Mostly, people who are driving for the very first time generally get into the dilemma of choosing a particular petrol type when they arrive at a gas station. They get confused about whether to choose normal or premium petrol. Comparing the prices of both types, anyone could figure out that premium petrol is a higher grade of petrol, but no one realises what extra factors give each petrol type its own character and associated results. Premium petrol has its own properties and varies in cost according to brands and specifications. Certain vehicle engines require high-grade petrol. The vehicle owners should be careful in such cases, because nowadays there are lot of scams happening at gas stations where they cheat the customers by filling up normal petrol while saying that it is premium type. For engines designed to run on premium petrol, this could eventually cause severe malfunction. To cover the repairing expenses arising out of such instances, vehicle owners are recommended to keep their vehicle insurance handy. Buy the best two wheeler or car insurance to protect your vehicle from such liabilities.
What is premium petrol?
Petrol contains a chemical component called octane. Premium type petrol has a higher rate of octane component in it. The measure of octane contained inside the fuel decides how well it will function in higher-pressure motors – high-octane fuel works more successfully than lower-rated fuels. Premium fuel is more expensive than standard due to its higher rate of octane. The benefits of this increased octane rating include lower fuel consumption as well as better engine protection and performance.
Key features of premium petrol
- Higher Octane Rating: Provides good resistance to engine knocking, ensuring smoother performance in high-compression engines.
- Additives and Detergents: Contains additional compounds that help reduce carbon deposits and maintain engine cleanliness.
- Enhanced Performance: Suitable for vehicles designed for high-octane fuel, potentially offering improved acceleration and efficiency.
What is normal petrol?
Regular petrol is rated at 87 octane in most places. Fuel with a higher octane rating can stand up to higher compression before it detonates. Engines with high compression ratios or turbochargers often require high octane fuel found in premium gas for optimal performance and fuel efficiency. However, the majority of cars on the road today are optimized to run on normal petrol.
Key features of normal petrol
- Standard Octane Rating: Sufficient for vehicles with regular engine designs, ensuring proper combustion without knocking.
- Cost-Effective: Priced lower than premium petrol, making it economical for daily commuting and general use.
- Widely Available: Easily accessible across fuel stations, catering to the majority of vehicles on the road.
Difference between premium petrol and normal petrol
Following are the key differences between normal and premium petrol:
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Parameter
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Normal Petrol
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Premium Petrol
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Octane Number
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91
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91 or higher
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Application
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Suitable for most mass-market cars with lower engine compression
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Ideal for high-compression petrol engines
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Chances of Engine Knocking
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Higher
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Lower
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Price
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More affordable
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More expensive
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Additional Additives
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None
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Contains additives and detergents to prevent carbon buildup
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Different types of petrol in India
In India, petrol variants are categorised based on their octane ratings and additive content:
- Normal Petrol (91 Octane): Standard fuel suitable for most vehicles.
- Power Petrol (91 Octane + Additives): Regular octane fuel enhanced with additives for better engine performance.
- Premium Petrol (91 Octane): Higher octane fuel designed for specific engine requirements.
- Extra Premium Petrol (95 Octane): Higher octane fuel suitable for high-performance vehicles.
- Extra Premium Petrol (97 Octane): Even higher octane fuel, often recommended for luxury or high-performance cars.
Premium petrol vs normal petrol: Which is the right choice for your car?
The decision between premium and normal petrol hinges on your vehicle's engine specifications and manufacturer recommendations:
- Manufacturer's Recommendation: The best performance will be judged by utilizing the fuel suggested by the maker of the engine. The maker's designers put extraordinary exertion into getting the best all-around execution from the motor and whole vehicle with the recommended fuel.
- Engine Type: The advantage obtained by premium fuel, which is harder to ignite through the heat of compression, is that an engine can be forced to run at a higher compression and, thus, develop more power. It does nothing for an engine designed for a lower-octane fuel, and if the higher-octane rating is achieved by additives that have less energy than the gasoline, performance in a low-octane engine will be reduced. If your engine is designed for high octane fuel, then premium fuel is recommended. If it is not, then standard fuel is recommended.
- Cost Considerations: If your vehicle does not require high-octane fuel, using normal petrol can be more economical without compromising performance.
In either case, it is always recommended to purchase a two-wheeler insurance so that you may stay safe irrespective of whatever type of fuel your vehicle consumes.
FAQs
- Can using premium petrol improve my car's mileage?
If your car is designed for regular petrol, switching to premium petrol is unlikely to yield significant improvements in fuel efficiency.
- Will using normal petrol damage a high-performance engine?
Using normal petrol in an engine designed for premium fuel can lead to knocking and potential long-term damage. It's essential to adhere to the manufacturer's fuel recommendations.
- Is premium petrol cleaner than normal petrol?
Premium petrol often contains additional detergents that help keep the engine clean. However, fuel cleanliness also depends on the supplier and regional fuel standards.
- How do I know which petrol is right for my car?
Take advice from your car's owner manual or contact the manufacturer to understand the recommended octane rating for your car's fuel.
- Does premium petrol affect car insurance premiums?
The type of petrol used does not influence car insurance premiums. Factors like vehicle model, usage, and coverage type determine insurance costs.
Conclusion
Choosing between premium and normal petrol depends largely on your vehicle's design and the manufacturer's recommendations. While premium petrol benefits high-performance engines, most standard vehicles operate efficiently on normal gasoline. When choosing, refer to your owner's manual and consider factors like engine compression and fuel costs. Additionally, comprehensive car insurance protects your vehicle against unforeseen events, complementing the care you provide through appropriate fuel selection.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.