WHERE TO BUY TOW CAR FUEL
DESPITE WHAT SOME people seem to think, most forecourt fuel, whether it be from a petrol station, a supermarket, a local supplier or motorway services, comes from a similar source and is rigorously controlled by British Standard regulations.
The idea that supermarket fuel is somehow inferior is nonsense, because most retailers share the same refineries.
Fuel quality
The only factors that could affect fuel quality are the age of the underground fuel tanks and the detergent packages added by the retailer you’re using.
Typically, regular petrol or diesel has minimal additives, while higher-octane diesel/petrol has a higher level of detergent and fuel-cleaning additives (and lower levels of ethanol biofuel).
It’s wise to refill the tank with posh fuel if you’ve not driven for some time, or every few fill-ups, but not essential. Use an app to find the cheapest fuel.
Another key point is to avoid filling up just after a fuel delivery tanker has replenished the petrol station tanks. This is because the process of refilling the tanks disturbs all the gunk and debris that is always found at the bottom of bulk storage tanks.
Actually, most retailers won’t allow you to fill up after a tank fill and leave a certain period of time after a delivery, but this can vary. Equally, rural forecourts can often have ancient fuel tanks that may contain more debris.
The fuel is filtered and water content (from condensation) is monitored on all forecourts, and your tow car’s fuel system has at least two further filters, but if you have a choice of two petrol stations, it’s best to pick the newest. This also highlights the vital importance of regular maintenance in replacing filters.
One thing that I’d avoid (often detailed on the fuel cap in many modern vehicles) is any form of fuel additive. Catalyst cleaners, fuel octane boosters and detergent additives, all sold at petrol stations and motor factors, should be treated with great care – using them could invalidate your engine warranty.