If you aren’t a car enthusiast or aren’t mechanically minded, chances are you probably don’t know the specifics between the petrol types you could be pumping in your ride. In Australia, there are several types of fuel that you can find at almost any garage across the country. In particular, there is an Eco-Friendly or ethanol option called E10, the standard 91 unleaded ppetrol (ULP), Premium 95 unleaded (PULP) Premium 98 Unleaded (98 RON) and diesel. The liquid gold that powers your vehicle is crucial to its overall performance, the mileage it will clock and price you will be forking out at the bowser.

Here is a breakdown of the major petrol types in Australia: 

E10 Petrol

E10 essentially stands for ethanol 10. What that means is the ethanol makes up is 10% of the fuel blend. Essentially, the fuel is 90% Unleaded Petrol (ULP) and 10% Ethanol. E10 can be constructed from grains, sugar cane, corn, beets or other exceptionally energy rich plants. Over the last 10 years, motor vehicles have been manufactured with improved engine technology to be able to use E10. However, it is recommended to be used in cars that are tuned to run it and to alternate back and forward between E10 and standard unleaded petrol to get the best performance possible. By using E10, you are also helping reduce the human’s footprint and the industry heavy reliance on non-renewable or fossil fuel energy. Ethanol structure is about 35% oxygen and burns cleaner than petrol and has been found to reduce car emissions by up to 30%.

Whilst it is slightly cheaper in price to other fuels on the market, the mileage you will clock on the car may not be efficient compared to standard ULP 91. This, is a great option for those looking for something a little cheaper, use greener alternatives and is safe for most petrol cars created after the 2000s.

Check to see if E10 is right for your car here.

Standard 91 Unleaded Petrol

If you’ve ever driven a petrol car, you’d be fairly familiar with Standard 91 unleaded petrol as this is the average fuel most motorists run their cars on. Found at nearly every petrol station across Australia, this petrol will work for all vehicles except for diesel engines. The standard ULP is slightly more expensive per litre than that of E10 and isn’t as eco-friendly. Most cars manufactured today will run 91 as a baseline however, newer cars demand a premium fuel to ramp up mileage and performance. This largely stems from the petrol itself not being as refined. ULP 91 is an entry level place to keep your car running and is relatively well priced for everyday motorists.

To find the average price of petrol types, head here or download the app for your smart phone on either iPhone or Android.

Premium 95 Octane Unleaded Petrol (PULP)

When looking at premium fuels 95 octane unleaded petrol is the mid-range level. This fuel, however, is becoming somewhat harder to find in many service stations as it is not as commonly stocked. The fuel’s serves as a well-suited option for those driving small vehicles with turbos, find it improves performance and grants further mileage. As a rule of thumb, you will usually pay a few more cents per dollar for the premium 95 as opposed to the 91 or E10. 

Premium 98-Octane Unleaded Petrol (98RON)

98 Octane unleaded petrol is designed to deliver the best performance for your car. Being one of the most refined fuels on the market it is largely suited to cars with larger engines and high-performance vehicles. The fuel can clean injectors and significantly improve the way the car drives along the road. The 98 ULP, however comes with a rather hefty price tag and will mean you will be slogged more at the bowser. This petrol also is not recommended for cars that haven’t been tuned to handle 98 RON.  

Diesel 

Diesel fuel has become a very common choice for people looking for alternatives to a standard petrol car with more makes and models having come online than ever before. Most cars that run diesel these days are said to be 40% more efficient on the overall driving operation of the vehicle. Experts also say that at least double a petrol cars mileage which results in less trips to the pump. Whilst you may have less trips to the service station the price is more expensive than normal ULP and usually sits around 20c higher on average in Australia. 

How to save some extra cash on petrol types?

There are many options with fuel in Australia and one will suit your lifestyle, budget, and car’s performance over another. At Carbar we have put together a few ways to help you save some cash on fuel by making a few small changes like: 

• Download carbarConnect, which will be launching an exclusive fuel discount for subscribers
• Drive, smooth and consistently whilst avoiding being too heavy on the accelerator. 
• Make sure tires are inflated correctly to the right PSI
• Use cruise control for longer hauls 
• Don’t keep unnecessary items that could weigh your car down in the trunk or boot.