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The difference between Super and Super Plus gasoline is easy to explain. We’ll tell you what it is and when each fuel is best for you.
Regular and Super Plus gasoline: The octane rating makes the difference
Regular gasoline is divided into Super E10, Super E5, and Super Plus. The key difference between these types of gasoline is the octane rating.
- This indicates the knock resistance of the gasoline. The higher the knock resistance, i.e., the octane rating, the lower the probability of uncontrolled self-ignition in the engine, known as knocking.
- When knocking occurs, the gasoline-air mixture ignites too early. A knocking sound can then be heard from the engine compartment and parts of the engine can be damaged by the uncontrolled pressure.
- Modern engines have what is known as knock control. This dynamically adjusts the ignition timing so that the engine can operate close to the knock limit without risking damage. This makes the use of fuels with lower octane ratings safe in many vehicles.
- Super, or Super 95, has an octane rating of 95. This is significantly higher than regular gasoline, which is practically unavailable today.
- Super Plus has an octane rating of 98 and is more knock-resistant than Super. The higher the octane rating, i.e., the knock resistance of the gasoline, the more effectively the engine can operate. This means that fuel consumption is reduced.
- Premium fuels such as Aral Ultimate or Shell V-Power Racing are also available. These have octane ratings of 100 or more and contain special additives for optimized engine performance.
- There is also Super (95) E10 fuel. The difference between this and normal Super is the ethanol content, i.e., the proportion of biofuel in the gasoline. Here, it is ten percent, while normal Super gasoline has an ethanol content of five percent.
- The ethanol is obtained from plants that absorb CO2 during their growth. This reduces the CO2 emissions of the fuel.
Super and Super Plus gasoline: This is the fuel you should use
When deciding which fuel to use, you should always follow the car manufacturer’s specifications.
- Most modern vehicles can now run on E10 without any problems. However, older vehicles or classic cars may have problems with material compatibility, as ethanol can attack seals or aluminum parts. In such cases, you should switch to E5.
- Filling up with E10 can often save you money, as biofuel is usually cheaper than other types of gasoline. From 2025, the CO2 tax will be increased and the standard consumption tax adjusted. These changes could lead to greater demand for more environmentally friendly fuels such as E10.
- Switching from the recommended Super 95 to Super Plus will not damage your car’s engine. However, this will not have a significant impact on fuel consumption or performance in vehicles that are not designed for it. However, cars with turbochargers or downsized engines can achieve higher efficiency.
- On the other hand, if you fill up a car designed for Super Plus with Super 95, your engine may deliver less power. In this case, it is worth opting for the more expensive Super Plus.
