Supermarket Fuel

[owb82]

Hi Guys

After looking through numerous threads on whether supermarket fuel is any different to brand garages like Shell. I have concluded it is the same fuel from the nearest refinery but the branded fuel is supposed to have better/different additives added to the product.

So far iv only been putting Shell into my DB9 but would like to use supermarket fuels as the cost is less.

What do people think? Does anyone consistently use supermarket fuels? Have they caused any trouble or effects?

Cheers

Alan

[Pixelpeep7r]

in my Type-R i used to get around 3-5mpg better with v-power compared to Tesco 99 but same performance.

my mapped VXR pinks on v-power and prefers tesco 99 but i am assuming that's because it had tesco99 in it when it was mapped

[KarlFranz]

Here in the states I use 7-Eleven gas for my exotics. In the Lotus Esprit world, we discourage the use of Shell fuel because of its tendency to trigger the Check Engine Light.

[tonyhall38]

My DBS runs on any st...esso , bp , telco , co op , wait rose , sainsburys ....and I have no problems....

[gibbon]

Can anyone actually feel a difference or notice a mpg difference with v-power compared to regular etc?

I always use v-power or bp ultimate in my v8 vantage, but im beginning to wonder if its a waste of money to be honest, happy if its not, just seems silly if it doesnt actually make a difference.

[wilwak]

I always use Tesco 99 in my 'R' Jags.

Seem to drive nicer and the mpg goes up compared to standard fuel.

Shell V-Power seems ok too but Tesco is easier for me.

[TheRealFingers99]

My Volvo T5 and MR2 Turbo both like Tesco 99. Only other thing I put in them is Shell V Power. I can't tell the difference (apart from the price).

[owb82]

Thanks for the input guys.

I know that 99 will not have much of an impact on my DB9 performance but i was just wandering from owners if they had experienced any problems arisen from using supermarket fuels? Also to get a rough idea if a lot of people are using these fuels on their AM

[Neil1300r]

owb82 said:

Hi Guys

After looking through numerous threads on whether supermarket fuel is any different to brand garages like Shell. I have concluded it is the same fuel from the nearest refinery but the branded fuel is supposed to have better/different additives added to the product.

So far iv only been putting Shell into my DB9 but would like to use supermarket fuels as the cost is less.

She'll V Power is not from any refinery. Specifically refined just for Shell. However, you have a DB9, which doesn't have knock control, so you are wasting your money on anything above 95RON.

[Agent57]

I've used ASDA standard in my DB7 V12 for a few years now no problem.

[AdamV12V]

V-Power/Super unleaded fuels aside, even the Standard Shell 95RON "Fuelsave Unleaded" is supposed to have additives

http://www.thefuelcardpeople.co.uk/fuelsaveunleade...

Link above said:

Shell FuelSave Unleaded is a new and efficient Shell fuel

This new fuel is designed to help you save with every tank – at no extra cost. So whether you’re on a trip to the office, customer visit or just popping to the bank, that’s one less thing to think about.

From the moment you fill your car with Shell FuelSave Unleaded, you could start to benefit from the new fuel economy formula. That’s because it’s enriched with Shell Efficiency Improver combined with a special detergent package, designed to improve fuel economy from the very first drop. Shell FuelSave Unleaded can be purchased with your discount euroShell fuel card from The Fuelcard People.

How does Shell Efficiency Improver work?

Previous fuel economy formulations have been solely based on inlet system deposit control over extended mileage using detergent additives.

This new additive formulation combined with the new Shell Efficiency Improver component works by lubricating where normal engine oils can’t easily reach. This can help engine components to turn more freely, resulting in more of the fuel’s energy being made available to drive the wheels.

The result? This helps you get the most out of every drop of Shell FuelSave Regular Unleaded, saving you fuel with every tank, and at competitive prices when you use your euroShell fuel card from The Fuelcard People.

Getting to this stage was a welcome challenge for Shell’s scientists, who relentlessly tested the fuel in their lab as well as on the road so that each time you fill up, you save. Over 400 individual fuel economy measurement tests and over 5,000 miles were driven in the series of on-road demonstrations have been carried out in a range of cars and engine types. Tests were carried out at a third party testing centre using an industry recognised Fuel Economy Drive Cycle. Each vehicle was tested 36 times over a 6 month period and over 5,000 miles were driven in the series of on-road demonstrations.

[BravoV8V]

I've never used supermarket fuel since this episode a few years ago:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6405701.stm

[AdamV12V]

Interesting thread here on PH about Shell Fuelsave:

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[owb82]

Yeah it was that incident (when googled) that got me thinking. Thats why i wanted to know if any effects had arisen with AM's

[NTEL]

I use Tesco 99 in my DB9 and my race car.....its good stuff

[Neilc123]

Interesting discussion. I speak as someone who has travelled a lot of miles (over 100,000 in a year for example) on several different cars. I have used Shell Unleaded, Esso Unleaded, Supermarket fuel and also Shell V-Power. I have to say, in my experience, the mileage I seem to get from the supermarket petrol is 50-75 miles less than the other fuels. As a result I try to avoid the supermarket petrol for that reason, but then I also try and avoid service stations on the motorways as their petrol is way over priced! I think ultimately it won't damage your engine or your car if you use any petrol - the worst that can happen is you get less miles. Neil

[steveatesh]

owb82 said:

Thanks for the input guys.

I know that 99 will not have much of an impact on my DB9 performance but i was just wandering from owners if they had experienced any problems arisen from using supermarket fuels? Also to get a rough idea if a lot of people are using these fuels on their AM

Used Morrisons fuel since the Vantage was new, no problems (nearly five years).

[Simon T]

Neilc123 said:

Interesting discussion. I speak as someone who has travelled a lot of miles (over 100,000 in a year for example) on several different cars. I have used Shell Unleaded, Esso Unleaded, Supermarket fuel and also Shell V-Power. I have to say, in my experience, the mileage I seem to get from the supermarket petrol is 50-75 miles less than the other fuels. As a result I try to avoid the supermarket petrol for that reason, but then I also try and avoid service stations on the motorways as their petrol is way over priced! I think ultimately it won't damage your engine or your car if you use any petrol - the worst that can happen is you get less miles. Neil

sod the petrol have you seen the mark up on a Costa, nearly 50% crooks!!!!

[F1 NDW]

As its becoming almost impossible to buy fuel anywhere but Supermarkets why do people think the refineries are making special batches of fuel for a miniscule distribution network? I always use supemarkets or like Tony anywhere that sells petrol and I've never had any sort of problem, ever!

Edited by F1 NDW on Wednesday 10th September 22:09

[Byteme]

F1 NDW said:

As its becoming almost impossible to buy fuel anywhere but Supermarkets why do people think the refineries are making special batches of fuel for a miniscule distribution network? I always use supemarkets or like Tony anywhere that sells petrol and I've never had any sort of problem, ever!

Edited by F1 NDW on Wednesday 10th September 22:09

But they clearly do differ!

I'm fortunate enough to live in a village that still has a family run fuel station. Their Murco branded fuel smells completely different to any supermarket brands and actually smells just like petrol used to.

In the last ten years numerous manufacturers have had engine issues that indicate fuel to be the root cause and few years back there were huge problems with O2 sensor contamination that put thousands of cars off the road as replacements became unavailable. It was all traced back to a source supplying mostly budget fuel suppliers.

I could make some fuel savings but in all honesty would only ever use supermarket fuel as a last and very occasional option. We all know that supermarkets are driven by profit relying on the time challenged masses. Why would I spend 15 minutes trying to find the least worst pieces of rib-eye in any of these places when I can telephone my local butcher who will cut my more favoured, and only the best, cuts for less?

There is, I believe a difference but even if there isn't, why take the chance or place more money with these leeches for a few pennies?