Article
Keep your car running efficiently and safely
Auto Electrical servicing is one of the most important ways of keeping modern cars running efficiently and safely.
Read moreChoosing the right fuel
Premium petrol is always best right? Wrong!
Seem like your car is burning too much fuel? Did you know by picking the correct grade of fuel for your car you can save money and possibly extend the life of your car?
Petrol is rated using the Research Octane Number or RON such as 91, 95, 98, 100 or even 103. The RON number scores the fuels resistance to ‘pre-ignition' or firing before it should due to heat from the engine.
Is a higher grade fuel better for my car?
A lower number doesn't mean lower quality - the grade is in reference to how much heat and pressure the fuel can resist before it detonates. Higher grades can withstand higher heat and pressure than lower grades.
Why does it matter what grade of fuel I use?
Car engines work by igniting a mix of petrol and air with a spark plug to generate power. If the ignition happens before the spark plug fires it creates a condition called “knock,” which can damage a motor and reduce power.
Knocking is the sound made as the mix of fuel and air is detonating too early rather than burning smoothly for fuel - which means you aren't getting the very best from your car..
If your car is making any kind of knocking noise you should contact Westside Mechanical in Graceville today.
How do I know what grade of petrol to use in my car?
To find out what fuel you need, read your car's manual or check the label on the inside of the fuel filler door. Usually if you have a vehicle with a turbocharged or high performance engine then you will need a higher octane fuel.
Remember, putting premium petrol in a car that doesn't actually need it doesn't mean you car will run better or faster, it will just drain your bank account that much faster!
