URGENT: French petrol

[vit4]

In France and - bar one we passed on the way down - every garage's 95 unleaded is 10% ethanol. The car is a 91 Astra so this is not suitable. Now on the red and the only garage in range only sells 95-E10 or 98.

Will the 98 be alright to use? I know it will get slightly worse mpg but will it cause any running issues?

Cheers.

[sinizter]

Why would 98 give you lower MPG ?

As far as I know, it should be fine as it doesn't contain as much Ethanol.

[McSam]

Why on earth do you think you'd get worse fuel economy on the 98? There should be no change at all, using a higher-octane fuel than the vehicle is designed for will make no difference.

[Reardy Mister]

Put the 98 in. If anything it will be better, assuming the ECU doesnt dull everything down to give 95 equivalent anyway.

[McHaggis]

I wouldn't worry. Use 98 or the 10% mix. It's only corrosive over time - don't think the odd tank will cause an issue? (sure an expert will be along in a mo)

[vit4]

Cheers for quick response - will err on side of caution and go with 98

Also thought 98 caused lower mpg due to lower calorific value unless the car has a knock sensor - happy to be proved wrong!

Cheers again

[siwil1]

As stated use the 98 for piece of mind but the 95 E10 would be ok as a one off.

What are the prices like as we are driving down in a couple of weeks give me an idea of costs ( diesel)

Thx

[McSam]

vit4 said:

Also thought 98 caused lower mpg due to lower calorific value unless the car has a knock sensor - happy to be proved wrong!

You're correct in principle, but the difference in LCV between 95 and 98RON is 0.23%, so I doubt you'll notice

[FoundOnRoadside]

Why do you think the Astra isn't suitable? What do all the Astra owners in Europe do? Push their cars along?

Besides, you do realise UK petrol contains at least 5% ethanol, and has done for a few years?

[veevee]

siwil1 said:

As stated use the 98 for piece of mind but the 95 E10 would be ok as a one off.

What are the prices like as we are driving down in a couple of weeks give me an idea of costs ( diesel)

Thx

~1.33 off motorway, ~1.44 on.

[BoostMonkey]

veevee said:

~1.33 off motorway, ~1.44 on.

Is there a french site similar to our petrol prices where I can search for Super by location?

[jwo]

How much is petrol?!

[siwil1]

veevee said:

~1.33 off motorway, ~1.44 on.

Cheers

[Vixpy1]

Nothing wrong with 10 per cent ethanol. And French prices are
1.60 to 1.70. In Spain it's 1.30 to 1.40. I should know as
I've just driven 1500 miles
through both xountries . Prices
in Euros

[Riley Blue]

Vixpy1 said:

Nothing wrong with 10 per cent ethanol.

Depending on the car you drive. It can cause seals to rot. It's well documented and worth reading about, especially if you drive a carburettered car.

[harveybobbles]

BoostMonkey said:

Is there a french site similar to our petrol prices where I can search for Super by location?

Oui: http://www.prix-carburants.economie.gouv.fr/

[Flat6er]

Riley Blue said:

Depending on the car you drive. It can cause seals to rot. It's well documented and worth reading about, especially if you drive a carburettered car.

Maybe so, but one fill up to get him back to good ole Blighty? Hardly gonna detonate the engine.