Superfuels: are they worth the money? - Superfuels explained...

We ask Dr Bob Hall, director of Fuel Additive Science Technologies Limited, what exactly superfuels are.

What chemical components are in premium fuels that are not in normal fuels?
Premium fuels are similar to regular fuels, but contain larger amounts of the higher-quality components.

Premium fuels also tend to have more fuel additive present to further improve performance and provide a greater range of benefits.

How does this give better fuel economy and improved performance?

Premium fuels have a higher octane rating and energy content, and a more carefully controlled distillation (petrol is a mixture of components that boil at different temperatures).

The latest-generation engines automatically adjust to take advantage of the improved quality.

However, even older cars running on premium fuels can have improved power, driveability and fuel economy.

Should cars be set up differently to gain the benefit?
No. Rigorous research is conducted and data thoroughly reviewed before major oil companies develop their claims about performance, economy and engine longevity.

These are highly likely to assume that no new set-ups are required.

It is true, however, that greater rewards are technically possible if new set-ups are conducted.

A minority of consumers have their vehicles fine-tuned at specialists.

What kinds of set-up changes can be made to achieve those additional rewards?

Set-up changes usually involve reprogramming the engine management system (a new 'chip').

This hones controls such as ignition timing, injection duration, throttle delay, turbo boost, exhaust gas recirculation and even valve overlap.

It should be noted, however, that unapproved 'chip' changes may adversely impact emissions, fuel economy and vehicle warranty.