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The Truth About Fuel Types: Which One Should You Really Use
Fuel is one of those topics everyone has an opinion on, yet most drivers are not entirely sure what their car actually needs.
Between premium unleaded, regular unleaded, diesel, ethanol blends and the endless myths floating around online, it is easy to feel unsure about what is best for your vehicle. The truth is simpler than most people expect, and once you understand the differences, choosing the right fuel becomes effortless.
This guide breaks down the real story behind fuel types and clears up the confusion so you can fill up with confidence.
Regular Unleaded - The Everyday Choice
For most cars on Australian roads, regular unleaded is perfectly suitable. Modern engines are designed to run efficiently on it, and using anything more expensive will not magically improve performance. The biggest myth is that premium fuel will make a regular engine run better or last longer. In reality, if your car is designed for regular unleaded, premium does not offer any real benefit.
Where regular unleaded shines is cost. It is the most affordable option at the pump, and if your car is built for it, there is no reason to spend more.
Premium Unleaded - When It Actually Matters
Premium fuel has a higher octane rating, which means it resists knocking in high performance engines. Some cars genuinely require premium because their engines run higher compression and need that extra stability. If your owner’s manual says premium is required, then it is important to stick with it.
But here is the myth buster.
If your car does not require premium, using it will not give you extra power, better fuel economy or a cleaner engine. You are simply paying more for something your engine cannot take advantage of. Premium is fantastic for the engines that need it, but unnecessary for the ones that do not.
Diesel - Strong, Efficient and Built for Work
Diesel engines are designed for torque, durability and long distance efficiency. That is why you see diesel powering so many utes, SUVs and work vehicles. Diesel burns differently from petrol, delivering strong pulling power at low revs, which makes it ideal for towing, off road driving and carrying heavy loads.
The biggest advantage of diesel is fuel economy on longer trips. A well maintained diesel engine can travel impressive distances on a single tank. The trade off is that diesel engines rely heavily on proper servicing, especially with modern emissions systems. Skip services and problems can appear quickly. Look after a diesel, and it will reward you with years of dependable performance.
Ethanol Blends - What You Need to Know
E10 is a blend of petrol and up to ten percent ethanol. It is usually cheaper and burns cleaner, which makes it appealing for budget conscious drivers. Most modern cars can run on E10 without any issues, but not all vehicles are compatible. Older models, some European cars and certain performance engines are not designed for ethanol blends.
The key is checking your fuel flap or owner’s manual. If your car is E10 compatible, it is a great way to save money. If it is not, stick to regular unleaded to avoid long term issues.
Does Fuel Quality Really Affect Your Engine
Absolutely, but not in the way most people think. The biggest factor is using the correct fuel for your engine, not the most expensive one. Using a lower grade fuel than recommended can cause knocking, reduced performance and long term damage. Using a higher grade fuel than required simply wastes money.
The other factor is where you fill up. Reputable service stations maintain cleaner tanks and better filtration, which helps keep your engine running smoothly. Cheap, low turnover stations can sometimes have older fuel or more contaminants.
So Which Fuel Should You Really Use
The simplest answer is this. Use the fuel your car was designed for. If your manual says regular unleaded, use regular. If it says premium, stick with premium. If you drive a diesel, keep up with servicing and it will look after you.
And if your car is E10 compatible, it is a great way to save money at the pump.
Most of the myths around fuel come from the idea that more expensive equals better.
In reality, the best fuel is the one your engine was engineered to run on.
Want to Learn More
If you are still unsure about which fuel is right for your car, or you want personalised advice based on your vehicle and driving habits, our team is always happy to help. Get in touch with us and we can walk you through what your car needs and how to keep it running at its best.
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