Fuel Choice

CCWS3

CCWS3

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Hey,

I've stuck a variety of crap in my GTI; everything from V-Power to Asda Unleaded (was running on empty at the time, don't judge).

When I order the S3, I really want to stick to the good stuff for optimum performance and engine longevity.

From what I've read up on, the common choice is Tesco Momentum (always been regarded as a great choice for VAG cars) and V-Power, obviously. However, when it comes down to it, which is the most ideal for the S3? Surely it would be V-Power? I have seen a lot of folk opting for Momentum though... and from what I remember, I have gotten more mileage and a better MPG return on Momentum, but I'm not TOO fussed about that.

Also, Sainsbury's Super Unleaded has been used for many years by a guy I know who has numerous supercars - he swears by the stuff. Mind you, he is 60+ so maybe he's more eager on the Nectar points, haha!

What are you boys filling up with and why?

Apologies if this thread already exists... the internet offshore is just atrocious so searching for anything takes years on end!

Connor.
 
I use V-Power. I have used Momentum in the past for my previous car, however the last article I read on the subject (may have been Honest John but don't quote me) said although there was little in it for performance V-Power was better for the engine.

I think this is one of those topics we will never all agree on!
 
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Momentum for me only because I've always filled up at Tesco and we get some cash back in the form of clubcard points!! but have also used V-Power in the past, not much difference really I don't think.
 
I've only ever put V-power in it, although I might give momentum a go for my next full tank.
 
BP Ultimate (but only because there is no Shell garage near me)
 
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I use V-power. I don't have an S3 though, just the 1.4 COD
 
V-power all the way....

Momentum only if can't get to Shell.

BP Ulitmate if I was super desperate.
 
Momentum mostly as Tesco is more convenient than Shell for me.
 
audi upgrades
Momentum, used it in the previous 8P S3 so no reason to change for the 8V S3 - it's done 9 months on it.
 
I will give Momentum a try if they still double the Clubcard points!
 
just out of interest, what's the issue with ASDA fuel? surely it has to adhere to the same standards as any other fuel?
 
I either use V-power or Esso Super (as it's my local) Although I think Esso Super is only RON 97.
 
Pickle1970 said:
just out of interest, what's the issue with ASDA fuel? surely it has to adhere to the same standards as any other fuel?
Click to expand...

All engines should run 'ok' on all fuel available in this country, and probably on some fuels available in other countries (e.g. lower octanes available in some parts of the world).

The issue (as I understand it) is twofold:

1. Modern engines are often able to take advantage of a higher grade (usually just higher octane) of fuel. A petrol engine would typically be able to run more advance (?) on the ignition and would therefore get slightly higher power and possibly efficiency.

2. Fuels are always being optimised and a big push has been made to help reduce emissions. An example of this was the removal of large amounts of sulphur from diesel which helps to reduce SOx emissions etc. However, the problem is that sulphur helps lubricate engine components such as fuel pumps so by reducing emissions at the fuel end they've put more of strain on some engine components. By getting a higher quality fuel you often get additives that restore some of this lubrication in addition to detergents which can help reduce build-up of carbon deposits.

The effects are probably fairly marginal in both cases but if you're interested in keeping the car long-term it might give you peace of mind to stick to better fuel.
 
audi upgrades
Pickle1970 said:
just out of interest, what's the issue with ASDA fuel? surely it has to adhere to the same standards as any other fuel?
Click to expand...

A few years ago I had a brand new diesel Mazda 3 which I used to fill up at Asda. When the Mazda mechanic returned the car to me after it's first service he told me to stop filling it up with "cheap supermarket fuel" because he had just spent ages cleaning all the build up off of the injectors (this was after only about 12k miles). I hadn't talked to anybody there about fuel so if they can tell that it has been run on cheap fuel just by the amount of gunk that has built up then clearly there is a difference.

I run the S3 on Shell V-Power, other cars I fill up get regular Shell / BP / Esso fuel, never supermarkets.
 
jasonc said:
A few years ago I had a brand new diesel Mazda 3 which I used to fill up at Asda. When the Mazda mechanic returned the car to me after it's first service he told me to stop filling it up with "cheap supermarket fuel" because he had just spent ages cleaning all the build up off of the injectors (this was after only about 12k miles). I hadn't talked to anybody there about fuel so if they can tell that it has been run on cheap fuel just by the amount of gunk that has built up then clearly there is a difference.

I run the S3 on Shell V-Power, other cars I fill up get regular Shell / BP / Esso fuel, never supermarkets.
Click to expand...

HaHaHa I suppose that mechanic can tell you how much miles the car has done by smelling the oil can he??
 
In my current car I use cheap fuel and part fill up with V Power or BP Ultimate (not really a Shell garage close enough) which does help the engine along, especially at low revs.

However, all fuels have to meet minimum standards so don't let anyone tell you that any fuel is damaging your engine. It isn't.
 
For high-performance turbo cars, it's perhaps more relevant to compare the MON rating, rather than the RON.

Both Shell V-Power and Tesco Momentum 99 have (minimum) 99 RON values.

However, the MON figure is derived from a more demanding test, more reflective of todays engines, with higher RPM, higher head loads imposed during testing.

In this case, Shell V-Power has a 86 MON and Tesco Momentum 99 has a 87 MON.


In the UK, we only display RON on the pumps, but in the US/Canada and a few other places, the display is (R+M)/2, hence why you see different figures on the pumps across the pond.

T'internet is littered with V-Power vs. Momentum threads, rather like DSG vs. Manual :)
 
J6YAK said:
HaHaHa I suppose that mechanic can tell you how much miles the car has done by smelling the oil can he??
Click to expand...

Maybe it's nonsense but my local BP and Shell garages only charge 1p per litre more than Asda so I don't see the point in risking it - get some of the difference back in Nectar / Shell points as well.

The mechanic didn't mention the oil but he did seem to know where I'd been on holiday after he looked at the tread wear on the tyres :laugh:
 
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Ted Ted Kravitz on F1 first practise today could tell the difference between an engine oil fire and a gearbox one just by his nose
 
I can believe that ^.

The smell of ATF is very distinctive compared to regular engine oil.
 
CaesarBob said:
I can believe that ^.

The smell of ATF is very distinctive compared to regular engine oil.
Click to expand...

Back in the old turbo days of F1,various people up and down the pit lane would try to guess who was running what fuel from the smell of what was being burnt.

That was in the days of 80% or more toluene and other interesting fuels.
 
SHELL V-Power in both our 2.0TFSI TT and RS3: petrol is a very complex mix of oils and chemicals and SHELL do seem to get it right - but you'll only know this if and when you lift the head and inspect the combustion chambers, valves, etc.
 
Damn Shell was out of v-Power so had to put in standard stuff. My first fill up as well :-(
 
I didnt bother asking what the dealer put in I just assumed it was 95 so ran it down then filled her right up with V-Power :)
 
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I use tesco momentum or vpower but I remember a review saying the stations wich get the most traffic have the freshest petrol and that makes a bigger difference than anything else!
 
How old do you think petrol has to be before it is no longer 'fresh' and what difference would that make?
 
audi upgrades
I don't know but it was evo mag or someone who found that stations with high throughput delivered petrol with better performance than those with less punters (esp. With high octane fuels which are less popular)
 
Filumo said:
I don't know but it was evo mag or someone who found that stations with high throughput delivered petrol with better performance than those with less punters (esp. With high octane fuels which are less popular)
Click to expand...
Really, jeez the things people make up. I expect this thread to be locked soon as it is repetitive and has no useful meaning ;)
 
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Now that I have my car and Owners Manual, I see Audi has something to say on this subject. In the section on refuelling they recommend using so-called top tier filling stations http://www.toptiergas.com (only lists N American brands). It's nothing to do with the octane rating, rather the quality of the detergent additives that keep the injectors clean.

The manual also recommends using busy, high volume filling stations. It's not due to "freshness", rather ensuring the car gets the latest additive package when the station switches from winter to summer fuel additives and vice versa.
 
I can imagine that some backwater US diesel stations don't get many tanker refils. Somewhat different to the UK.
 
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