Cars & Transportation

Bought a new Ford Eco Sport

Cars & Transportation

Posted by: david

10th Mar 2015 08:59pm

log book suggests to use only premium fuel.i have never heard of companies recomending this fuel in there brochures.i remember years ago this fuel was introduced.the experts were saying it was only unleaded hyped up,for more money to oil companies.can anyone please help.is premium better.


Comments 21

desue
  • 11th Jul 2015 01:57am

the log book is correct as the engine and componients are made to work best with that type of fuel as the fuel runs more lube in it and runs at a hotter temp to make running more effecient and if you use plain fuel this will cost you more in wear tear and matiance this will be the case with lots of newer model cars ..... hope this helps you

mikec48
  • 6th Jul 2015 06:56pm

For higher performance engines it is normally a highly recommended option by the manufacturer. For all engines, it is better for the engine and usually increases the range on a tank of fuel. I have a Mondeo Zetec and normally get an 100km per tank when I use the premium fuel.

maulik
  • 6th Jul 2015 03:40pm

hi
i think its true using premium fuel is more better compaired to others so its increase your engine life and its give you more speed .
Thanks

19chris51
  • 4th Jul 2015 11:08am

I have a Hyundai (1999) model, was told by a mechanic ALWAYS use Premium petrol, keeps your motor running smoothly, and it lasts longer. Well I did follow his advice and now 15 years later, when I put my car in for tune ups, every mechanic, EVERY Mechanic, has told me it is in excellent condition, There is a plus, it gets excellent Mileage as well

tterrypu
  • 3rd Jul 2015 08:59pm

There is no real benefit in Premium fuel except that you may get slightly better fuel consumption. If you are going to use Premium the compression ratio of the vehicle would need to above 8/1 but nominally it is just a waste of money.
(95 premium can give around 4% lower fuel consumption than 91, assuming the engine computer adjusts to take advantage of the octane difference. 98 might give 3% reduction over 95, again assuming the computer adjusts the engine parameters.) (Ex NRMA blog).

stratman
  • 3rd Jul 2015 03:26pm

My understanding is that premium fuels have a higher octane rating than E10 91o Octane or 95 octane in premium is rated at 98 Octane. The RON ( octane number ) is important and ties in to the compression ratio of the engine - higher compression ratios requires premium fuels to prevent pinging or a lack of synchronicity between the explosion of the fuel in the cylinder and the stroke of the piston. In short most engines these days can run quite well on E10 which has only a 91 octane rating and no issues regarding pinging. Pinging will eventually destroy vital engine components and ruin the engine - make sure you use the right octane rated fuel for the vehicle otherwise you will eventually destroy the engine

gd055
  • 3rd Jul 2015 01:41pm

See the following article at http://www.drive.com.au/motor-news/ford-ecosport-suv-priced-from-20790-20131126-2y8zh

Both engines boast respectable fuel economy, with the EcoSport returning an admirable figure of 5.7L/100km, while the 1.5-litre boasts a 6.5L/100km combined reading. Both engines are compatible with 91-octane unleaded, but Ford is recommending premium unleaded for the best economy.

stratman
  • 3rd Jul 2015 03:30pm
See the following article at http://www.drive.com.au/motor-news/ford-ecosport-suv-priced-from-20790-20131126-2y8zh

Both engines boast respectable fuel economy, with the EcoSport returning...

I dont believe the claims of improved fuel economy using premium are justified and examined through proper testing - its just a perception because the engine has more power and appears to run more smoothly. I wouldnt trust any published economy figures because those figures are determined under lab conditions using dynamometer testing at oprtimal engine RPM's and torwue to produce the best figures. My ecperience is that you can add 25% to the stated figure to get a realistic idea of what your consumption will be during normal day to day driving in real life

Dakey
  • 3rd Jul 2015 12:51pm

I have always been told to use premium if your car has been tuned in for it as it is better for your motor and seems to run a lot smoother and more mileage from it per litre.

John351
  • 3rd Jul 2015 09:46am

We definitely notice the difference driving around town when using 98 octane instead of 91. Acceleration is more zippy etc. and economy is better. You may find that the tuning of your Eco Sport is set for the higher octane so some setting may need to changer if you used 91.

Having said that, we just did 5,000Km to Qld and back to SA. On using tanks of 91, 95 and 98 there was no difference in fuel consumption so apart from the purported engine protection etc. there is no benefit on long runs (for us anyway)

Jimmyboynsw
  • 1st Jul 2015 04:20pm

Some engines do work better with premium fuels, and in fact give better fuel consumption. Not sure about Fords as I don't consider them cars.

Jimmyboynsw
  • 2nd Jul 2015 08:37am
thanks for your reply

Glad you have a sense of humour

david
  • 1st Jul 2015 06:48pm
Some engines do work better with premium fuels, and in fact give better fuel consumption. Not sure about Fords as I don't consider them cars.

thanks for your reply

woolysmissus
  • 1st Jul 2015 03:43pm

If the manufacturer recommends it you need to see if not using it will affect your warranty. If you have watched any of the consumer shows you will have seen that it doesn't do that much good for anyone but the petrol stations and the oil companies. A suggestion is just that. Just check the terms of your warranty.

david
  • 1st Jul 2015 06:47pm
If the manufacturer recommends it you need to see if not using it will affect your warranty. If you have watched any of the consumer shows you will have seen that it doesn't do that much good for...

thanks woolysmissus

kat2
  • 24th Mar 2015 04:15pm

its better for the engine and the wear and tear on the engine many companies also allow ethanol or biofuels in their cars but not for high performance such as a GT or XR8 etc. I think a lot of it comes down to if they're tied up with fuel companies too so maybe a vested interest. As long as the car is regularly serviced and taken care of I don't see a problem with normal fuel as opposed to a high octane fuel being used in a car if you're unsure ask a mechanic for an unbiased opinion

david
  • 2nd Apr 2015 01:58pm
If the manufacturer recommends it you need to see if not using it will affect your warranty. If you have watched any of the consumer shows you will have seen that it doesn't do that much good for...

thanks franny i will use high octane as you suggest.i do appreciate your help.thanks and a happy easter tto all.

Anonymous
  • 1st Apr 2015 09:24pm
thanks kat2.now my decision is should i go on high octane or stick to unleaded,thanks for imfo much appreciated david

I would recommend high octane fuel. 98 octane + is more expensive yes, but your fuel economy will out weigh the price difference. Also higher octane fuel burns cleaner, therefore maintaining the engine. Doesn't matter what fuel is used though if you're not having the vehicle serviced regularly.

david
  • 25th Mar 2015 01:50pm
its better for the engine and the wear and tear on the engine many companies also allow ethanol or biofuels in their cars but not for high performance such as a GT or XR8 etc. I think a lot of it...

thanks kat2.now my decision is should i go on high octane or stick to unleaded,thanks for imfo much appreciated david

EJS91
  • 23rd Mar 2015 01:20am

It is just a more pure form of the cheaper fuels. It will help you get more life out of the car, but is not necessary. Just better for the engine.

david
  • 23rd Mar 2015 11:43am
It is just a more pure form of the cheaper fuels. It will help you get more life out of the car, but is not necessary. Just better for the engine.

thanks EJS91 cheers

Help Caféstudy members by responding to their questions, or ask your own in Café Chat, and you will get the chance of earning extra rewards. Caféstudy will match these and donate equally to our two chosen Australian charities.

AMCS
Australian Marine Conservation Society are an independent charity, staffed by a committed group of scientists, educators and passionate advocates who have defended Australia’s oceans for over 50 years.
Reach Out
ReachOut is the most accessed online mental health service for young people and their parents in Australia. Their trusted self-help information, peer-support program and referral tools save lives by helping young people be well and stay well. The information they offer parents makes it easier for them to help their teenagers, too.