Polo GTI - Do you have to use 98 RON?

[Timbo]

ethanol isnt bad for ur engine in small doses (higher doses require tuning for great fuel to air mix.)
ethanol actually cleans ur engine because of its low carbon content and it doesnt build anywhere as much carbon up in the engine as normal petrol... 10% is completly harmless if not helpful for ur engine
(correct me if im wrong)

Certain fuel systems can have condensation (water vapour) and subsequent corrosion/oxidisation problems with higher levels of ethanol (10% or greater). If this is the case, the respective car companies usually issue a warning. Haven't checked VW yet.

[PeterHBne]

Tried Shell V Racing on the weekend 100 octane - even in a standard car, you could feel the extra power - well worth it!

[MKIVF]

If the car has knock sensors, it will prevent pinging and potential damage.

[Ben_GTI]

VW isn't on the list of manufacturers that support ethanol blends of any type.

I have used 95 but the car looses power and does almost 100km less per tank than 98. It uses more 95 to move and waaaay more if you move in a hurry compared to 98.

I must admit I was surprised by the difference in the Polo, Previous cars and friends car the difference between 91, 95 and 98 is nil.

[MKIVF]

It has to do with the factory tune and compression mate. No need to be suprised

[Wand Weaver]

VW isn't on the list of manufacturers that support ethanol blends of any type.

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) said that all, post '86, Fuel Injected models are okay for E10:

http://www.autoindustries.com.au/ethanol.php/2007/05/00000005.html

[Ben_GTI]

Hmm I'll be paying a lot of attention if VW ever try and reject a warranty on the ethanol issue then.

I mean a Government backed body will trump a car manufacturer right?

I was surprised at the visible difference in the Polo. It is the first car I've come across with a noticeable difference. (from 2 BMW's, a Mitsubishi, a 121 and a 3 MPS)

[Timbo]

I mean a Government backed body will trump a car manufacturer right?

FCAI is not a Government backed body; it is the industry lobby group of the car manufacturers

[PoloGTi]

You guys are lucky in tassie, when i first got the car there was no 98 at all. So i ran the poor polo on 95 for the first 8 months or so. The 98 i find is better just feels like its whats ment to be in the car.

[Ben_GTI]

FCAI is not a Government backed body; it is the industry lobby group of the car manufacturers

So.... who would you back? VW saying No and their "union" saying Yes?

[Timbo]

VW says nothing about ethanol based fuels, across all their websites worldwide, from what I see. I don't know what VW's official position is on ethanol. I don't have a problem with using ethanol based fuels provided the manufacturer of the car I am driving says its ok....otherwise, if there's a problem, what's the warranty position?

[Wand Weaver]

I was contemplating ringing VW Australia about this a while back - in fact, I think I probably should get an official position on ethanol blends.

Not just the regular E10 91RON or 95RON either - but any policy on ethanol is also likely to rear its ugly head for people who have used V-Power Racing.

[Timbo]

I think 5% ethanol is probably OK for most cars; it's just when it's 10% you need to know if the mfr has approved the use of ethanol at those levels. VPR is only 5%.

[Wand Weaver]

Put the first dose of 95RON in the car...

Basically, I pulled up to BP. No 98RON available - "Out of Order" signs on all Ultimate Pumps.

Pulled up to Caltex up the road instead. Absolutely packed (and only a few 98 pumps). One of the cars at the 98 pumps disappeared altogether. Just left his car at the pump and just...disappeared.

He wasn't there when I pulled up, and only returned just as I finished putting 95RON. I'm not enough of a prick to make everyone else queue, so 95RON went in. It was a bit of a topup (from half to full), so I guess I've got 96.5RON

I hope it's not going to do any harm (it says 95/98 on the filler door)...

I hate inconsiderate people who decide to do the weekly shopping while leaving their cars at the pumps...at an absolutely jam-packed petrol station.

[anarchycamp]

2RON