Shell Launching Higher Grade Fuel – But do You Need Premium at All Today?

Used to seeing three grades of gasoline at your local service station? Shell has begun introducing another, a premium-plus grade that the Dutch-based energy company claims can improve efficiency while also reducing engine wear.

Whether other oil companies will follow Shell’s lead remains to be seen, but the addition of the V-Power NiTRO+ could further confuse consumers who already may be wondering whether to fill up with regular, mid-grade or premium fuel.

While many buyers think they should “baby” their cars by going for a higher octane rating, experts suggest sticking with the fuel actually recommended by the manufacturer – and even downgrading on occasion.

New fuels like NiTRO+ are being pitched for more than just higher octane, however. “Nitro+ adds protection against wear and corrosion to the detergents our gasoline already contains,” claims Shell researcher Ed Nelson.

The oil company claims that the new grade will not only reduce friction between moving metal parts – something more typically done by an engine’s oil – but that it will keep out water that can wind up mixed into gasoline, reducing corrosion. Whether those claims hold up remains uncertain, but some experts see a potential advantage.

Whether the higher cost of the new fuel – which is expected to vary from state to state as it is rolled out – will be worth it remains to be seen. Many of the chemicals in Nitro+ are also being used in lower grades, the company acknowledges.

Shell hopes to demonstrate the benefits by using blogger Wayne Gerdes – who has set numerous hyper-miling records – to drive a circuitous, 5,000-mile route across the country this week. He will be running a Dodge Charger, the engine modified to use the new fuel on one side, competitive fuel on the other.

The choice is a curious one, as the Charger’s 3.6-liter V-6 is rated for regular fuel. In fact, “We test on regular fuel unless there is another fuel recommended or required by that particular vehicle, whether it be diesel or premium,” explained Nick Cappa, a spokesman for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.

Experts noted that many Americans routinely full up a vehicle with higher-rated gas than a manufacturer calls for. They suggest that drivers check their owner’s manual to see what is required – or recommended.

Premium fuel may be needed to prevent potentially damaging engine knock, and that’s common on high-compression, and typically super-high-performance engines. Even a few more conventional models have required premium, including the first-generation Chevrolet Volt. That seemed to many buyers an oxymoron considering they were choosing Volt to reduce fuel consumption. Chevy says the 2016, second-gen Volt will no longer need Premium.

Modern vehicles include a variety of sensors that can reduce knock even on regular gas, retarding timing, if necessary. That does, however, cut power a slight bit. But for those who don’t worry about 0 to 60 times and have a vehicle for which premium is recommended, rather than required, there’s little reason to constantly tank up with the more expensive alternatives.

That said, there can be big differences in fuel quality even within a standard grade, something that companies like Shell hope will convince buyers to switch brands.

To see the original story go to The Detroit Bureau.

The post Shell Launching Higher Grade Fuel – But do You Need Premium at All Today? appeared first on Fleet Management Weekly.

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