Superfuels are not so super, says What Car?

Drivers who fill their cars with expensive ‘superfuels’ and expect to see big economy gains should think again, according to a report by What Car?.

Real-world tests were carried out for What Car? by the AA’s former senior research engineer, Peter de Nayer. In these tests, high-octane premium fuels including BP Ultimate, Shell V-Power, Esso Supreme and Total Excellium performed little or no better than their cheaper equivalents, in spite of costing around 7% more per litre.

“Our tests show that premium fuels are an unnecessary expense with no major fuel economy benefit,” said What Car? editor, Steve Fowler.

“The verdict is still out on whether superfuels prolong engine life, as fuel manufacturers claim. Nonetheless, even using the fuel companies’ own figures, you’re unlikely to travel 7% further on a tank of fuel for a 7% increase in your fuel bill.”

The top-performing fuel in What Car?’s tests was Sainsbury’s 97-octane fuel, which delivered 0.5 mpg more than its 95-octane fuel ­ in real terms that means just 6 miles more per tank.

“Unless the prices of these superfuels come down, there are far easier and cheaper ways of reducing your fuel consumption and your car’s emissions,” continued Steve Fowler. “By changing your driving style, anticipating the road ahead and sticking to the speed limit, you can make fuel savings for free!”

What Car?’s Top Tips for more economical and greener driving are:

Change your driving style – don’t use the accelerator like a switch ­ be gentle ­ and don’t over-rev the engine. Allow more time for your journey, too.

Lose weight – don’t leave heavy items in your car that you don’t need and remove roof racks and roof boxes when you’re not using them.

Look after your car – a properly maintained car with correctly inflated tyres will use less fuel.

Switch It off – If you’re stuck in traffic, switch your engine off. And don’t use energy-sapping features such as air-con if you don’t need to.

Anticipation – reading the road and traffic conditions will enable you to drive more smoothly, helping economy and your passengers’ constitution!

Stick to the speed limit – driving at the legal limit or just below and selecting the highest gear possible without letting the engine labour will pay dividends.

Leave the car at home – an engine is at its most inefficient when cold, so don’t use the car for the shortest journeys.

Plan your journey – avoiding busy times when the roads are most congested, while bypassing roadworks will mean less stop/start driving and less fuel used.