Why do people buy high octane petrol?

Because my car was mapped specifically for it, with the mapper mentioning that he was able to make certain changes due to always running vpower.
 
Simon said:
Octane doesn’t related to detergent or cleaning ability
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I've run my M135i exclusively on premium from either Shell, BP or Esso for the last 20k miles and I seem to get better fuel economy on the BP stuff. I can't back this up with any facts or figures, but it's the impression I've formed. I definitely grt improved efficiency though with any of the three over rgular unleaded, especially as the miles have piled on to the car. I expect that is to do with the cleaning capabilities of the premium stuff.
 
Exactly. The best efficiency gains are from clean engines/injectors. Mpg can be linked to ethanol content too.

I run only BP ultimate. Fuel economy is still crap
 
Nothing has been proven in regards to cleaning ability, no where do they even state what is actually added to it. Since all fuel arrives in the same tanker, the chances are it's the same as standard with just some octane booster thrown in after. Otherwise the tanker driver would have to be measuring out additive cocktails at each stop.
 
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Nasher said:
Nothing has been proven in regards to cleaning ability, no where do they even state what is actually added to it. Since all fuel arrives in the same tanker, the chances are it's the same as standard with just some octane booster thrown in after. Otherwise the tanker driver would have to be measuring out additive cocktails at each stop.
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Yes, Shell and the like are in cahoots with the tax man, trading standards and the advertising standards authority to mislead consumers, state blatant lies without any evidential backing. :rolleyes:

Shells V Power uses nitrogen enrichment for the most part that helps with cleaning. It doesn't actively clean, it prevents inefficient breakdown of fuel that leads to incomplete combustion that results in deposits or "gunk".
 
They most likely aren't lying.

A few counties (including the US) require ALL fuels to have a clean additive to reduce emissions. Which means it's highly likely that standard contains the same stuff, just not advertised. Which means the only thing that would be missing is the octane booster.
 
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Fuel refineries use the same base fuels. Additive packages are then added based upon client contracts. Hence why, yes, fuel all comes from the same place, but no, what's in one tanker is not necessarily the same as in another.
 
On my old Cinquecento (which I had turbo'd) a long time ago, I used to get det on 95 fuel and even on BP 97 fuel, on all other super it behaved itself - because of that I try to avoid the BP Super and stick to all the others

My S2000 however just gets the standard fuel, throw in the odd tank of super just incase the cleaning agents etc do help but otherwise the commute doesn't really dictate the need for super :)
 
Nasher said:
Nothing has been proven in regards to cleaning ability, no where do they even state what is actually added to it. Since all fuel arrives in the same tanker, the chances are it's the same as standard with just some octane booster thrown in after. Otherwise the tanker driver would have to be measuring out additive cocktails at each stop.
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It’s not a milk round.
 
I have started using Costco fuel. I tend to fill up on my way to work at Morrisons but i was always queuing as it fills with local trucks all taking ages.
Costco only do premium diesel and this morning it was £1.13.9 so which is 3p cheaper than the next best but its premium which the next best is £1.28.9, so 15p cheaper like for like. Only take me out of my way by 4 miles so should easily pay for its self. They do a 99 octane petrol as well and looking into it its the same stuff as Momentum but with some different additives.
 
Filled up on Costco Premium Unleaded as usual yesterday, driving to work this morning and the Shell station en route is 1p a litre more. For standard.

I think I’ll stick with Costco :p
 
Nasher said:
They most likely aren't lying.

A few counties (including the US) require ALL fuels to have a clean additive to reduce emissions. Which means it's highly likely that standard contains the same stuff, just not advertised. Which means the only thing that would be missing is the octane booster.
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why do formula one cars use special oils in there engine and specific makes if they are all made to "the standard"?

shell and BP have spent millions on making their additive packages better than the rest. that is secret knowledge the likes of ASDA don't have access to. have you not seen the youtube videos of engines run on asda fuel then on V power and after X number of miles one is spotless and the other caked in carbon?

it also boosts your MPG, if it's built to "the standard" then there should be zero boost to mpg. phone up aston martin, tell them you have just bought one of their cars and ask what fuels they advise to use. aston martin are a reputable company they wouldn't just hand out bogus info. they have a reputation and a brand to protect
 
Psycho Sonny said:
why do formula one cars use special oils in there engine and specific makes if they are all made to "the standard"?

shell and BP have spent millions on making their additive packages better than the rest. that is secret knowledge the likes of ASDA don't have access to. have you not seen the youtube videos of engines run on asda fuel then on V power and after X number of miles one is spotless and the other caked in carbon?

it also boosts your MPG, if it's built to "the standard" then there should be zero boost to mpg. phone up aston martin, tell them you have just bought one of their cars and ask what fuels they advise to use. aston martin are a reputable company they wouldn't just hand out bogus info. they have a reputation and a brand to protect
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You can't compare what happens in F1 to the real world lol

This guy usually explains things quite well:

 
Shell V-Power is so cheap around here ($2.86/gallon) that I run my lawnmower on it :p

Ok, I don't normally, I had just filled my car up and couldn't be bothered to mess around to save $0.50.
 
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