What Car? Q&A - Any alternatives to LRP?

Q: Can you offer any advice on the alternative to running my Volkswagen Golf GTI 16v MK2 on Lead Replacement Petrol (LRP) Four of my local garages have just withdrawn LRP from their forecourts and I am reluctant to use engine additives.
George Bischiniotis

A: Conventional leaded four-star petrol was withdrawn from sale in 2000 in the UK, and by mid 2002 LRP accounted for only 2.7% of total fuel sales.

Since the end of 2003 it has only been available at selected outlets. Lead-replacement petrol is essentially a 97-octane super-unleaded petrol with an additive.

Volkswagen say you can run your car on super-unleaded with a minimum of 97 RON (Research Octane Number) without the need to alter your engine.

Some older cars require the ignition timing or cylinder head to be altered. The recommended fuel for your car should be stated on the fuel filler flap.

If you wish to use standard 95 RON unleaded then you should use an additive, although Volkswagen advises avoid those containing metals, such as sodium or potassium.

Don’t dismiss engine additives, because these can be a cost-effective solution to the problems of running older cars on unleaded petrol without expensive engine work.

They may not completely replace the presence of lead in petrol, but for normal driving they should provide a more than adequate alternative. Additives from Millers, Red Line, Castrol and Carplan are popular, although there are plenty of others to choose from.