How do petrol engines work?
To understand why octane ratings matter, let’s look at how a petrol engine works.
- Fuel and air mix inside the engine’s cylinders
- A piston compresses the mixture, making it more flammable
- A spark plug ignites the mixture at precisely the right moment
- The resulting explosion pushes the piston down
- This movement turns the crankshaft, creating power to move the car
What about diesel cars?
Diesel cars work differently from petrol cars.
In a diesel car, there is no spark plug. Instead, the air is compressed until it’s hot enough to ignite the fuel. Once this temperature is reached, fuel is injected directly into the hot, compressed air.
Premium diesels contain additional cleaning additives that can help to remove sooty deposits, improve efficiency, and increase miles per gallon.
Supermarket vs branded fuels
The good news is that all unleaded fuel sold in the UK must conform to the same British Standards. So don’t be afraid to fill up with the cheaper supermarket fuels.
However, filling up with branded fuels can offer some benefits. The main difference between supermarket and branded fuels is the amount and type of performance additives added to the base unleaded petrol.
These can include detergents that prevent or reverse the build-up of carbon deposits in the engine and friction modifiers, which lubricate the engine’s combustion chambers.
How to choose the right fuel type
If you decide to go for a petrol or diesel car, always check the vehicle’s fuel requirements before filling up. You can find these in the fuel cap or owner’s manual. Remember, high-performance petrol cars often benefit from premium fuel, but standard vehicles usually run well on standard fuel.
When considering fuel types, it’s also important to think about your driving habits. If you generally make short, urban trips, filling up with premium fuel probably won’t make much difference. But if you are doing lots of long-distance or high-performance driving, you might see efficiency improvements that will justify the extra cost.
Want to find out more about leasing a car from Rivervale? Contact our friendly team today on 01273 433480 or request a callback.
