Tesco 99 Ron Petrol - Avoid???

[JamesV6CDX]

As per my recent drop in MPG, it's just occured to me that the last two times I filled up from empty to full, I've been using Tesco 99ron petrol. On a steady 60mph run on the 99ron, I get 36.5 mpg, (calculated at the pump - MID said 38mpg) which although average, I know from experience the 2.0 should do more than that (I've had 44mpg under those conditions)..  however around town, I'm getting about 21mpg on the 99ron.

I only just thought about it, because I remember in my old V6, it was significantly more thirsty on the 99ron than 95ron.

I must admit, I've been guilty of using Tesco supermarket fuels recently. But, when I went to brackley, on BP fuel (from empty).. I did 110 miles on £15, which is closer to the figures I would expect... espeially with my lead foot there.. and Markie's even heavier lead foot rushing my drunken arse 55 miles home...!

Sooo... for anyone who knows or has experienced these things.. is there a chance that the supermarket fuels, especially this 99 ron Tesco stuff, is responsible for such an awful MPG?

I thought it was supposed to do more MPG than 95 ron, but one never knows.....

Comments welcome

[Auto Addict]

Interesting, when I switched to Tesco 99, I found I was getting an extra 40 out of a tank, but on the last two fillups, this has dropped considerably.

[Martin_1962]

With petrol I found Shell was good for mileage, as that is what was sold at Exeter and Brent Knoll north bound, and I always get good consumption from there to home, I have no Shell near me in Worcester so use Tesco 97RON and it guzzles that, I reckon I get 10mpg but since it is only used on warm up not too bothered.

Last time I Shell filled was going to Cornwall last year when I had both tanks full, but couldn't get any gas Friday night so was 25 miles down, and had to use it from Exeter to Okehampton .

[The Barge Captain]

Could the worsening fuel economy be associated with the ECU learning the new characteristics of the 99 RON over a period of time and adjusting timing / mix accordingly?

[Jimbob]

I did use it, with 5p off vouchers it was cheaper than ordinary shell

After a while car did start feeling a bit rougher so I swapped back.

[Gaffers]

Those that have used Tesco in Northamptonshire recently read this link now !!!!!  

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6405051.stm

Barstewards!

Gaffers

[Kevin Wood]

Hmm. Filled up at Morrisons before driving up to TheBoy's on Saturday.

Now have engine light on  

They'd better not have rogered my Lambda sensors!

Edited to say: and it's nice to see the AA fighting the motorist's corner as usual!

Kevin

[Martin_1962]

Hmm. Filled up at Morrisons before driving up to TheBoy's on Saturday.

Now have engine light on  

They'd better not have rogered my Lambda sensors!

Edited to say: and it's nice to see the AA fighting the motorist's corner as usual!

Kevin

Keep all details - you will need them to claim back

[Kevin Wood]

I wish I hadn't filled up the tank with Shell last night thus destroying the evidence.

Kevin

[Kevin Wood]

Thinking about it, I was wondering on the way home from TB's on Sat. night that it was odd that the MID was averaging sub - 30 MPG on the A34. It normally manages 32-34 when cruising at sensible speeds. Maybe that was down to fuel quality.

As I say, wish I'd put 2 and 2 together about this time yesterday and I would have saved a sample of the fuel before filling up.  

I suppose I'd better get the fault codes read. Question of whether I drive 40 miles round trip back to the dealer I bought it from, who will hopefully have a look under warranty, or stump up for a Tech2 session at the local stealer.

Edited to say: I remember another 3.2 Facelift at TB's which had just thrown a couple of emissions fault codes. Can't remember your username I'm afraid. I wonder where you got your fuel from.


Kevin

[Dave-C]

Listen out on the news today! 28thFeb 07, there has been a recall or something on Tesco fuel.  It's been burning engies out due to an incorrect ingredient....  BBC Radio 2 gave it out earlier !!!!!!!!!!!!  

DC

If I can find more on this I'll post it..

[Dave-C]

Inquiry into 'contaminated' fuel  

Ethanol content should be made clear
Trading standards officials have launched an investigation after drivers complained that they had been sold "contaminated" fuel.
Drivers from across south-east England believe they may have been sold petrol containing ethanol, which has damaged their cars.

Their vehicles have been juddering, misfiring and had a loss of power.

But the AA said tests showed ethanol was not to blame and the cause of the problem remained unknown.


AA technical specialist Vanessa Guyll said drivers would notice problems with the running of their cars almost immediately, and providing they sought help quickly it was "unlikely" the contaminated petrol would cause any long-term damage to engines.

'Damaged oxygen sensors'

Ian Hillier, a petroleum spokesman for the Trading Standards Institute, said: "I understand that there have been around 75-100 complaints from people in south-east England.

"Including ethanol in petrol is not really contaminating it, but there has be a clear warning to people who buy petrol as to exactly what is in it."

Dozens of drivers have also been contacting BBC Radio Northampton's consumer programme after filling up their cars with the allegedly contaminated fuel.

Dave Odell works for Tony Brooks' a garage in Northampton. He said the garage had had a number of cars with damaged oxygen sensors.

Some car dealerships say they are trying to repair the damaged cars, which are now off the road, but the parts they need are now in short supply.

'Thousands affected'

Some drivers say they bought "contaminated" fuel from Tesco and Morrisons petrol stations.

Tesco says it rigorously tests its fuel to the highest European standards, and sources from the same suppliers as competitors.

Motorist Darren Ross, 42, has complained to the Department of Trade and Industry about the problem.

He buys petrol for his Saab convertible 1.8T at the Tesco superstore in Waltham Abbey, Essex, close to where he lives, and believes it led to his car breaking down.

His local Saab dealership told him it was a fault with sensors and that they had had 15 other similar problems over the last week.

Mr Ross said the repairs are costing him £200, which is not covered by his warranty because they are linked to a fuel fault.

"I want compensation and reimbursement. I need my car for my work and it has been back to Saab four times in the last two weeks."


C & P'd from BBC website,

\dc

[Gaffers]

Just been listening to radio 4 (like all good officers) apparently the 'contamination' is not restricted to Tesco and Morrisons but to many other suppliers.

I have 1/4 tank left and I am due to drive upto Brum this weekend....... pffffft

Gaffers

[Martin_1962]

At least I use gas most of the time

[TheBoy]

Edited to say: I remember another 3.2 Facelift at TB's which had just thrown a couple of emissions fault codes. Can't remember your username I'm afraid. I wonder where you got your fuel from.

edwardmickey, and he is around the North Bucks/Northamptonshire area...