Monthly Archives: November 2013

Which Fuel is the Right One for Your Vehicle?

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There are certainly a fair few types of fuel available, and being so spoilt for choice, it can often be difficult to figure out what the differences are and how they apply to different vehicles.

In this article we will provide a run-down of the various types of fuel on the market today, as well as help you to determine the right one for your vehicle.

car fuelphoto credit

What is RON?

More often than not, vehicles will use unleaded fuels; these are the most common variety of fuel and they come as either standard unleaded or ULP, premium unleaded or PULP, ultra premium unleaded or UPULP, or E10, which is ULP blended with 10% ethanol.

All unleaded fuels have what is referred to as a Research Octane Number or RON number, this metric is used to gauge a fuel’s resistance to pre-ignition.

Understanding the RON of unleaded fuels is important in determining which is right for your vehicle because simply using a high-octane fuel is not enough to improve your vehicle’s performance unless the engine is specifically designed for this:

  • Unleaded or ULP has a RON rating of 91 and is designed for use in all vehicles registered in Australia since January 1st 1986. It is also suitable for some pre 1986 vehicles; however the owner’s manual should be used to confirm the application.
  • Premium or PULP typically has a 95 or 96 RON rating and is most commonly used in European cars.
  • Ultra premium or UPULP is less-commonly used due to its RON rating of 98. Cars requiring a high-octane fuel like UPULP will usually be performance or high-speed vehicles.
  • E10 can boost fuel efficiency by a few percentage points but it should not be used in pre-1986 vehicles due to the ethanol content.

If you are still unsure what the right unleaded fuel for your vehicle is, consider referring to the manufacturer’s handbook and you should find the recommended RON rating.

Other Fuel Types

Diesel is a highly-refined fuel with very low sulphur levels, making it suitable for heavier commercial vehicles and fleet cars, although it is becoming more widely-used amongst consumers with passenger vehicles.

Liquefied petroleum gas or LPG is a relatively low-cost fuel consisting of a butane-propane blend. You’ll need to own a vehicle that is specifically designed to take LPG; the alternative is to have your car converted to run a bi-fuel system that can tolerate standard petrol as well as LPG.

Last but not least is E85; this fuel is petrol blended with 85% ethanol and must only be used in vehicles which are specifically designed for it. This is not a particularly common type of fuel and it offers fairly poor fuel mileage so at this stage it isn’t really worth considering.

If you’re still at a loss as to what kind of fuel you should be using, Bartons Hyundai, with more than 66 years of experience in the motoring industry, will be more than happy to alleviate your concerns and answer any questions you might have.

The Right Way to Drive Green

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Let’s be honest, fuel prices aren’t going down any time soon, and with environmental concerns at an all-time high, there is no better time for you to learn the right way to drive green.

When you’re rushing around, running errands and performing your day-to-day duties, getting better fuel efficiency from your vehicle is probably the furthest thing from your mind, but you don’t necessarily have to own one of the more eco-friendly cars to be a greener motorist; there are plenty of little tricks that will help you make your car fuel go the extra mile.

drive greenphoto credit

Here is a selection of tips to help you run your car in a more environmentally-friendly way:

  • Plan Ahead
    When you know you have a few places to visit, planning ahead can enable you to combine trips and save time as well as fuel. With low-cost GPS navigation devices and smartphones boasting even simple tools like Google Maps, you can easily plan your route and avoid unnecessary detours and traffic jams.
  • Lose Some Weight
    No, not you personally! If you have a trunk or backseat full of heavy items like tools, consider moving them into your garage when you know you’re not going to need them; this can significantly reduce the demand placed on the engine and help to reduce fuel consumption.
  • Drive Efficiently
    A major component of getting the most from your car fuel is to not brake and accelerate too aggressively; as you approach a set of traffic lights, let your car come to more of a rolling stop rather than speeding up to the lights and then hammering the brakes.
    Fuel efficiency goes hand in hand with smooth driving; not necessarily slower driving. Bear in this mind next time you’re on the road and always seize opportunities to roll downhill or come to a gentle stop at junctions.
  • Slipstream
    This tip is provided tentatively because it can be dangerous when used irresponsibly; drafting behind larger vehicles like trucks can reduce air resistance which causes less strain on the engine and significantly improves fuel efficiency. Just be sure to always apply the two-second rule and never take any unnecessary risks.
  • Sitting Idle
    Even when sitting in traffic, it’s best to minimize the amount of time you leave your car idling. The best way to achieve this is to plan your route ahead of time to avoid any traffic jams, but this isn’t always possible so if you’re stuck in a serious jam, consider turning your engine off for a minute or two when you get the chance.

These simple tips are incredibly easy to put into action and will definitely help you to become a greener motorist; they could save you a pretty penny, as well as saving you time on your travels.

If you’d like to know more about how to improve your fuel efficiency, or for information on a range of vehicles that offer great mileage, Bartons Hyundai can offer some fantastic packages and are always more than happy to answer any questions you might have.