Fuels such as 95 or 98 RON
(octane rating number) have a higher resistance
to burn which indicates higher levels of energy
available for the vehicle’s engine.
According to NRMA motoring expert Jack Haley, on
average 95 RON can give around 4 per cent lower
fuel consumption than 91, assuming the engine
computer adjusts to take advantage of the octane
difference.
Using 98 might give 3 per cent reduction over
95, again assuming the computer adjusts the
engine parameters.
But fuelling an engine with 95 or 98 won’t
necessarily open the door to earth shattering
performance or extreme levels of fuel economy if
the engine is not specifically designed to run
on it.
Premium grade fuels simply optimize an engine’s
ability to make power through increased fuel
density that offer a more controlled burn,
reducing engine ping (detonation) and resulting
in a smoother delivery of power.
These fuels also contain detergents and boosters
which keep components such as valves, pistons
and combustion components free of surface
varnishes and carbon build-up, which may assist
in promoting a longer service life.