Premium petrol is always best right? Wrong!

Sick of paying too much for petrol? Did you know by choosing the correct type 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 ranks the fuels resistance to ‘pre-ignition' or firing before it should due to heat from the engine.

A lower number doesn't mean lower quaility - the grade signifies how much heat and pressure the gasoline can resist before it detonates. Higher grades can withstand higher heat and pressure than lower grades.

Petrol engines work by compressing a mixture of fuel and air and igniting it 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 full performance from your car.

To see what fuel you need, read your car's manual or check the label on the inside of the fuel filler door. Generally cars that are turbocharged or have high performance engines need a higher grade of fuel.

Remember, putting premium petrol in a car that doesn't actually need it won't burn cleaner or offer you more power in an engine that's tuned for regular, it will just drain your bank account that much faster!

If your car is making any kind of knocking noise you should contact Power Drive Automotive Repairs in Knoxfield today.