Understanding the Benefits of 95 and 98 RON Premium Fuels
Petrol with a higher octane rating, such as 95 or 98 RON, offers greater resistance to premature combustion, allowing for a more efficient and controlled burn in the engine. This higher resistance indicates more usable energy for the vehicle’s performance.
According to NRMA motoring expert Jack Haley, using 95 RON can deliver around 4% lower fuel consumption compared to 91 RON, provided the engine’s computer adjusts to take advantage of the higher octane. Similarly, switching from 95 to 98 RON may achieve an additional 3% reduction in fuel use, assuming the engine is tuned to utilise it.
However, unless the engine is specifically designed for higher-octane fuel, drivers may not experience dramatic gains in performance or economy. Instead, premium fuels enhance an engine’s potential by enabling a more stable and powerful combustion process, reducing detonation (engine ping) and ensuring smoother power delivery.
In addition, 95 and 98 RON fuels typically contain advanced detergents and cleaning agents that help prevent varnish deposits and carbon build-up on vital engine components, such as valves and pistons, promoting better efficiency and longer engine life.
