Premium petrol is always best right? Wrong!

Think you're burning too much fuel? Did you know by filling up with the correct fuel for your car you can save money and possibly extend the life of your car?

Petrol is rated using the Research Octane Number or RON such as 91, 95, 98, 100 or even 103. The RON number scores the fuels resistance to ‘pre-ignition' or firing before it should due to heat from the engine.

A lower number doesn't mean lower quality - the number determines how much heat and pressure the gasoline can resist before it detonates. A higher number can withstand more heat and a lower number less.

Engines work by getting power from an explosion of fuel and air ignited by a spark plug. If this explosion happens before the spark plug fires it creates a condition called “knock,” which can damage a motor and reduce power.

It's called 'knock' as that is the sound made when the fuel mix detonates too early rather than burning smoothly for fuel - which means you aren't getting the full performance from your car..

To see the best fuel for your car, read your car's manual or check the label on the inside of the fuel filler door. Generally high performance vehicles need a higher octane fuel.

Remember, putting premium petrol in a car that doesn't actually need it will not make your car faster or run cleaner, it will just drain your bank account that much faster!