Complete Guide to Fuel Types: Which One Should You Use?

Finding the right fuel for your vehicle can be confusing with so many options available. This comprehensive guide will help you understand all fuel types in Melbourne and make informed decisions to save money.

Understanding Fuel Types

Unleaded 91 (U91)

**Best for:** Most standard vehicles

Unleaded 91 is the most common fuel type in Australia. It's suitable for most vehicles and offers the best balance between price and performance. If your vehicle manual doesn't specify a higher octane requirement, U91 is your best choice.

Benefits:

- Most affordable option

- Widely available

- Suitable for most vehicles

**When to use:** Daily driving, standard vehicles, budget-conscious drivers

Premium 95 (P95)

**Best for:** Modern vehicles with turbochargers or high-compression engines

Premium 95 offers higher octane rating than standard unleaded, providing better performance and efficiency for vehicles designed to use it.

Benefits:

- Better engine performance

- Improved fuel economy in compatible vehicles

- Reduced engine knock

**When to use:** Turbocharged vehicles, high-performance engines, vehicles requiring premium fuel

Premium 98 (P98)

**Best for:** High-performance and sports vehicles

Premium 98 is the highest octane fuel available, designed for high-performance engines that require maximum power output.

Benefits:

- Maximum engine performance

- Best for high-compression engines

- Optimal for sports cars

**When to use:** Sports cars, luxury vehicles, high-performance engines

Diesel (DSL)

**Best for:** Diesel vehicles

Diesel fuel is specifically designed for diesel engines, offering better fuel economy for long-distance driving.

Benefits:

- Better fuel economy

- Lower CO2 emissions

- Ideal for long-distance driving

**When to use:** Diesel vehicles, long commutes, towing

E10 (10% Ethanol Blend)

**Best for:** Vehicles compatible with ethanol blends

E10 is an environmentally friendly fuel option that blends 10% ethanol with 90% unleaded petrol.

Benefits:

- Lower emissions

- Often cheaper than standard unleaded

- Renewable fuel source

**When to use:** Compatible vehicles, eco-conscious drivers

E85 (85% Ethanol Blend)

**Best for:** Flex-fuel vehicles

E85 is a high-ethanol blend designed specifically for flex-fuel vehicles that can run on ethanol blends.

Benefits:

- Significantly lower emissions

- Renewable fuel source

- Often cheaper

**When to use:** Flex-fuel vehicles only

LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas)

**Best for:** Converted vehicles

LPG is a cleaner-burning alternative fuel that can be more economical for converted vehicles.

Benefits:

- Lower emissions

- Often more economical

- Cleaner burning

**When to use:** LPG-converted vehicles

How to Choose the Right Fuel

1. **Check Your Vehicle Manual:** Your manufacturer's recommendations are the best guide

2. **Consider Your Driving:** City vs highway driving affects fuel choice

3. **Compare Prices:** Use our [fuel price comparison tool](/directory) to find the best deals

4. **Think About Performance:** Higher octane doesn't always mean better for your vehicle

Fuel Price Comparison Tips

- **Compare by Brand:** Different brands offer varying prices - [compare fuel brands](/fuel-brands)

- **Check Fuel Types:** Premium fuels cost more but may not be necessary for your vehicle

- **Time Your Fill-ups:** Prices vary throughout the week - [learn about price cycles](/blog/fuel-price-cycles)

- **Use Our Directory:** [Find the cheapest fuel near you](/directory)

Conclusion

Choosing the right fuel type depends on your vehicle, driving habits, and budget. For most drivers, standard Unleaded 91 is the best choice. However, if your vehicle requires premium fuel, it's important to use it to maintain engine health and performance.

Use our [station directory](/directory) to compare prices across all fuel types and find the best deals in Melbourne.