Are Super Fuels Simply A Waste Of Money?

Monday, 13. October 2008

After a damning report produced by Which magazine saying that the ‘super fuels’ did not save money, improve the car’s performance or improve the environment any more than standard fuels. BP stood by its claims of the benefits of it’s Ultimate fuels. It also criticised the fact that Which used only 3 mainstream models, a Ford Focus, Renault Megane and VW Golf. They said ‘It simply isn’t possible to obtain reliable comparison of the fuels based on short term tests with one or two vehicles’. They go on to say that all testing by BP is carried out in accordance with industry standard test procedures and a significant part of this testing has been carried out by independent laboratories.’ Fuels such as BP’s Ultimate, Shell’s V-Power and Tesco Super Unleaded are more expensive at the pumps but are promoted as being able to optimise a car’s economy and increase power. Which Car? compared the three super fuels against standard fuels. It found that V-Power gave a 1.6 Ford Focus a ‘marginal power increase’ while Tesco Super Unleaded actually decreased the power of the Focus. Shell responded claiming all sorts of benefits such as the formula contained a friction modifier, an octane rating of 99 RON and a power cleaning formula to prevent power-robbing deposits forming. Well they would do wouldn’t they. Best you make your own mind up as to whether the extra cost is justified – not according to Which Car? By Graham Hill