Petrol has long been powering vehicles for years and people throughout the world know how important it is to their daily lives. However, not everyone is aware that there are different petrol types, each with their own unique attributes. For example, some characteristics make one more powerful and one more economical than the other. There are some vehicles that even require a specific fuel to make the most of what the engine offers.
Different Kinds of Australian Fuels
Gasoline is the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about fuel. But the term is not for exclusive use for gasoline. There are many other fuel types used around the world. Their uses also vary. The following are some common Australian fuel types for all kinds of vehicles:
- Gasoline – It is the most popular type of fuel, as it is widely used by vehicles all over the world. Depending on the petrol brand, there are several kinds of gasoline available. All still fall under the gasoline category, but its formulation offers an advantage over the other gasoline product – mainly due to its price and availability.
- Diesel – Diesel is the product of refined black oil, which turns liquid at low temperatures. Usually used in Medium Speed Diesel Engines, it has low sulphur-content perfect for this engine.
- Biodiesel – Made out of renewable materials like vegetable and animal fat, biodiesel consists of a mixture of mono-alkyl esters from long-chain fatty acids.
High speed diesel (Solar oil) – This fuel type is used by heavy vehicles and industrial machines. It is used in engines with a mechanical pump injection system and electronic injection.
What is the Best Fuel For My Vehicle?
The best fuel really depends on the type of vehicle you drive. Things get more complicated when engine type is factored into the equation. However, it is easier to know the best for gasoline-fueled vehicles due to their octane rating.
The Research Octane Number (RON) determines the best fuel for your vehicle. This octane rating tells the car owner the ability of the fuel to resist pre-ignition, which is the uncontrolled explosion of fuel in the cylinder. For octane ratings, it is classified in the following:
- 91 – It is the lowest octane level and usually the cheapest fuel on a litre by litre basis. Suitable for the majority of Daily driving car brands.
- 95 – This is the mid-range octane rating. It is not the cheapest nor has the highest octane rating.
- 98 – The highest octane rating and is the most fuel-efficient for some vehicles. Typically German engineered vehicles, e.g Mercedes, BMWs and high powered sport cars are recommended to use 98.
However, car owners should also check their vehicle’s manual to help determine which is the best fuel. These manuals usually contain the vehicle’s engine type and which fuel will be more efficient.
How to Differentiate Each Fuel Type?
The car’s brake system is responsible for stopping a moving vehicle. A properly working front and rear
As established above, it is always a must to get the right fuel at a petrol station. But how do owners know if they are getting the right gasoline or diesel? For gasoline, its octane rating is what differentiates it from each other. Petrol stations have displayed the octane rating for each kind of gasoline available at their pump stations.
Diesel, on the other hand, is easier to identify from others. It is significantly expensive compared to gasoline. However, its use can bring an increased strain on the environment.
The Best Northern Beaches Mechanic
Car owners dealing with issues with their vehicle should look for the best Northern Beaches mechanic. Those living within the Northern Beaches should check out our mechanics here at Peninsula Auto Clinic, Each mechanic in our team holds a motor vehicle tradesperson’s certificate from NSW Fair Trading. This licence guarantees that they have the skills to do all car services and repairs. In NSW, all mechanics need to undergo the required courses, Certificate II in Automotive Servicing Technology and Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology.
These requirements are an assurance that our team can help all car owners identify issues with their vehicles and have them repaired using tried and tested techniques. We are experts in car services and repairs including brake service, pink slip inspections and automatic transmission service, among other car inspection services. Contact Peninsula Auto Clinic now to have the best mechanic in the Northern Beaches region check your car today!
