Premium Fuel: Is It Worth Paying Extra?
Car Owl
Published in English •
Summary
- Premium fuel costs 10-15p more per litre: That adds up to £150-£300 extra per year.
- Most cars don't need it: Unless your manufacturer specifically recommends it.
- High-performance engines benefit most: Turbocharged and sports cars may see improvements.
At the pump, you'll see premium fuels like Shell V-Power, BP Ultimate, and Esso Synergy Supreme. They cost more, but are they worth it? Let's look at the facts.
What Is Premium Fuel?
Premium fuels have a higher octane rating than standard fuels:
| Fuel Type | Octane Rating |
|---|---|
| Standard unleaded (E10) | 95 RON |
| Premium unleaded | 97-99 RON |
| Standard diesel | ~51 cetane |
| Premium diesel | ~55 cetane |
Octane measures resistance to knocking (premature ignition). Cetane measures how easily diesel ignites.
What Do Premium Fuel Manufacturers Claim?
Premium fuel brands make several claims:
- Better fuel economy: Up to 3-5% improvement
- More power: Smoother acceleration and performance
- Cleaner engine: Removes deposits and prevents build-up
- Lower emissions: Burns more completely
Does Premium Fuel Improve Economy?
The honest answer? It depends on your car.
Cars That May Benefit
- High-performance engines: Sports cars and performance models
- Turbocharged engines: May run more efficiently on higher octane
- Cars that require 97+ RON: Some German brands specify premium fuel
Cars That Won't Benefit
- Standard family cars: Designed to run perfectly on 95 RON
- Older vehicles: Engine management can't adjust to benefit
- Most diesels: Standard diesel is fine for most engines
The Cost Calculation
Let's do the maths on whether premium fuel pays for itself:
| Scenario | Standard Fuel | Premium Fuel |
|---|---|---|
| Price per litre | £1.45 | £1.60 |
| Annual fuel (10,000 miles at 40mpg) | 1,136 litres | 1,080 litres (5% better) |
| Annual cost | £1,647 | £1,728 |
Even with a 5% economy improvement, premium fuel still costs more overall.
When Premium Fuel Is Worth It
Your Car Requires It
Check your owner's manual. Some cars state "minimum 97 RON" or "premium unleaded recommended." In these cases, use premium.
Long-Term Engine Health
Premium fuels contain more detergents that can help keep fuel injectors and valves clean. Using premium occasionally (every few tanks) may help maintain engine health.
Performance Driving
If you're taking your car on track or driving enthusiastically, premium fuel may provide noticeable benefits.
When to Skip Premium
- Your car is designed for 95 RON: Most UK cars are
- You mainly do short urban trips: You won't notice any difference
- You're watching your budget: The extra cost rarely pays off
What About E5 vs E10?
Since 2021, standard unleaded in the UK is E10 (10% ethanol). Premium unleaded is usually E5 (5% ethanol).
- E10 has slightly less energy, so economy may be 1-2% worse
- Older cars (pre-2011) may not be compatible with E10
- E5 premium is the only unleaded option for incompatible cars
Read our full guide on E10 petrol for more details.
The Verdict
For most drivers, premium fuel isn't worth the extra cost. The fuel economy gains rarely offset the higher price.
However, premium fuel makes sense if:
- Your car manufacturer recommends or requires it
- You have a high-performance or turbocharged engine
- You want to use E5 in an older car
Want to find the cheapest fuel near you? Use our fuel price finder to compare prices at local stations.
Read our other articles:
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