Which type of petrol?

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corksta

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#89794 8-Sep-2011 05:39

I bought a new Mazda 3 MPS recently which has to run on a minimum of 95 octane. I've used Shell's V-Power since it was launched, but was wondering what peoples' experiences are with the 98 fuels (BP Ultimate, Mobil Synergy 8000, and Gull's Force 10).

Just looking to get the best performance out of my little speedster!

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#518354 8-Sep-2011 07:28

the manual states you must use 95 or higher?

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corksta

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#518356 8-Sep-2011 07:38

Yes

billgates

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#518360 8-Sep-2011 07:51

I only use Octane 98 in my car. Even on my petrol cap, it states recommended is 98. It's much cleaner and you will see better mileage.

Do whatever you want to do man.

MikeB4

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#518363 8-Sep-2011 08:00

My wife just sold her 2010 MPS, she mainly used Shell 95 but used BP's 98 on the odd time and didn't really notice any performance increase.

She sold because it was a thirsty beast.

TheUngeek

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#518365 8-Sep-2011 08:02

If it states a minimum of 95 then 98 will be better.
Run a few tanks through it and record usage exactly to check.
Try and avoid any E fuels if economy is your goal. Alcohol increases fuel consumption.

scuwp

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#518366 8-Sep-2011 08:02

My wife has a Mazda SP23 which is the next model (albeit older) down. 95+ octane for hers as well. We have also been advised by more than one mechanic and the dealer absolutely NOT to put 91 in it.

I have used the 95 from other stations and 98 from BP (costs more of course) but have not noticed any difference to be honest.

I also use the premium fuel in my Ford even though I don't need to. There is an argument that the higher octane fuels burn cleaner and more efficiently therefore are more economical, so even though you pay more for the gas you get the extra cost back back with better economy, and the vehicle runs better. Having tracked my Ford running costs over a year I have to agree, and it goes soooooo much better. I however have observed no difference between 95 and 98, so I just buy whatever is convenient.

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TheUngeek

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#518367 8-Sep-2011 08:07

It will only show an improvement if tuned for it.
Some cars will not have any difference between 91 and 95.
Others will.
Also you cannot tell from one tank. you need to run several tanks though it.

eracode

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#518368 8-Sep-2011 08:09

TheUngeek: Alcohol increases fuel consumption.

...because a few drinks make you drive faster?

Sometimes I just sit and think. Other times I just sit.

sbiddle

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#518369 8-Sep-2011 08:10

All of the Ford engines in the same family (Focus, Mondeo and Mazda3) are all European and hate 91 fuel, you have to use 95+ Octane fuel. I've put 91 in my Focus a few times at Mobil who only have 91 or 98 and the car runs horribly. I've used 98 a fair few times and notice absolutely no difference in performance or fuel economy.

jim.cox

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#518371 8-Sep-2011 08:21

I've had problems with Shell fuel being 'stale'

Much prefer the high octane BP

=mjc=
.

TheUngeek

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#518376 8-Sep-2011 08:31

eracode:
TheUngeek: Alcohol increases fuel consumption.

...because a few drinks make you drive faster?

Lol no. Coz you need to burn more alcohol to get the same energy as you do from petrol. Roughly twice the amount. Which is why I am so against E based fuels unless they make it a lot cheaper.
E fuels are a con.

xpd

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#518388 8-Sep-2011 08:53

Pretty much if its an import vehicle, chances are its been run on 95+ all its life, therefore putting 91 makes the thing choke - I purchased a 04 Nissan a couple years ago, was told it was fine to run on 91, which it was for about a year, then it started having issues. Switched back to 95+ and the things been running sweet since :)

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muppet

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#518391 8-Sep-2011 08:57

The Octane rating of petrol is its rating of resistance to detonation. If you're not getting detonation using 95, then using 98 is going to do nothing except cost you more money. Higher octane does not give you any better performance unless you are experiencing detonation.

Plus whatever marketing hype you buy into, of course. Cleaning your engine, making your car poo rainbow smoke etc.

I hate you.

TheUngeek

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#518393 8-Sep-2011 09:02

muppet: The Octane rating of petrol is its rating of resistance to detonation. If you're not getting detonation using 95, then using 98 is going to do nothing except cost you more money.

Plus whatever marketing hype you buy into, of course. Cleaning your engine, making your car poo rainbow smoke etc.

Not always true. it depends on the what the ECU of the car can do.
While it may run ok on 95, the ECU will be retarding the ignition and altering the fueling to allow it to do so. Running it on 98 will allow a better tune and it many cases it will be more economical.
Many import cars will be like that.
Eg anything Turbo, sport Twincams such as Altezza, Vtec Hondas, Mivec Mitsis etc etc.
Do not ever believe what a sales man says about it, talk to the brands head service tech. Tech, not manager.

muppet

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#518394 8-Sep-2011 09:03

TheUngeek:
muppet: The Octane rating of petrol is its rating of resistance to detonation. If you're not getting detonation using 95, then using 98 is going to do nothing except cost you more money.

Plus whatever marketing hype you buy into, of course. Cleaning your engine, making your car poo rainbow smoke etc.

Not always true. it depends on the what the ECU of the car can do.
While it may run ok on 95, the ECU will be retarding the ignition and altering the fueling to allow it to do so. Running it on 98 will allow a better tune and it many cases it will be more economical.
Many import cars will be like that.
Eg anything Turbo, sport Twincams such as Altezza, Vtec Hondas, Mivec Mitsis etc etc.
Do not ever believe what a sales man says about it, talk to the brands head service tech. Tech, not manager.

Yea, I updated my post after you must have clicked reply. Certainly if your car is experiencing detonation then a higher Octane fuel will increase performance.

I hate you.

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