Fuel Question (Doh moment)

[06eleven]

I have a GTI and I'm pretty anal about the fuel I use, however a mate borrowed the car for some running around and put in 10-15 litres of 95ron. I know the engine should be ok with a once off of this kind, but I'm wondering if anyone else has done something similar & had any issues?

[Acko1991]

I am really sure that 95/98 Ron are standard on all VW's...You shouldn't have any issues.

[readerr0r]

GTI requires 98RON. The old Golf GT Sport which had the same engine as the GTI would run on 95 but with reduced performance, but the Polo doesn't seem to do that.

It should be fine since it's 95 not 91, I'd just ease up and avoid heavy throttle else it'll misfire. Also you should slap your mate for being a cheapo at the pump

Might idle a little rough too

[ian.perry]

Yeah, with the stock tune on the car it should be pretty forgiving fuel-wise. I'd never put 95 in it by choice, but if you're stuck in a rural area (for example) with low fuel it's not going to cause any long term damage to the car.

Just my opinion, I'm not a VW warranty assessor!

[RandomX]

i love watching jeremy clarkson putting 91 RON in a aston martin DB9 and thrashing it... then again it's not his car...

i use 98 all the way... but again, I'm running a stage 1 APR tune

95 should be fine in the short term just don't thrash it

cheers,

josh

[ido09s]

It will be fine. The ECU is smarter than that and will pull timing etc to avoid engine damage

I put E10 in my Tiguan last week by accident and it runs fine.

[Diesel_vert]

95 RON is the minimum for almost every modern European engine - it is absolutely fine to use.

98 RON is recommended for the GTI, but it is not the minimum nor required.

Maximum power may not be achieved, but as far as damage goes, there will be none whatsoever.

[Acko1991]

i love watching jeremy clarkson putting 91 RON in a aston martin DB9 and thrashing it... then again it's not his car

In Britain 95 Ron is the minimum standard.

[The_Hawk]

Before you get too concerned check out the sticker in your fuel cap.

This is the one from my 118TSI (which is the same engine):


As people have said it recommends 98 but will run on 95 if that's all that's available. Don't worry about it, it will be fine.

[06eleven]

Thanks guys. I know (logically) that it is ok, but there is always that nagging doubt. My mate, who actually does car reviews for a website, has been told I only use 98ron on multiple occasions (plus he knows I only used 98 in my last car for the 6 years I had it)... but apparently couldn't remember which to use, so went with the lower grade. If it were me, I'd be cautious and use the higher rating if I couldn't remember, but apparently his usual lack of consideration for other people extends to their belongings as well.