Hi All,

Been driving for 4 years, on my third Zetec S (now a MK7) and for the whole time I've always just casually put standard Tesco or BP unleaded into all of my cars, and never had any problems.

However, just recently I tried Tesco Momentum and got a couple extra miles of range, and that got me and my mates into a bit of a discussion regarding premium fuel and what difference it makes.

On each of the fuel providers websites they all claim to have the fuel that adds both speed, efficiency to your car, whilst keeping it all nice and clean inside too, but then when you talk to actual drivers you always get massively varied opinions.

So, I was just wondering as a bunch of fellow Ford drivers, is premium unlead really all that, does it make a difference? and if so, which is the best, is BP Ultimate worth the extra 20p or so a litre? Is Shell V-Power the one to go for? and how about Tesco Momentum and Sainsburys Super Unleaded, do they match up or is it just a load of crap?

I understand this has probably been done 1000 times on here, I would just like some opinions if possible.

Cheers

 

The better additive package can do a variety of things including prevention of pre ignition and cleaning. This can allow the engine to make more power and a cleaner engine is normally more efficient too!

 

Ever since I can remember Shell's V Power (or whatever they called is way back when) always gave a noticeable increase in performance in both cars and bikes. Bikes especially.

(MMM... filling up with Shell for an summer evening hoon when the air is cool and dense )

Although I have not tried Tesco's Momentum my self a lot of people I know have noticed the performance benefits and better MPG with vehicles ranging from sporty stuff to daily drivers

 

As said. With a good serviced engine on top, the higher octane the more efficient. I always run super. And most turbocharged cars will run super and have it mapped to suit. I've used sainsburys shell, bp, total, texaco. Out of all of them texaco gave the best results for me. But it is dearer than the others around my way

 

Cars only produce more power on higher Ron if mapped to suit or have active knock control, don't kid yourselves fellas

You may get a couple of extra mpg but it won't outweigh the extra cost.

If you get your car mapped for higher octane then yes you'll get some performance gain

 

In the owners hand book for my car it says it will run the same on both and won't make any difference. Its actually said this for the last few fords I've had.

 

Cheers for the quick replies guys, seems like opinion is split here just like in most places!

I've been tempted to try BP Ultimate, simply because on the inside of my fuel cap it says "Ford Recommends BP"...but I'd assume this is just more of sponsorship/money recommendation rather than based on getting the best out of your car?

 

For me it feels like a much cleaner burn. The car seems to run better. Not for bhp etc. the mpg gains are minimal but my experience is noticeable. But mines setup for higher Ron rating.

 

Filled my audi S5 up with Shell Optimax rather than the usual unleaded, didnt notice one bit of difference tbh except for the cost! Mpg still sat below 20!!!!

 

S5 was gonna drink anything you put in anyway. Their always thirsty

 

I guarantee on a bog standard car if a test was done with both fuels without the driver knowing there would be no noticeable difference imo.

its like placebo effect, you believe it but in reality there is no difference.

 

Agreed. Maybe I fall victim to it too lol. No my mrs once put regular in and it ran absolutely shite.

 

I think I suffer with it to lol

I had a bit of a road trip last week one day took my daughter with me nearly 200 miles in the r33, I didn't know the area and ended up having to fill up with bp ultimate, now I would swear it feels more powerful compared to the shell v power I usually run, but in reality I don't think theres any difference as when I used to use bp I switched to shell as I thought it made the old cossie more powerful lol

 

Yes it should be better, more MPG can prevent knock etc etc

On say a 400hp car live mapped on it, worth it? Probably. On a 100hp modern Fiesta with active knock control etc, no

 

Lol very true, i'm sure there is a 20mm hole in the tank underneath!!!!! The noise of it makes it worthwhile though!!

 

My maverick is tuned for lpg, BP ultimate is the only fuel I can run it on with no knock

 

I'd say it is worth it too!!

 

On a N/A car the biggest difference you will feel is in your wallet. Personally I stay away from supermarkets and murco garages etc and go for standard grade unleaded / diesel from the likes of BP / Shell.

I did notice a better MPG from my diesel Mondeo when I tried a tank of Shell Ultimate Diesel, it however was not enough to outweigh the extra cost of a fill up.

 

I ran Tesco Momentum on my 1.3 Fiesta and it kept over-fuelling! I put that down to the car not being mapped to cope with higher RON fuel