7 Australian Servo Brands That Are DESTROYING Your Engine (And 5 That Will Save It)

Summary

This video investigates Australia's fuel industry, exposing how most local fuel brands sell lower-quality petrol than international standards, potentially damaging car engines. With a shocking look at fuel contamination, sulfur content, and the lack of transparency in additives, the video warns consumers about the risks of fueling up at certain stations. It identifies which brands are most problematic and which offer better options for protecting your engine, offering advice on premium fuels, fuel system cleaners, and practical tips for choosing the best fuel for your car.

Takeaways

• 😀 Australia imports 75% of its finished fuel from overseas, relying heavily on shared terminals for various fuel brands.
• 😀 Most Australian fuel brands use the same base fuel, with the only real difference being additives added at the time of delivery.
• 😀 Australia's fuel quality has been significantly lower than international standards, with sulfur limits much higher than in Europe, Japan, and China.
• 😀 High sulfur content in fuel can damage vehicle engines, clog filters, and harm catalytic converters, with European car manufacturers warning Australian consumers.
• 😀 The Australian fuel industry was ranked 70th in the world for fuel quality, behind many developed nations.
• 😀 Smaller independent fuel stations, especially in rural areas, are more likely to face contamination issues due to low fuel turnover in their tanks.
• 😀 Liberty, Speedway, Metro, and United Petroleum are among brands with concerns, particularly around additives, contamination incidents, and customer service responses to issues.
• 😀 Some major brands like BP, Shell, and Caltex have caused confusion due to their complex supply chains and unclear fuel additive claims.
• 😀 Premium fuels like Shell V-Power and BP Ultimate 98 may offer genuine benefits for certain vehicle types, especially European cars or those with particulate filters.
• 😀 A combination of high-octane premium fuel and periodic use of fuel system cleaners is the best strategy to protect your engine and maintain vehicle performance.
• 😀 To avoid being misled, always check your vehicle's manual for fuel requirements, fill up at busy stations, keep receipts, and be aware of the marketing around premium fuel claims.

Q & A

What is the main issue with fuel in Australia, according to the video?

The video highlights that Australian fuel has historically been of lower quality than international standards, with higher sulfur content that can damage car engines. Many brands are criticized for selling fuel that is not up to par with global fuel quality norms.

How much of Australia's fuel is imported, and from where?

Australia imports about 75% of its finished fuel from overseas, primarily from Asia. This fuel is stored in shared terminals and then distributed to local service stations.

Why does sulfur content in fuel matter for car engines?

High sulfur content in fuel can damage a vehicle's catalytic converter and clog particulate filters. It also results in more harmful exhaust emissions. European and other international car manufacturers have warned that Australian fuel's high sulfur levels could void warranties.

What are the key problems with small regional independent service stations?

Small independent service stations may have low fuel turnover, leading to older, degraded fuel sitting in underground tanks for weeks or even months. This can cause fuel contamination and lower fuel quality, affecting engine performance.

How does fuel branding affect its quality?

While major brands like BP, Shell, and Caltex market their fuel with added additives for engine protection, many of these brands often buy fuel from shared storage tanks, meaning the base fuel is identical across multiple brands. The difference usually comes down to additives, not the base fuel quality.

What is the concern with Liberty's fuel?

Liberty's fuel is sourced from Shell through Viva Energy, meaning it shares the same base product. However, Liberty typically lacks the premium additives found in bigger brands, which means it may not offer the same engine protection as other options.

Why is E10 fuel a risky choice for older cars?

E10 contains 10% ethanol, which can be harmful to older vehicles, especially those built before 1986. Ethanol is a solvent that can damage rubber seals, hoses, and gaskets, and it also absorbs water, potentially leading to engine damage if water enters the fuel system.

What is the main difference between regular fuel and premium fuel?

Premium fuel, such as 98 octane, contains additional cleaning additives that help remove engine deposits and improve performance. It also has lower sulfur content, which is better for car engines, especially for high-performance or European vehicles.

Why should consumers be cautious with BP Ultimate and other premium fuels?

While BP Ultimate and other premium fuels do contain more cleaning agents than standard fuels, consumers should check whether their car actually needs premium fuel. Using premium fuel unnecessarily can result in paying more without any tangible benefits for certain car models.

What is the most recommended fuel option for engine protection?

The best strategy is to regularly use premium 98 octane fuel combined with periodic use of a fuel system cleaner. These cleaners contain much more detergents than the additives in fuel, helping to maintain engine cleanliness and performance.