I’m a mechanic – drivers with older cars should use a certain type of fuel to avoid damage & expensive repair bills
AN expert mechanic has told drivers of older cars they should use a certain type of fuel in order to avoid damage and swerve expensive repair bills.
Scotty Kilmer has been working on cars since the 1960s and also has a hugely popular YouTube channel where he hands out tips on how drivers can look after their vehicles and hacks on how to save some cash.
In a recent video, Scotty said that putting premium fuel into older cars which have done a high mileage can help prevent carbon from building up.
Scotty said: "Now, most older engines were made to run perfectly fine on regular, cheap gas [petrol], but as they age, the inside of the engine often gets a build-up of carbon.
"Since there's a limited space inside the engine, as the carbon builds up, it increases the compression pressure inside the engine.
“So, when you accelerate, that high compression can make it ping [break down] with cheap fuel."
Earlier this month, analysis by the RAC found that the average cost of petrol has increased almost 6p since the start of 2024 due to surging oil prices.
Petrol went up nearly 2p (1.86p) a litre in March from 144.62p to 146.48p meaning the average price at the pumps has increased almost 6p since the start of the year
Diesel rose by more than a penny from 154.68p to 155.99p (1.31p), making for three consecutive months of rises.
A full 55-litre tank of petrol now costs £80.56 – up by £1 – and diesel £85.79, up 72p.
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Scotty noted, however, that owners of older cars could be better off paying more for premium fuels as they feature a mix of conditioners to break down any carbon in the fuel system.
Many of the premium fuels also have a higher octane rating, which makes them more effective in higher compression engines for better power and a slight increase in economy.
The popular mechanic added that using fuels with a lower octane rating can cause the engine to knock, which could lead to engine failure.
He said: "If you put premium gas in, it can keep the engine from knocking because premium petrol can take more pressure from when it ignites.
"So, if you're a cheapskate and don't want to rebuild your engine, maybe your old engine will run a lot better with premium gasoline."
Drivers of petrol vehicles in the UK, typically built before 2005 should avoid using regular fuel due to its higher ethanol rating.
Regular fuel contains 10 per cent ethanol, which, while it lowers emissions, it can also damage metal and rubber in the fuel system.
The fuel lining on these motors can be upgraded on many popular classic models, allowing it to run on E10 petrol, it is generally better to fill up with premium fuels which contain less ethanol.
Last month, Scotty revealed a simple DIY engine check that can save you hundreds of pounds in repair bills in seconds.
Read more on the Irish Sun
He also revealed the "number one thing" you need to check on your car - and exactly when to do it.
Elsewhere, a gallery owner was left outraged after he was slapped with a "disgraceful" parking fine when another car crashed into his shop.
