If you have ever taken a look at the price boards at petrol stations, you've probably noticed the variety of fuels available and how they range in price. Unless your vehicle has a diesel engine, you have got a choice between 93 and 95 unleaded. Most of the time you wont be asked which you prefer and we will explain why in a moment. There is always a price difference between these two, with 95 always being a bit more expensive per litre than the 93 type. If you have ever wondered why that is, or why we even need two different types of unleaded petrol at all, read on.

It's All About Performance

Although there are many different makes and models of used cars, for this analysis there are only two types: regular, everyday cars, and supercars. For most cars, performance requirements dont vary too much but a supercar or a turbo not only gulps up a lot of petrol, it also needs a higher quality of petrol to perform at its best. If you drive a sedan, a hatchback or any standard car, 93 octane petrol will work perfectly. Should you own a veritable speed demon, however, you’ll need to fill up with 95 octane.

What Happens If I Fill Up With The Wrong One?

Nothing, really. Your car will still run and it wont destroy the engine or do something terrible that requires repairs at a reputable car repair workshop. If your car runs on 93 and you filled up with 95, the only harm would be to your bank account as 95 is costlier. On the plus side, 95 fuel will give you better mileage than 93 if you drive a regular car. If you have a supercar and fill up with 93, you’ll find your car underperforms as the fuel quality isn't quite as good. Again, there wont be any permanent damage. If you want to be completely sure what petrol you need, check your cars handbook.

While the general rule is that you wont need better than 93 octane, where you live or the environment in which you are driving impacts your cars performance. Factors such as environmental conditions (like the weather) and the altitude you are driving at may mean that a different octane petrol could be more beneficial. We hope this knowledge will help you save a few extra Rands when you fill up your used car from now on - happy driving!