling your car. A rated octane level of 91 generally gets the best kilometres per litre for your car. 91 unleaded is an excellent fuel choice for your vehicle because it is the cheapest unleaded petrol you can use. Most cars can use this fuel, but consult your owner’s manual to confirm this.

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Premium fuel is more expensive, and many high-performance cars require it for extra horsepower. This is because these fuels do not burn under higher pressure, which is excellent for performance. Premium fuel has octane levels of 95 and 98, which some vehicles need. But even cars that can take other unleaded petrol will get a power increase if you put in premium unleaded petrol.

E10

This fuel is an option instead of regular unleaded. It has a mix of 90% regular unleaded and 10% ethanol, increasing the octane rating to 94. This blend costs less per litre than 91 octane, so if your car can use it, you have another fuel option.

E85

Another petrol ethanol blend is 15% ethanol and 85% petrol. Some newer vehicles, including supercars, can use this fuel, but older cars may not be compatible with it. This fuel type is very uncommon in Australia, as there are only a small number of vehicles that can use it. It is common in other countries around the world.

Ethanol is slightly more eco-friendly than other fuels, so if you want to reduce your carbon emissions, this fuel type is a good option.

Diesel

Heavy-duty trucks, SUVs, and utes use this fuel. Diesel engines need diesel fuel, and filling up with anything else can damage the engine. The fuel economy per litre is higher for diesel making it a great type of fuel for a diesel engine car if you buy one.

BioDiesel

Like diesel fuel, biodiesel is another fuel that uses ethanol made from plant matter. Only some diesel vehicles can use this fuel source, so check your owner’s manual before filling it up.

Liquefied Petroleum Gas

Autogas or LPG is an eco-friendly fuel for cars converted for this type of petrol. This type of petrol is rare in Australia, and few stations carry it. The conversion process is costly, but if you want to use a gas that pollutes less, it is an excellent choice.

Electric Power and Hybrid

Electric and hybrid cars are booming in popularity, and it’s no secret why. You no longer have to go to the petrol station because to use this fuel source, you just plug in your vehicle.

Remember that electric cars need charging, but hybrid cars still have a petrol engine in addition to batteries. This engine will power the vehicle if the batteries are getting low. By using these alternative fuel sources, you are helping drive innovation and cleaner car options.

What Kind of Petrol Does My Car Take?

To choose the correct petrol for your car, you can always check the owner’s manual, fuel filler door, or gas cap. The type of car may also hint at the kind of fuel. For instance, economy cars usually take regular petrol, but to be safe, read the owner’s manual.

Will the Wrong Fuel Affect My Car?

Putting the wrong fuel type in your car can void your manufacturer’s warranty and cost you thousands in costly repairs. That is why you need to know how to choose the right fuel for your car by consulting the owner’s manual. Diesel and petrol burn at different temperatures, so they only work for the correct car. If you put diesel in a petrol engine, it will not burn all the fuel. This unburned fuel will leak into the exhaust, damaging the car. 

What to Do if You Put the Wrong Fuel in Your Car

If you fill up your vehicle with the wrong fuel, do not start it, there are steps you can take to save your car from expensive repairs. Before you can drive your vehicle again, follow these steps:

1. Do not start or drive your car: Running the engine will damage your vehicle, resulting in expensive repairs.

2. Tell a petrol station worker: The worker will have further instructions for you to save your car or at least know who can help you.

3. Contact a car mechanic or roadside assistance: Call your car insurance roadside assistance or an auto mechanic for more steps to prevent damage to your car.

Remember how to choose the right fuel for your car next time. If you have put the wrong fuel in your car, Sutherland Automotive can fix the problem and get you back on the road. 

Our knowledgeable automotive technicians have dealt with this issue before. Schedule an appointment today!