Premium petrol is always best right? Wrong!

Tired of watching the bowser click over every time you refuel? Tired of watching the bowser click over? Did you know by filling up with the correct fuel for your car you can save money and possibly extend the life of your car?

Petrol is graded using the Research Octane Number or RON such as 91, 95, 98, 100 or even 103. The RON number rates the fuels resistance to ‘pre-ignition' or firing before it should due to heat from the engine.

A lower number doesn't mean lower quality - the number determines how much heat and pressure the fuel can resist before it detonates. Lower grade fuels detonate at lower heat and pressure than higher grades.

Petrol engines work by igniting a mix of petrol and air using a spark from a spark plug. If the ignition happens before the spark plug fires it creates a condition called “knock,” which can damage a motor and reduce power.

Knocking is the sound made as the mix of fuel and air is detonating too early rather than burning smoothly for fuel - which means you aren't getting the full performance from your car..

To find out the best fuel for your car, read your car's manual or check the label on the inside of the fuel filler door. Generally high octane fuels are required by cars with performance engines or that are turbocharged.

Remember, putting premium petrol in a car that doesn't actually need it will not make your car faster or run cleaner, it will just drain your bank account that much faster!