Do you find yourself wondering about the different fuel selections when making a quick stop at the gas station? As a car owner, you might wonder if opting for a more premium fuel type can enhance the performance of your vehicle. Similarly, you might be curious if a lower-grade fuel works the same as it’s lighter on the pocket. To help guide you to make the right fuel selection, we’re going to answer some of the most common questions vehicle owners may have about fuel types.
What does Research Octane Number (RON) in fuel mean?
In the context of fuel, the RON number indicates petrol’s resistance to pre-ignition or detonation. Standard grades for fuel vary depending on the location. In Dubai, the different fuel types are as follows:
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Special 95 or the “special” has a high octane value appropriate for vehicles with medium compression engines.
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Super 98 or the “super” works best for high-performance vehicles. As it’s considered the more premium option, the super is priced higher than the special.
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E-Plus 91 is typically used for cars with low compression engines.
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Diesel is commonly used for large commercial vehicles.
Does opting for a higher RON make a huge difference in the performance of the vehicle?
Understandably, you might automatically opt for the cheapest possible fuel type for your vehicle. However, it’s important that you follow the suggested fuel type to keep everything running smoothly. Putting the wrong type of fuel can result in serious vehicular issues.
If you load a gas car with diesel, it’s highly advised to stop driving and turn the car off immediately. Regular gas engines are unable to process diesel, resulting in your vehicle shutting off after the gas reserve is used up. Neglecting to do this can cause your car to break down in the middle of the road, putting you at risk for serious vehicular accidents. Similarly, putting gas in a diesel car can also cause damage to your car, particularly, in the fuel injector pump. In serious cases, a fuel mix-up can cause misfires that require a total part replacement.
Hearing a high-pitched pinging or rattling noise known as knocking or detonation indicates that you might have put a lower-octane fuel in a car that requires premium. If unchecked, this mistake could cause serious issues to your vehicle’s performance. On the other hand, putting premium fuel in a car that takes regular gas will not result in significant effects on your car. While it won’t cause damage, it’s also unlikely to improve acceleration or fuel economy significantly.
To put it simply, the best fuel choice for your car is still whatever is specified in your owner’s manual. If you’ve mistakenly loaded your car with the wrong fuel type, it’s best to consult an expert automotive technician to ensure that your vehicle didn’t incur any damages. Our highly-experienced team at UNIQ Auto Spa believes that you deserve only the best when it comes to car improvement services. To know more about our car repair services and competitive prices, get in touch with us today.