If you have ever been at the petrol pump wondering whether to go for the pricier “power petrol” or stick to the regular petrol, then you are not alone. Making the right choice of petrol for your vehicle can be tricky.
Therefore, in this article, we will explore the difference between power and normal petrol and help you make an informed decision. Keep reading to know more.
Power Petrol and Normal Petrol Explained
What Is Power Petrol?
Power petrol, also known as premium or high-octane petrol, is a type of fuel designed to meet the demands of high-performance engines and vehicles. It is formulated with a higher octane rating, generally 95 or higher, which sets it apart from regular petrol.
The octane rating is a measure of a fuel's ability to resist pre-ignition or knocking, which occurs when the air-fuel mixture ignites prematurely due to excessive heat and pressure.
Higher octane fuels can withstand greater compression ratios before igniting, making them suitable for engines designed to operate at higher pressures and temperatures.
Sports cars, luxury cars and cars with turbocharged engines run at higher pressures and temperatures, so they usually require power petrol.
The downside of power petrol is that it costs more than normal petrol. However, the higher price covers the extra processing needed to increase the octane level, which results in fewer emissions.
The following are the common benefits of using power petrol
Prevents engine knocking and damage in high-performance engines.
Allows higher compression ratios for increased power and acceleration.
It can improve fuel efficiency in some advanced engines.
It may slightly reduce emissions like carbon monoxide.
Contains additives that help keep engines clean.
Recommended for sports cars, luxury vehicles and turbocharged engines.
What Is Normal Petrol?
Normal petrol is the standard fuel used by most cars on the road. It has a lower octane rating than power petrol, which makes it suitable for vehicles with lower compression ratios and less complicated engine designs.
Normal petrol has a lower octane rating, typically between 87 and 91. It works fine for most regular car engines that do not generate extreme heat and pressure.
Can I Use Power Petrol in a Car Designed for Normal Petrol?
It is important to note that using power petrol in a vehicle designed for normal petrol may not provide any significant benefits. In some cases, it could even cause issues like increased fuel consumption or potential engine damage.
Conversely, using normal petrol in a vehicle that requires power petrol can lead to engine knocking, reduced performance, and potentially costly repairs.
When it comes to
petrol pump rules, most petrol stations clearly label their fuel grades, making it easy to identify power petrol and normal petrol.
However, it is always wise to consult your vehicle's owner's manual or seek guidance from a professional mechanic to ensure you are using the recommended fuel type for your specific make and model.
Power Petrol vs Normal Petrol
Feature |
Normal Petrol |
Power Petrol |
Octane Rating | 87-91 | 91-95 |
Additives | Basic detergents | Enhanced detergents and friction modifiers |
Performance | Standard performance suitable for regular use | Improved performance, better acceleration and smoothness |
Engine cleanliness | Standard engine cleanliness | Enhanced engine cleanliness, reduced carbon deposits |
Price | Lower | Higher (usually ₹5-10 more per litre) |
Mileage | Standard fuel efficiency | Potentially better fuel efficiency |
Engine Protection | Basic protection | Enhanced protection against wear and tear |
Environmental impact | Standard emissions | Potentially lower emissions due to better combustion |
Recommended for | Regular, everyday vehicles | High-performance vehicles and those seeking better performance |
Availability | Widely available at all petrol stations | Available at selected petrol stations, mainly in urban areas |
Which One is Better: Power Petrol or Normal Petrol
Power petrol, with its higher octane rating, is designed for high-performance cars, sports cars and vehicles with turbocharged or supercharged engines. It helps prevent engine knocking and damage while allowing for maximum power output.
However, power petrol is more expensive due to the additional processing involved. Also, it is important to understand that using normal petrol in a vehicle that needs power petrol would lower the vehicle's performance and speed.
For most regular cars with standard engines, normal petrol will work just fine and be easier on your wallet. Using power petrol in these vehicles provides no real benefit. If you use power petrol in a car that requires normal petrol, you are simply paying more money for no added benefits.
The key is to follow the instructions in your owner's manual and use the recommended fuel type for your specific make and model.
Conclusion
The choice between power petrol and normal petrol depends on your vehicle's specific requirements. It is advisable to read the car manual to ensure that you are using the right kind of fuel for your vehicle.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Power petrol is expensive but has higher fuel efficiency than normal petrol.
Shell V-Power Unleaded is boosted with 40% more cleaning molecules.
You will not observe any noticeable difference in the performance.
No problem with that; it will not have any impact on your car’s engine.