For the average motorist, saving money any way you can is worthwhile. Avoiding premium petrol is just one way to lower the running costs involved with driving. But if you’ve read into it, you may be confused about whether premium petrol is a necessity or not.
Is it worth the extra investment, or should you stick with the regular petrol found on most UK forecourts?
What is premium petrol?
The science behind premium fuel can get complicated, so let’s stick with a watered-down version. Typically, petrol has a basic rating, which is 95 octane in Britain. The octane in premium petrol is higher – it’s between 97 to 98. Theoretically, a greater octane should make your car run better as the engine’s compression rate is higher.
Why theoretically? A higher octane is only effective if a vehicle’s engine is tuned to process it correctly. In the UK, most cars are setup to deal with standard petrol. That means using premium fuel in a car that doesn’t need it will likely result in no significant improvement in performance.
To make the most of premium petrol, you need to purchase a car that specifically requires 98 octane fuel. However, they are often more expensive and will cost you a lot more to purchase.
Premium petrol: the verdict
Is premium fuel worth it? The answer is yes if your car specifically needs it to run as it will prevent the engine from breaking down. But if it doesn’t, it will only cost you more in the long run.
It’s up to you whether you prioritise better performance with a high-end car and premium petrol, or just affordability with a normal car and standard petrol. Whatever the case, a car finance eligibility check will help you figure out how to spread the cost and make both options more affordable.
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