Although more sophisticated, the engine of a modern motor car is, in one sense, no different to that of even the earliest, least refined and primitive vehicle. Fuel quality determines performance.

Car repair and servicing businesses of all types take vast sums of money from unsuspecting (and ignorant) motorists simply because of the type of fuel they run their cars on. As they say, "Oils ain’t Oils" and in these days of high fuel prices and supermarket discounts, we all need some help to avoid being Penny-Wise and Pound-Foolish when it comes to PETROL.

Problems and Costs associated with the use of inferior / sub-standard fuel.
Car hard to start - Costs include batteries, alternators and starter motors. Constant cranking without starting is ruinous to automotive components. One customer says his prized 1970 VG Valiant won't even start on 90oct petrol! She fires at the touch of the key running Premium ULP 95oct. This is often the case with late model cars also.

High fuel consumption- Inefficient running causes pollution and loss of power. Basically you have to push that pedal much further to achieve adequate performance. You will use as much as 20% more standard ULP than a car run on premium ULP - around 95oct. After advising a change to 95oct Premium, many of our service and repair customers thanked us vigorously after switching. All quoted significant fuel savings, more power and smoother running.

Fuel delivery system problems - fuel injectors WILL block in short order with prolonged use of cheap ULP. This can cost several hundred dollars and certainly makes a mockery of any percieved savings at the pump. Fuel injectors and pumps often fail due to lack of additives in the fuel to condition and protect seals and gaskets. This applies to older carburetted cars too. Premium ULP contains injector cleaning additives which really DO prevent costly maintenance.

An efficient automotive vehicle (running correctly on quality fuel) will run at cooler temperatures thus protecting engine and cooling system components. A radiator in even a 10 year old car will cost around $450. Cost can be disastrous in later model vehicles. A blown head gasket or "cooked" engine is not worth contemplating. Cost is in the thousands.

Many auto mechanics still advocate the use of a valve saver type of lead replacement in pre '86 cars, but in my experience, this may be due more to over-caution than necessity. Low octane fuel definitely has the potential to cause cylinder head damage due to the "pinging" and deposits from the inefficient burn of the fuel. It is also of lower density which affects valve dampening capability. Buying additives won't stop that kind of damage. Premium fuel has valve dampening capabilities which seem to rival lead in effectiveness.

Premium fuel is about the same octane level AND density of the old leaded "Super", so older vehicles run beautifully on it, using less fuel and producing far less Carbon Emissions. I have yet to see an engine with recessed or damaged valves or seats in the 20 years since the transition to ULP.
Having run a busy auto service centre for nearly 20 years and dealt with the change from leaded to ULP, this columnist hopes you benefit from these findings, based on continuous research, surveying of customers and trade peers, and personal experience as a classic car enthusiast.

Happy Trails - Ed.