Is premium petrol or diesel worth it?
Published - 4 min read
Whether super unleaded and premium diesel are worth paying extra for: what they are, which cars benefit, and how to test it for your own car.
What makes fuel premium
Premium petrol usually has a higher octane rating and is E5 rather than E10. Premium diesels contain additives that their makers say clean the engine and improve economy. Both cost more per litre than the standard grades.
Which cars benefit
- Cars whose handbook asks for higher-octane petrol, such as some performance models.
- Older petrol cars that aren't E10-compatible.
- For most everyday cars designed for standard fuel, any difference is likely to be small.
Test it yourself
If you're curious, run a few tanks of each and work out your real MPG. Then compare the cost per mile, not the price per litre. If premium fuel doesn't give you enough extra miles to cover its price, it isn't saving you money.