When filling up your car, you’ve probably noticed an extra pump next to the regular diesel pump.
This is premium diesel. It costs more than regular petrol. But is premium diesel worth it?
What is Premium Diesel?
Premium diesel is a higher quality diesel designed to burn more efficiently. As it burns more efficiently, it delivers more power to the engine with less fuel burned. Premium diesel often contains various additives, which help keep your engine clean. These additives may also improve your car’s performance at lower temperatures.
Does Premium Diesel Make a Difference?
If you drive a high performance sports car, you might have no choice but to use premium diesel. But in the vast majority of cars premium diesel is unlikely to make any noticeable difference to performance or efficiency.
High performance engines often don’t respond very well to lower grade fuels, but you’ll enjoy maximum performance and efficiency with premium fuels.
In the vast majority of cars, you might notice a difference if you regularly drive at high speeds on motorways. But if you mainly drive short distances, or in urban environments, you might wonder what you’re paying for with premium diesel.
So is Premium Diesel Worth It?
It largely depends on the sort of car you drive, and the sort of driving you do. And unless you regularly drive a high-end sports car at high speeds, then it’s very unlikely that you’ll ever be able to make the most of the improved performance that premium diesel can bring.
But that said, even though it costs more up front, premium diesel could help you make savings in the long term.
Above we mentioned how premium diesel often contains various additives, designed to keep your engine clean while it runs. Use premium diesel and you’ll help your engine to run as cleanly and smoothly as possible, in all driving conditions.
In the long run, this could help you save money on costly repairs and maintenance. You may also notice that you don’t have to change your diesel particulate filter so often when you use premium diesel.
Want to Reduce Your Car’s Running Costs?
Fill your car up with premium diesel, and you’ll pay a lot more than you would for a tankful of standard diesel. Yet in the long-term, you may make savings on costly engine maintenance. And if premium diesel helps your engine run more efficiently, you may also find you don’t have to fill up so often with premium diesel as you do with ordinary diesel.
So is premium diesel worth it? Unfortunately, there’s no straightforward answer to this question. If you can afford to pay more for fuel, give it a go and see if you notice a difference in the long term. But most drivers are probably best sticking with standard diesel.
Premium diesel may eventually reduce your car’s running costs. But it’s a gamble, and there are much more straightforward, immediate and affordable ways to save money on your car. Head here to read our guide to improving your fuel efficiency. We also have a collection of money-saving tips for drivers, which you can read.
Another way to save money on your car is through switching to an insurer who’ll give you comprehensive cover, for less. At Go Girl, we’re committed to driving down the cost of car insurance for new drivers and experienced drivers. Head here to read our guide to getting cheaper car insurance. And get in touch to get a free quote online.
