Does any one know where I can get the octane level tested on fuel currently in my car, I have just filled up a TEXCO in Thatcham, and since filling up the car is running like a real pig when I put my foot down, after blowing one engine due to incorrect fuel type, (and are not prepared to do it again) I telephone the garage and complained, they tell me my car was not running right before! I thing not it was running like a dream, now what do I do, drain the full tank at great expense, put in Octane boost or just drive at a silly speed with no overtaking. I would like to hear any comments of other experiences and what was the results.

Many thanks

Maria

PS I did use the filler with super on it and my receipt states Super.

 

It is possible you picked up the right fuel but this had some water in which would make for poor running soon after filling up. This did happen to me recently but at a small garage and not a main outfit. I only found out when I had a word with a lad at the garage on the QT who had spent half the morning trying to sort out their main tank. Note is has been raining a bit recently! Hope it's sorted soon. In my own case the engine picked up and was back to normal after about 100 (worrying) miles. David

 

Maria,

Sorry to hear you got a bad tankful.

SUL is only good for about 6 weeks. The additives in it break down and you end up with UL. So if the garage you went to didn't sell much then that may be the reason for the lack of performance.

DaveW

 

I find that Texaco is the worst SUL brand. I have noticed that my car seems to prefer Esso or better still Shell SUL. Very non-scientific I know, but my observations.

D.

 

Gotta agree.

Go well, Go Shell ...

Andrew.
MY99 + SS Backbox.

PS: I am in no way, shape or form affiliated with Shell ...

 

Had nothing but trouble with Texaco, put in two bottles of booster and fill up with another brand once you get down to 1/4 tank.

 

My car does not like Shell, Texaco etc but loves Esso and BP :-) It likes the 98 RON on the continent even more! I'm with Bob, shove in some booster, then fill up with some proper juice and stick to a brand your car likes....

Cheers,

Pat.

 

I normally run my Fieats SI on Esso but once went on a course at Thatcham and as the company was paying for my fuel I lashed out and filled up on super from the Texaco garage mentioned and my car went like stink all the way back up to Yorkshire. I've used Texaco a few times since and found OK but a bit on the pricy side though. BOB

 

Like previous posts, I've had trouble with Texaco SUL in my WRX. Doesn't seem any better than 95 RON fuel!!

Now avoid Texaco.

I favour Shell.

 

Esso are the most proliferant around here, but Shell and BP (SUL) seem to give me best results (MY00 UK)

Esso used to be best in my Clio.

Strange but true.

 

Its an annying fact of scooby ownership that once in a while you will be sold a tank of substandard fuel and there isn't much you can do about it. Octane booster is a useful safety measure, but sticking to "high volume" "major brand" petrol stations on reasonably major roads seems to be the best way to reduce the risk.

Moray