Premium petrol is always best right? Wrong!

Tired of watching the bowser click over? Did you know by choosing the right fuel for your car you can save money and possibly extend the life of your car?

Petrol is rated using the Research Octane Number or RON such as 91, 95, 98, 100 or even 103. The RON number ranks the fuels resistance to ‘pre-ignition' or firing before it should due to heat from the engine.

Low-grade fuel doesn't mean low quality - the grade defines how much heat and pressure the petrol can resist before it detonates. The higher the number, the more compression the fuel can withstand before detonating.

Engines work by getting power from an explosion of fuel and air ignited by a spark plug. If the ignition happens before the spark plug fires it creates a condition called “knock,” which can damage a motor and reduce power.

Knocking is the sound made as the mix of fuel and air is detonating too early rather than burning smoothly for fuel - which means you aren't getting the very best from your car...

To find out the best fuel for your car, read your car's manual or check the label on the inside of the fuel filler door. Usually if you have a vehicle with a turbocharged or high performance engine then you will need a higher octane fuel.

Remember, putting premium petrol in a car that doesn't actually need it does not make your car faster or perform better, it will just drain your bank account that much faster!