Opting for petrol 95 vs 98 makes all the difference when calculating how much you spend on fuel, especially when planning a trip.

Although people often wonder when to use 95 vs 98 petrol, the truth is that it usually makes no difference. However, there are cases where using one over the other is preferable.

What are the differences between 95 and 98 petrol? Which one is best suited to your car? Find out the answer to these questions in this article.

 

• Tools in Spain: How they work and how to pay them

 

What are Octanes?

Octane is a parameter used to measure the detonation resistance – or stability – of a fuel, such as petrol.

Octanes are presented in numbers, usually called the octane number, where the higher the octane number, the greater the fuel’s resistance to detonation.

When an internal combustion engine compresses a mixture of air and fuel before ignition, there is a risk of premature detonation, which may harm the engine and negatively affect its performance.

 

What types of petrol are there in Portugal?

3 types of petrol are sold in Portugal:

 

Unleaded 95 Petrol

Unleaded 95 petrol is adapted to more advanced petrol engines.

 

Unleaded 98 Petrol

Unleaded 98 petrol helps optimise the performance of newer petrol engines.

 

Premium Petrol

Premium petrol is a simple petrol with additives that clean the fuel supply system, such as the cylinders, injectors and intake valves.

 

What is the difference between Simple and Premium Petrol?

The main difference between simple and premium petrol is the presence of chemical additives in premium petrol.

These additives are special chemicals that provide benefits to the vehicle’s engine and fuel system.

While simple petrol meets the minimum quality required by law, premium petrol can include detergents, dispersants, corrosion inhibitors, and friction modifiers, among other chemicals.

 

 

Is it Better to use Simple or Premium Petrol?

If your car’s engine is in good condition and you ensure your car’s fuel system is adequately maintained, you may be fine using simple petrol.

However, if you want the added benefits of cleaning and protecting your engine, premium 95 petrol may be worth considering, even though it is more expensive.

 

What is the difference between 95 and 98 Petrol?

Although both fuel types come from petroleum, the big difference between 95 and 98 petrol is the components added during the transformation process of crude oil into fuel.

98 and 95 petrol are produced in the same way, leaving the distillation tower at the same stage at a temperature of 120°C.

 

What are the Characteristics of 95 Petrol?

Keep reading to find out the main characteristics of 95 petrol:

• Lower detonation resistance, which means it is more prone to premature detonation in engines with a high compression ratio or in high load situations;
• This type of petrol may be the standard option provided at petrol stations in some countries and is suitable for most common car engines that do not require high-octane fuels;
• Generally cheaper than 98 petrol.

 

What Colour Is 95 Petrol?

95 petrol is dyed violet.

 

What are the Characteristics of 98 Petrol?

• Increased detonation resistance, making it suitable for engines with high compression ratios, sports cars, high-performance vehicles, and engines with custom performance adjustments;
• Can provide better performance and efficiency in engines requiring high-octane fuels;
• Usually more expensive than 95 petrol.

 

What Colour Is 98 Petrol?

98 petrol is dyed blue.

 

What are the identification codes for 95 and 98 petrol?

The use of new symbols and names for fuels was made mandatory. Beyond 95 and 98 petrol, these rules apply to a more complex system.

As such, if you opt for unleaded 95 petrol, you’ll need to use the pump labelled E5. If you opt for 98 octane, look for the pump with the E10 symbol.

 

Can you use 98 petrol instead of 95?

When refuelling a vehicle, the main fear drivers share is opting for the wrong fuel.

Where 95 and 98 petrol are concerned, what happens if you make a mistake? Find out below.

 

What happens if you put 98 petrol in a car for which 95 petrol is recommended?

If you put 98 petrol in a car suitable for 95 petrol – due to the engine characteristics and compression – you may notice that the car has more power.

 

What if you put 95 petrol in a car for which 98 petrol is recommended?

The tanks of sports or high-performance vehicles must be filled with 98 petrol. Using 95 petrol will reduce performance since this type of fuel is less resistant to compression.

However, using 95 petrol in multi-cylinder petrol engines will affect the internal parts of the engine, such as the fuel filters and the engine’s service life.

 

Can you Mix 95 and 98 Petrol?

As these types of petrol have different octane numbers and are designed for engines with varying levels of compression, drivers are advised against mixing 95 and 98 petrol.

Mixing petrol of different octanes may lead to improper combustion in the engine, which can lead to problems such as detonation or pre-ignition. These problems can damage engines and reduce their efficiency.

If you have any problems, you’re best off taking your car to a repair shop.

 

What is the Best Petrol: 95 or 98?

There is no right or conclusive answer. However, you should follow your car manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure your car runs normally.

 

What tools are there in the KROFtools catalogue relating to 95 or 98 petrol?

The KROFtools catalogue contains diesel tanks perfect for safely transporting and distributing diesel fuel for equipment. Learn more about each of them.

 

Vacuum Carburettor Synchroniser Kit

 

 

Our carburetor syncroniser set synchronises values up to 4 carburetors.

Click on the image to find out more about our Vacuum Carburettor Synchroniser Kit (ref. 4485).

 

Petrol / Diesel Engine Compression and Leak Test

 

 

Our Diesel/Petrol Leak Test and Compression Tester Kit is suitable for most modern petrol, HDi, and TDCi engines, pump injectors, and older diesel engines.

It is also suitable for use on most cars, lorries, buses, agricultural machinery, and marine automobile engines.

Click on the image to find out more about our Petrol / Diesel Engine Compression and Leak Test (ref. 8106).

 

Fuel Injector Remover / Installation BMW/Mini B38/B48 Petrol

 

 

This tool kit is designed to remove and fit the plastic-bodied petrol injectors used in some BMW and MINI engines, reducing the chances of damaging injectors during removals.

Click on the image to find out more about our Fuel Injector Remover / Installation BMW/Mini B38/B48 Petrol (ref. 8445).

Interested in finding out more about the world of all-things cars? Then follow us on Facebook and keep up with our daily content.