Checking out shell V Power diesel.

[Chris]

I just use red diesel.

Dirt cheap

 

[Ivory55]

I just use red diesel.

Dirt cheap

Is there another colour then ?

 

[Wildbill]

I used v power for a MOT after running a full tank or two before it the was a significant reduction in omitions not due on 29th of this month will fill with v power till MOT then go back to normal diesel
I have to aggre with every thing @DuxDeluxe says I have worked in the oil and gas industry both up streem drilling and petrochemical to even a pump attendant
He is spot on
Bill

 

[PeteH]

An urban myth.... Bro-in-law is a tanker driver... had that discussion ... it all comes out of the same pot..

What I have been saying for years. The Morrisons Tanker goes under the same filling bay as the Jet one, the BP one etc;.

 

[DuxDeluxe]

I hate to disagree with you because I am fully aware that you are a very astute fella and one I have respect for....

I lived in Scotland for a few years. I drove up and down from just above Edinburgh to the Midlands two or three times a month. I tried supermarket fuel and V power and to cut it short Vpower simply came out tops every time. Same trip same car same driving style I even travelled at the same time of the day.....

I’m talking real world driving under real world conditions and very accurate recording of miles driven and fuel used. I did the brim to brim for calculations never the cars computers....

Sorry again to disagree but it genuinely worked out better.

Them of course the cleaner burn means cleaner DPF and EGR valves.

You are talking about Vpower not run of the mill fuel. I fully agree with that; VPower is a semi synthetic fuel using gas to liquid technology and is really good stuff. However, there is no substantive difference between ordinary Shell and supermarket fuel

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Charlie123]

You are talking about Vpower not run of the mill fuel. I fully agree with that; VPower is a semi synthetic fuel using gas to liquid technology and is really good stuff. However, there is no substantive difference between ordinary Shell and supermarket fuel

Agree with that.....

 

[mitzimad]

I hate to disagree with you because I am fully aware that you are a very astute fella and one I have respect for....

I lived in Scotland for a few years. I drove up and down from just above Edinburgh to the Midlands two or three times a month. I tried supermarket fuel and V power and to cut it short Vpower simply came out tops every time. Same trip same car same driving style I even travelled at the same time of the day.....

I’m talking real world driving under real world conditions and very accurate recording of miles driven and fuel used. I did the brim to brim for calculations never the cars computers....

Sorry again to disagree but it genuinely worked out better.

Them of course the cleaner burn means cleaner DPF and EGR valves.

Your comparing apples and oranges there v power is better than normal buit normal is the same where ever you buy from

 

[Tanya_and_Mick]

Your comparing apples and oranges there v power is better than normal buit normal is the same where ever you buy from

Apples and oranges - it’s all fruit

 

[Clarky]

I can see that using premium fuel, Vpower for example, would be an advantage when used in a performance car but what about in our bog standard diesel van engines?
I don’t mind paying a bit more if it will make a difference but unless there are genuine advantages I will stick with the cheapo supermarket fuel.
What do you think @DuxDeluxe?

Richard.

 

[Barclaybasher]

Keep meaning to check the mpg...........never do

Doesn't matter what the price is - if I need it I buy it - if I couldn't afford it I wouldn't go so far

Given the cost of running a motorhome and the mileage done by most, fuel is a minor expense - I'm sure some pay more in Insurance and Road Fund than diesel............ and they haven't turned a wheel........

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Sandancers]

You are talking about Vpower not run of the mill fuel. I fully agree with that; VPower is a semi synthetic fuel using gas to liquid technology and is really good stuff. However, there is no substantive difference between ordinary Shell and supermarket fuel

So the big question then is "what fuel do you put in your Motorhome given your knowledge of the fuel industry?"

 

[DuxDeluxe]

I can see that using premium fuel, Vpower for example, would be an advantage when used in a performance car but what about in our bog standard diesel van engines?
I don’t mind paying a bit more if it will make a difference but unless there are genuine advantages I will stick with the cheapo supermarket fuel.
What do you think @DuxDeluxe?

Richard.

To be honest, it works for some but not others - which is slightly contrary to the actual science. Based on what I know, I fill up routinely with whatever is either cheap or convenient. However, there are real benefits to using Vpower (other brands are available but Vpower is genuinely different) as the detergents really do clean out the engine plus the higher cetane number does burn better and improve MPG. A few years ago I ran the van exclusively on Vpower for 2000 miles and it was almost cost neutral. It doesn’t work for all - I ran a vectra for the same distance on BP Ultimate and it simply cost me more with MPG about 0.2 better.

The best judge of what works is the seat of the pants. If it works for you, then it works.

To answer the question, a good glug of Vpower every now and again does no harm at all, even with my strangled Euro 6 Sprinter 519

 

[DuxDeluxe]

So the big question then is "what fuel do you put in your Motorhome given your knowledge of the fuel industry?"

Coincidentally answered that above I like Shell VPower but mostly buy cheapest

 

[Clarky]

To be honest, it works for some but not others - which is slightly contrary to the actual science. Based on what I know, I fill up routinely with whatever is either cheap or convenient. However, there are real benefits to using Vpower (other brands are available but Vpower is genuinely different) as the detergents really do clean out the engine plus the higher cetane number does burn better and improve MPG. A few years ago I ran the van exclusively on Vpower for 2000 miles and it was almost cost neutral. It doesn’t work for all - I ran a vectra for the same distance on BP Ultimate and it simply cost me more with MPG about 0.2 better.

The best judge of what works is the seat of the pants. If it works for you, then it works.

To answer the question, a good glug of Vpower every now and again does no harm at all, even with my strangled Euro 6 Sprinter 519

Thanks for that.
I have always been sceptical about believing ad mans claims but I will try some super duper fuel ans see what happens.
I do log my fuel consumption accurately so will soon see if there is an improvement in consumption but can’t see what is happening inside the engine.

Richard.

 

[JJ]

I gave up measuring my mpg slightly before I stopped looking up the Sterling to Euro exchange rate.

These days I just put in (supermarket) diesel at €50 a time. When that gets low I put in another €50 worth. Sorted.

I exchange Sterling into Euros (just by pressing buttons on the Revolut app on my phone) when I want to pay in Euros and not pounds. Sorted.

I have too much to worry about with my lettuce, tomato and cabbage plants to be bothered by stuff I have no control over.

Come on Funsters... spell the roses and the coffee and soak up some rays... (man)


JJ

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Charlie Farley]

No one has mentioned adding 2 stroke oil yet

 

[Reevsie]

Over 15000 Miles I have tried. Tesco, Asda, Shell, Esso, VPower. and the milage has always stayed the same.
Their are so many variables it is hard to get a truly accurate picture.
Temp, Wind, humidity, Traffic, hills, braking,,,,,,,,,
But I still fill up with VPower evert fourth of fifth fill. Maybee is is psychological or good advertisement. But to be honest when I am away in my motorhome as long as I dont run out of fuel I am okay. Price and performance is way down on my list of things to worry about.

 

[TinaLes]

I am struggling to get my head around what fuel gives better performance or MPG on our fairly new MH. Its coming up to 2K miles on the clock so still new and maybe tight engine.
Since first fill to brim at Shell garage Taunton, I have filled with Sainsburys Fuel, Morrisons Fuel, then got excited when I saw a shell garage with an LPG pump to fill up Gaslows, but the bitter pill was the only deiesel pump that worked was The Shell V power, so I reluctantly filled to brim and paid the 10P a litre premium for doing so.
I didnt notice any better performance or MPG, but early days so far.
I said before I am struggling to get any accurate MPG figure for any fuel, from any source, simply because each journey has been so different,for example trip to Cornwall last week, very hilly in places, lots of stop start on M5 towards Exeter, Previous trip to Chester, stop start on M25, M42, and a nightmare on M6, 4 hour journey took 6 plus hours!.
So despite me keeping a log of brim to brim refills, mileage covered etc, I only seem to get an average of 22-24MPG which I dont yet feel is an accurate reflection of the engines true average MPG. Too many journeys on Uk motorways are hindered by accidents or road works which ruins my economy missions.
Further more, my Fiat Dials tells me 27.2 average MPG which I know like the speedo reading is exaggerated by 2.5 MPH and 5MPG.
I also, like many others feel the van is geared too low,If I shifted up and down as many times as I am told to by that silly little arrow, I would be through a set of cogs in no time!
It would be great also if I could actually see what speed I was doing without stooping down to see the candle powered amber dial,or listening for the speed alert currently slapping my wrist as its currently set at 65MPH, or asking the OH what the sat nav is reading which I think is probably more accurate.
However we are loving our travelling experiences, and our ability to pull over for a cuppa stop, a warm bowl of soup and a nice freshly made sandwich, without getting ripped off at motorway service fast food places.
I think I will try Esso Fuel next, choices, choices, exciting all this isnt it?
Les

 

[Clarky]

Biggest spoiler of good fuel consumption on a vehicle with the aerodynamics of a mobile shed is headwinds.
Extra weight such as full water tanks seem to make a marginal difference and if you go up long hills you usually have to descend the other side so it equals out.
I use a phone app to log every fill on car and van so get an accurate long term figure.

Last time I tried premium diesel at Carrefour in Cite Europe the consumption dropped rather than improved so I’ve not tried it since. There could have been strong headwinds though.

Richard.

 

[simsy56]

I find that if you are almost empty, and the next filling station is 20 miles away, your mpg improves dramatically.

Craig

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[buttons]

Almost right - all fuel has additives but the branded stuff has literally a few parts per million of whatever the latest marketing wheeze decides (“up to” 20 miles per tankful ). Super fuels are really good though but not for everyone

I respect your knowledge on fuel DD I have tried super fuel on a number of occasions with zero noticeable effect on both performance an economy. Am I one of your "not for everyone" or is the real effect a bit Hawthorne..
How can I too enjoy the stated benefits of this magic super fuel....Ta

 

[DuxDeluxe]

I respect your knowledge on fuel DD I have tried super fuel on a number of occasions with zero noticeable effect on both performance an economy. Am I one of your "not for everyone" or is the real effect a bit Hawthorne..
How can I too enjoy the stated benefits of this magic super fuel....Ta

As I said.... one experiment I did with BP Ultimate showed zero benefit at all and another was broadly cost neutral. All analysed on spreadsheet to eliminate errors. This was over a couple of thousand miles, but at the end of each, the engine a fuel system would have been nice and clean anyway. In theory, the higher cetane or octane number wil result in better burning and more power and many engines sensor systems will adjust fuelling to match, effectively giving better economy. Others simply do not........

I would still advocate the use of Vpower or a similar fuel enhancement every x number of fills just for the detergent properties.

 

[DuxDeluxe]

I am struggling to get my head around what fuel gives better performance or MPG on our fairly new MH. Its coming up to 2K miles on the clock so still new and maybe tight engine.
Since first fill to brim at Shell garage Taunton, I have filled with Sainsburys Fuel, Morrisons Fuel, then got excited when I saw a shell garage with an LPG pump to fill up Gaslows, but the bitter pill was the only deiesel pump that worked was The Shell V power, so I reluctantly filled to brim and paid the 10P a litre premium for doing so.
I didnt notice any better performance or MPG, but early days so far.
I said before I am struggling to get any accurate MPG figure for any fuel, from any source, simply because each journey has been so different,for example trip to Cornwall last week, very hilly in places, lots of stop start on M5 towards Exeter, Previous trip to Chester, stop start on M25, M42, and a nightmare on M6, 4 hour journey took 6 plus hours!.
So despite me keeping a log of brim to brim refills, mileage covered etc, I only seem to get an average of 22-24MPG which I dont yet feel is an accurate reflection of the engines true average MPG. Too many journeys on Uk motorways are hindered by accidents or road works which ruins my economy missions.
Further more, my Fiat Dials tells me 27.2 average MPG which I know like the speedo reading is exaggerated by 2.5 MPH and 5MPG.
I also, like many others feel the van is geared too low,If I shifted up and down as many times as I am told to by that silly little arrow, I would be through a set of cogs in no time!
It would be great also if I could actually see what speed I was doing without stooping down to see the candle powered amber dial,or listening for the speed alert currently slapping my wrist as its currently set at 65MPH, or asking the OH what the sat nav is reading which I think is probably more accurate.
However we are loving our travelling experiences, and our ability to pull over for a cuppa stop, a warm bowl of soup and a nice freshly made sandwich, without getting ripped off at motorway service fast food places.
I think I will try Esso Fuel next, choices, choices, exciting all this isnt it?
Les

You need to keep accurate records over a few thousand miles to see if there is any effect. This is the only way to reduce and cancel out all the variables such and driving conditions, weather, etc.

 

[Ivory55]

So for a couple of tank fills of fuel before mot it’s worth a punt on v power or equivalent for an extra couple of quid to help pass mot. Am I right I my thinking ?

 

[buttons]

As I said.... one experiment I did with BP Ultimate showed zero benefit at all and another was broadly cost neutral. All analysed on spreadsheet to eliminate errors. This was over a couple of thousand miles, but at the end of each, the engine a fuel system would have been nice and clean anyway. In theory, the higher cetane or octane number wil result in better burning and more power and many engines sensor systems will adjust fuelling to match, effectively giving better economy. Others simply do not........

I would still advocate the use of Vpower or a similar fuel enhancement every x number of fills just for the detergent properties.

Thanks DD I do fill with the occasional tank of V for engine housekeeping but will stick with Asda for the rest. I think Asda need backing as they have a nationwide pricing policy unlike the rest of the so called low priced fuels who tend to follow local trends.
Maybe I'll have another attempt at monitoring v power but to be honest, without the Hawthorne effect my expectations are not great. Ta...

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Enword]

As I've mentioned on here before we got fuel & weight checked at Brands, it happened to be when we experimented with Tesco's high octane unleaded, we past the test's but the fuel tester actually got out the the testing vehicle & asked were the fuel was from, his words were "its shit the worst I've tested all weekend" Must admit run it in the car all the time but not the MH.

 

[Littlewheels]

MPG?

Which way was the wind blowing?

I reckon that makes much more difference to the fuel consumption than an additive here and there.


JJ

Yes makes a massive difference, I put the Satalite Dish up with a rear wind acts like a Spinaker and I barely need to put my foot on the pedal