Beginner

Regarding Fuel

The primary fuels for cars are petrol (regular and high-octane) and diesel (light oil). Refuelling is a routine activity, but it is important to understand the characteristics, price differences, and effects on the engine of each fuel type. This article will explain in detail the differences between these fuels, their safe usage, and how to check the fuel type on auction sheets.
Moreover, most petrol stations offer three types of fuel: "regular," "high-octane," and "diesel," and the appropriate fuel for a car's engine is specified. Using the wrong fuel may cause engine damage, so it is crucial to make the correct choice. We will also cover what to do in case of misfuelling.
Additionally, alternative fuels (such as biofuels and electric vehicles) are gaining attention as a solution to environmental problems. New fuel developments that contribute to reducing CO2 emissions as part of global warming countermeasures are progressing, and understanding these options for the future is important.

Checking the Used Car Auction Sheet (Listing Sheet)

Before purchasing a vehicle, it is essential to check the type of fuel it uses. If you excitedly buy a vehicle only to find out it runs on biofuel, a few hours after de-vanning, it might become an art piece that only environmental groups would appreciate.
So, let's take a look at how the fuel type is indicated on the auction sheet while referring to an actual auction sheet.

For customers purchasing through our company, please be sure to request a free translation of the auction sheet before making a purchase. Even though auction sheets follow a general format, each auction house has its own unique layout.
With our free translation service, you can view the entire auction sheet with just one click, including not only the fuel type but also all other relevant details.

Types of Petrol

Automobile fuel consists of petrol and diesel (light oil). Petrol is further categorized into regular petrol and high-octane petrol. In this section, we will explain these three types of fuel.
The three types of automobile fuel commonly used are regular petrol, high-octane petrol, and diesel. These petrol types are classified based on a fuel characteristic called the "octane rating." The octane rating indicates how resistant the fuel is to igniting prematurely. The higher the octane rating, the less likely abnormal combustion (knocking) will occur under high pressure, thus improving engine performance.

• Regular Petrol: This is the most commonly used fuel and is suitable for standard vehicles due to its lower octane rating.
• High-Octane Petrol: Designed for higher-performance vehicles, this fuel has a higher octane rating and can maximize engine output.
• Diesel (Light Oil): Used in vehicles equipped with diesel engines, it follows a different combustion process than petrol and is known for its superior fuel efficiency.

Difference Between Regular and High-Octane Petrol

There are primarily two types of petrol: regular and high-octane. The difference between these two is based on the octane rating. The octane rating indicates how well the fuel can prevent abnormal combustion (knocking). The higher the number, the better it suppresses knocking and the vibrations that come with it, making it especially suitable for high-performance engines.

• Regular petrol has an octane rating of 89 or higher and is suitable for standard engines.
• High-octane petrol, with an octane rating of 96 or higher, is used in vehicles with larger engine displacements or higher compression engines. High-octane petrol also contains detergent additives that help keep the engine clean.

However, high-octane petrol only provides benefits in vehicles specified for its use. For example, using high-octane petrol in a vehicle designed for regular petrol may lead to reduced fuel efficiency. Therefore, it is important to choose the appropriate fuel for your vehicle when refueling.

Difference Between Petrol and Diesel

Both petrol and diesel are fossil fuels, but there are significant differences in their properties and usage. These fuels are extracted by heating crude oil and distilling them at different temperatures. Petrol is distilled at a boiling point of 30–220°C, while diesel is distilled at 200–350°C. Due to this difference, petrol evaporates easily even at low temperatures, whereas diesel only evaporates at higher temperatures.

• Flash point: The flash point of petrol is around -40°C, whereas for diesel it is about 40°C, meaning petrol can ignite at much lower temperatures.
• Autoignition point: Petrol ignites at around 300°C, while diesel ignites at about 250°C, making diesel more prone to spontaneous ignition at slightly lower temperatures.

Petrol is suitable for spark-ignition engines, where anti-knock properties (resistance to knocking) are crucial. This property is measured by the octane rating. On the other hand, diesel is used in compression-ignition engines, where the cetane rating (ease of ignition) is important. A higher cetane rating improves engine startability and helps reduce emissions and noise.
In short, petrol engines require fuel that is "hard to ignite," while diesel engines need fuel that is "easy to ignite." Because these fuels have completely opposite characteristics, it is crucial to select the right fuel for the respective engine type.

CNG and LPG

• CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) is an abbreviation for compressed natural gas, with methane gas as its main component. Natural gas is more abundantly available than petroleum and can be easily obtained in various parts of the world, making it a relatively low-cost fuel. For vehicle use, natural gas is compressed to about 20 MPa and stored in specialized cylinders. However, since CNG remains in a gaseous state at room temperature, one of its challenges is the shorter driving range per full tank.
• LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) is an abbreviation for liquefied petroleum gas, a mixture mainly of propane and butane. LPG is obtained during the refining process of crude oil and is liquefied by applying a pressure of 0.2 to 0.8 MPa, then stored in specialized tanks. LPG is cost-effective, and vehicles can cover relatively long distances per full tank, making it a widely used fuel for commercial vehicles and taxis around the world.

Carbon Neutral Fuels (CNF)

Carbon neutrality does not mean completely eliminating CO2 emissions, but rather refers to balancing the amount of CO2 emitted with the amount absorbed or removed. In other words, the goal is to achieve carbon neutrality by offsetting emitted CO2 with captured CO2.
CNF (Carbon Neutral Fuel) refers to fuels that capture and reuse CO2, making it an important technology for reducing environmental impact. CNF includes biofuels, hydrogen, and synthetic fuels (e-fuels). In recent years, e-fuels and hydrogen engines have been adopted in motorsports, where trials are being conducted to achieve carbon neutrality. Currently, the production costs of these fuels remain high, which may delay their widespread adoption.

Reasons Why Different Vehicle Models Require Specific Fuels

The type of fuel used varies depending on the vehicle model. Below, we will explain in detail why different vehicle models have specific fuel requirements.

High-Octane-Specific Vehicles

High-octane-specific vehicles are commonly found in sports cars and luxury vehicles, using high-octane petrol as fuel. Due to its higher octane rating, high-octane petrol is less prone to abnormal combustion (knocking), allowing for smooth acceleration and stable high-speed driving. This characteristic helps to maximize the performance of high-performance engines.
High-octane-specific vehicles offer benefits such as longer engine life and superior driving performance. However, they also come with drawbacks, such as higher vehicle prices, fuel costs, and maintenance expenses.

Regular Petrol-Specific Vehicles

Regular petrol-specific vehicles are designed to use regular petrol. When the appropriate fuel is used, the likelihood of knocking is low. On the other hand, using high-octane petrol in a regular petrol-specific vehicle may lead to reduced fuel efficiency, so caution is necessary.

Diesel Vehicles

Diesel vehicles are equipped with engines that use diesel fuel. Diesel has a high ignition capability and provides efficient engine performance, leading to excellent fuel economy. However, it is less suitable for high-speed driving. In recent years, the inclusion of turbochargers has improved the high-speed performance of diesel vehicles.

The Danger of Using Non-Specified Fuels

Each vehicle model is designed for a specific type of fuel, and using the wrong fuel can cause serious damage to the engine. For example, if you use regular petrol in a vehicle designed for high-octane petrol, engine performance may decrease, and in the worst case, knocking may occur. Conversely, using high-octane petrol in a vehicle designed for regular petrol may not cause major issues, but it would be economically wasteful.

When Non-High-Octane Fuel is Used in a High-Octane Vehicle

If regular petrol is mistakenly used in a high-octane-specific vehicle, many modern vehicles are equipped with a feature that automatically detects knocking and protects the engine. However, it is recommended to avoid using high engine speeds and to refill with high-octane petrol as soon as possible.

When Non-Regular Fuel is Used in a Regular Vehicle

If high-octane petrol is used in a regular petrol vehicle, no major issues will occur, but the higher cost of the fuel offers no economic benefit. However, if diesel is mistakenly used, it can cause severe damage to the engine, and immediate action is required.

What Happens if Petrol is Put in a Diesel Vehicle?

If petrol is put into a diesel vehicle, it can cause serious damage to the engine. It is crucial to immediately remove the incorrect fuel and ensure that the engine is not started.

What to Do if You Don't Know Whether to Use Regular, High-Octane, or Diesel

If you're unsure which fuel to use in your vehicle, you can confirm it using the following methods.

How to Identify Your Vehicle's Specified Fuel

• Check the fuel door or cap: In many vehicles, the specified fuel type is indicated on the fuel door or cap.
• Consult the owner’s manual or manufacturer’s catalog: Detailed fuel information can be found in the owner's manual or catalog.
• Check the used car auction sheet (listing sheet): When purchasing from an auction, it is important to verify the fuel type listed on the used car auction sheet. This ensures you choose the appropriate fuel. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our staff, and we will provide you with the necessary advice.

The above was an explanation of the types of vehicle fuels and how to identify the fuel type on auction sheets. There are various types of vehicle fuels, and with the increasing number of electric vehicles in the future, there is a possibility that fuel types will eventually become standardized.

Please note that our company cannot be held responsible for any issues related to fuel after purchase. For details regarding post-purchase support, please contact your dedicated agent. You can also check the terms and conditions via the link below.

＞ Terms of Trade

Secure Your Used Car Purchase with Provide Cars

Understanding Regarding Fuel is key to expanding your options when purchasing a vehicle, helping you find the best car that matches your needs. Each model and specification comes with distinct features, equipment differences, and advantages, making it crucial to know the details before making a decision.

Why Choose Provide Cars?

1. Extensive Experience and Proven Track Record

Provide Cars specializes in exporting Japanese used vehicles with over 27 years of experience. We help YOU select the best vehicles tailored to your requirements and handle the complex auction process on your behalf.

2. Expert Support from Our Team

If you have any questions about Regarding Fuel our expert staff at Provide Cars are here to assist you. We also offer free translation of the auction sheets upon request to ensure you have all the details you need before bidding.

3. Transparency and Reliability

While auction vehicles come with a large volume of information, some important points can be easily overlooked. Provide Cars ensures that every detail is accurately communicated, guaranteeing a transparent and trustworthy buying process.

4. Comprehensive After-Sales Support

Leave the paperwork and aftercare to Provide Cars. From title transfers and export documentation to vehicle maintenance, our professional support covers every aspect of the process, making your experience worry-free.

Get in Touch Today!

If you’re considering purchasing a vehicle through Provide Cars, feel free to reach out. We are a trusted exporter with customers worldwide, and we’re ready to help you find the perfect car that meets your needs, ensuring a smooth import process from Japan. We look forward to serving you!

Q＆A

---