3 Types of Petrol and Their Differences Explained

Different pumps for different petrol types at a petrol station

Did you know… drivers in Singapore spend an average of more than S$20,000 on petrol for a single car in a 10-year period? Back in the days, drivers only had two options: Petrol or diesel. Skip to today, not only can you visit different petrol stations to purchase petrol from your preferred brand, you also have different types of petrol to choose from.

At Tiq by Etiqa, we want you to have the best driving experience by providing Private Car Insurance and services like e-Cleva. We go one step further by providing this guide to choose the best petrol for your car. Knowing the types of fuel can help you save money, drive more efficiently and prevent engine damages. But first…

What’s a RON?

You always see it. The multi-coloured red, yellow and green pumps. But what are the differences between these types of petrol? The colours have no significance as they can change at different petrol stations. It’s the number you should be aware of.

Processed fuels carry a Research Octane Number a.k.a. RON which determines the fuel’s anti-knock quality. This is the fuel’s resistance to pre-ignition – how efficiently the petrol can ignite and run the engine. The higher the number, the better the octane rating. The best octane rating for your car can be found inside the fuel cap or in the car’s manual.

#TiqOurWord Octane is a chemical used to prevent the fuel from prematurely igniting from sources other than the flame of the spark plug. Learn more about spark plug and other car parts here.

RON95

A woman and her two children in a family car which uses RON95 as the preferred petrol type

RON95 is the standard petrol suitable for almost all types of automobile. It is the most common octane rating for a petrol fuel, which also means it is the best option at any budget. This type of petrol is perfect if you use a low-powered vehicle or only travel short distances on local roads.

RON98

Despite its price, RON98 can improve your driving experience significantly. RON98 prevents knocking – when fuel ignites too quickly and damages the inner engine components. It helps clean the engine and your car consumes less of it since only little is needed to produce combustion. This can improve acceleration and give you a smoother ride, making it suitable for turbo-charged engines such as those in high-powered or sports car.

RON92

RON92 is one of the cheaper and older petrol types. It is suitable for less powerful cars. Even though it is less popular and not many petrol stations sell it, it can be the best choice when you’re on a tight budget. However, lower RON also means the fuel can cause deposit build-ups, which can harm the engine over time.

#TiqOurWord Did you know that you can get island-wide quality service for your car and 9-month repair warranty with Private Car Insurance from Tiq by Etiqa?

Diesel

If you noticed, diesel produces black soot. This is due to the carbon compound not being burned properly, making it the least efficient option on this list. There are different types of diesel such as synthetic, biomass and petroleum diesel – with petroleum diesel being the most common. Do note that diesel fuel can damage non-diesel engines.

Only you know what’s best for your car

A happy couple in a car together

RON98 typically costs S$0.30 to S$0.40 more than RON95 – a whopping 15% difference in price! You can save money on petrol by using RON95, or purchase the more expensive RON98 and then save money on car maintenance in the future. Either way, be sure to protect your car with Private Car Insurance from Tiq by Etiqa. For days when things just don’t go your way, know that making claims with e-Cleva can be a breeze. Minor damages and broken windscreen can be covered within minutes without meeting adjusters or making police reports. So make the best choice for your car now.

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Information is accurate as at 22 April 2020. This policy is underwritten by Etiqa Insurance Pte. Ltd. (Company Reg. No. 201331905K). Protected up to specified limits by SDIC.

Tiq by Etiqa Insurance Pte. Ltd.

A digital insurance channel that embraces changes to provide simple and convenient protection, Tiq’s mission is to make insurance transparent and accessible, inspiring you today to be prepared for life’s surprises and inevitabilities, while empowering you to “Live Unlimited” and take control of your tomorrow.

With a shared vision to change the paradigm of insurance and reshape customer experience, Etiqa created the strong foundation for Tiq. Because life never stops changing, Etiqa never stops progressing. A licensed life and general insurance company registered in the Republic of Singapore and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, Etiqa is governed by the Insurance Act and has been providing insurance solutions since 1961. It is 69% owned by Maybank, Southeast Asia’s fourth largest banking group, with more than 22 million customers in 20 countries; and 31% owned by Ageas, an international insurance group with 33 million customers across 16 countries.

Discover the full range of Tiq online insurance plans here.

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