Supermarket Fuel

[Joker 1299]

I quite like the idea of adding 2 stroke oil.
Good old fashioned mineral Castrol R would make the Cali smell nice

I thought Castrol R was vegetable based? Loved that smell

 

[sidepod]

I thought Castrol R was vegetable based? Loved that smell

Ah yes I believe you’re right. For the modern synthetic version and smell use Castrol A47.

 

[SLHT6PEARL]

I only use premium fuels be it derv or Petrol why? 1. We once owned a Petrol 2.0L beatle convertible 200 miles per tank. With standard fuel 230 with premium 2. I run a Toyota hi lux 4x4 derv if I use standard fuel the noise and performance is massively noticeable. I’ll only run my Cali (pearl)on premium fuel based on these past experiences.

 

[Hotel California]

Wonder what all you "i'll only stick to premium and that brand" do when abroad the next gasstation with "your specific brand" is 300km away and you tank is getting empty....
Or do you all plan your trip in function of specific gastations?

 

[B J G]

From past experience of Supermarket petrol causing problems with cars in the past I'd expect this subject to be more of an issue with the 'rush' to the TSi Cali's.

On diesel I've used the 'Super' versions in cars ever since it became available and found that there was no extra cost as increased range between fill ups covered the cost and a better response to speed changes was experienced.
Difference was most noticeable when I used to tow a caravan. GrannyJen test trial??

I haven't been able to get exact comparison figures for my Diesel Cali but I found better engine driving response and less gear changing in cruise mode with the higher grade 'super' fuel.
Shell always seems to have less differential in fuel grade pricing than BP from my limited experience.

 

[BagmanJim]

I never thought supermarket fuel was any different it never crossed my mind until
From my own experience I came to the conclusion it may of been the Tesco fuel that caused my problem????
or maybe just a big coincidence???
Like a few have said above it may be the same fuel...
I’ll still stick to esso and texaco
Would you top up your oil with a Tesco’s own brand oil????
or stick to a good quality one.
Eg one thats specific to the vw.

Check the oil specification on the side of the container, if it's the same as a "named" manufacturer it's the same regardless of what container it's in and what name is on said container.

 

[Roger Boeken]

I used to fill up at the cheapest station in my neighborhoud but one time I got diesel from a TOTAL station, They have only 'exellium' diesel and is 10% more expensive but promises less consumption and more power etc.. I tried shell v power diesel before but it could never convince me...so my expectations were low. However exellium really makes a difference , we really felt the difference when driving away from the tank station, the cali drives smooter and acceleration is better. Feels like there is some extra lubrication.. I hope it is also better for the engine .
This is the first time I realy experience a difference between different fuels..
So all diesel offered lives up to the standards but maybe some may be worth the extra additives ?

 

[GrannyJen]

Difference was most noticeable when I used to tow a caravan. GrannyJen test trial??

A bit difficult this time of year as brim to brim evaluations are compromised by the need to keep warm and burn fuel.

My first trip with the caravan was having filled with premium diesel ( A confession indeed!)... but then spent an hour stop-start on the M1 which had been closed due to a multiple lorry pile up. I have found stop-start murders fuel consumption with a caravan.

Coming back, when from necessity I had filled up with standard diesel from named suppliers I was averaging over 26 mpg (MFD based) which I would be very pleased with.

Come warmer weather I will indeed record my mileages with both premium and non-premium fuel, with and without caravan, same journey, same time of day although obviously I cannot promise same traffic or ambient weather conditions.

 

[flying banana]

well glad that's all cleared up then

 

[BikerGran]

It's all very well for some people to say that all fuel is the same but the fact is it's not. Quite apart from the particular Poole Tesco that paid out a lot in compensation for customers' ruined engines (they wouldn't have paid if they were not responsible), I had problems with my motorcycle - NOT a high performance one - running rough whenever I filled up at ANY supermarket petrol station, once I learned to avoid those it was fine.

My VW Passat (long gone to the scrapyard) had similar problems every time I filled up at the local Texaco but that turned out to be due to water leaking into one of their tanks.

 

[WelshGas]

Wonder what all you "i'll only stick to premium and that brand" do when abroad the next gasstation with "your specific brand" is 300km away and you tank is getting empty....
Or do you all plan your trip in function of specific gastations?

Probably or only travel 200 miles from the Channel Port.

 

[WelshGas]

It's all very well for some people to say that all fuel is the same but the fact is it's not. Quite apart from the particular Poole Tesco that paid out a lot in compensation for customers' ruined engines (they wouldn't have paid if they were not responsible), I had problems with my motorcycle - NOT a high performance one - running rough whenever I filled up at ANY supermarket petrol station, once I learned to avoid those it was fine.

My VW Passat (long gone to the scrapyard) had similar problems every time I filled up at the local Texaco but that turned out to be due to water leaking into one of their tanks.

Hardly the fault of the Fuel Supplier, and I very much doubt if Poole Tesco actually paid out, they were probably just acting as the middleman and the fuel supplier picked up the tab unless of course they also had a problem with their tank/pump system.

 

[Ben Nevis]

Come warmer weather I will indeed record my mileages with both premium and non-premium fuel, with and without caravan, same journey, same time of day although obviously I cannot promise same traffic or ambient weather conditions.

Apologies in advance but does this mean you will be getting out more?

 

[GrannyJen]

Apologies in advance but does this mean you will be getting out more?

I will, as always, be getting out as much as I can

It means though that my Sister will be joining me more often, although my next two trips will be solo , Cali only. The next time Alfie has to tow Frieda will no be until mid-January

 

[greenfintry]

Our previous T5 just got supermarket fuel until one time had to use the only fuel station within range and filled with premium diesel. Within about an hour of driving the engine became much quieter and smoother. Also gradually saw an increase in av mpg of about 10%. Since the only use premium fuel .. shell, total esso, so not over fussy. Try to do this always and across Europe, but sometimes just not possible if basic diesel all there is. There is a definite effect though.....

 

[BerndRos]

I am sure supermarket fuel is ok.

While touring Tunisia in my Cali, most of the fuel garages were Libya Oil, I used them at 42 pence a litre. Was warned against the other fuel stations that were along most roads, consisting of stacked up plastic containers of fuel, that they would funnel into your vehicle. You have to draw the line somewhere.

 

[Sp0_0k]

we really felt the difference when driving away from the tank station

You know it can take like 50-100km for the newly filled fuel to get into the system, right? ;D

 

[Loz]

And if you always fill with the high grade, how was there any difference?

 

[GrannyJen]

I know that the fuel that I put in is perfect for Alfie! ...

Since consistently filling up at my local BP garage with their enriched "super-bollox-brake dust added- nuclear free diesel plus" I have not crashed Alfie once!

Seriously, total illogic moments. The number of times that I have stopped at a pump, went to fill Albert, now Alfie, thought "only the best for you" and plonked in the premium fuel.

Seriously also, as if I can ever be serious about fuel, I really do think it performs better.

As for economics.... well, I gave up with home economics at school when I found my cup cakes rose less than my pan cakes!

 

[flying banana]

You know it can take like 50-100km for the newly filled fuel to get into the system, right? ;D

He he. Yes he reckons the fuel went instantly through the pipes.the filter and pumps and into the engine before he left the forecourt. I think it's like a placebo affect where people only think it's working when really it's doing sod all

 

[Stoneybroke]

Funny how no one has actually bought a variety of fuels and had them analysed for the 'differences'
There is a British Standard number that all diesel fuels have to match (EN590), given the dilutions of the various additives involved, can they really make that much of a difference?
I do wonder whether at least some of the marketing of these super fuels is more snake oil than real science... We need some blind testing of fuel to see if the perception of quieter, smoother or pokier engines is real or a desire to justify the extra 10p a litre.

 

[5i1ver8ack]

So this may be a silly question......

What's the difference between bog-standard diesel plus (e.g.) millers additive and super-wizzo diesel?

Except 10p a litre and an invalidated warranty?

 

[WelshGas]

http://www.dieselcar.com/features/the-extra-mile-april/

Interesting.

 

[T6 CFO]

So this may be a silly question......

What's the difference between bog-standard diesel plus (e.g.) millers additive and super-wizzo diesel?

Except 10p a litre and an invalidated warranty?

From conversations I’ve had and subsequent google searches very little. It seems that if you use a bog standard diesel it may be worth improving it with an additive of your choice or use a product that should already have it in. Until I learn otherwise I shall stick to what I’ve been doing and use a premium diesel. At the end of the day it costs what it costs and I don’t look at the cost anyway.

Mike

 

[WelshGas]

Don’t notice the HGV drivers, even the independents using Premium Diesel. In fact at my local garages none of them have Premium pumps on the HGV stands.