Car owners in India are debating the usage of ethanol-blended fuel. This topic has left many worried about the drop in mileage and the potential harm it can cause to vehicles. One solution is to pay Rs 160 for a litre of ethanol-free premium petrol, like the XP100 high-octane fuel IndianOil sells. But is this the solution to keeping your vehicle safe? What are the pros and cons? Here’s the right advice.
IndianOil XP100: Ethanol-free petrol
The XP100 is a high-octane petrol, designed to offer better performance, acceleration, and mileage. However, this is meant for high-end cars and performance cars, which require high octane, and your vehicle might not be suitable.
IndianOil says, “XP100 provides faster acceleration, smoother drivability, enhanced fuel economy, lower engine deposits and significant reduction in emissions in High Compression Ratio Engine. It results in boosting vehicle performance and results in longer engine life, hence lower maintenance.”
The high octane number (100, 99, 95, etc) represents the ability of the fuel to stop engine knocking during combustion and under heavy load. While high-octane petrol has its advantages, one must also look at the car’s owner’s manual for a better understanding about the right fuel usage.
Ethanol-blended petrol: E5, E10, E20, and so on
Petrol mixed with ethanol is designed to offer cleaner tailpipe emissions, and most new vehicles are compatible with E20. One takeaway is the drop in real-world mileage, but this is still cheaper than XP100, which costs Rs 160 per litre.
However, if cost is something to consider and if the vehicle OEM says it’s E20 compatible, stick to it. Take a few precautionary methods along the way, such as not parking the vehicle for too long with E20 in the tank, as it attracts moisture and causes corrosion, which in turn can harm the fuel pump, the injectors, and even the cylinder walls in worst cases.
Another good precautionary method is to use fuel additives that clean the fuel-injection system, but this is something that is done with the carmaker’s knowledge. The best way, however, is to use E20 if the carmaker suggests it, and be on top of maintenance.
Overall, if you are still contemplating between ethanol-free petrol that costs Rs 160 per litre and E20’s lower mileage issue, we say that E20 will still be economical, as the mileage gains will be marginal. However, if you are worried about any sort of damage, find out from the OEM if XP100 is a safe option.
