What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

If I start using premium fuel after 80k miles, will there be a release of carbon deposits and would this damage the engine?

My Avensis has done 82,000 trouble-free miles on supermarket petrol. If I now start using Shell high octane fuel, will I get a sudden release of carbon deposits and would this damage the engine? I have noticed a tendency for lumpy running when holding a low gear.

Asked on 3 May 2020 by Bob Browning

Answered by Dan Powell
It's theoretically possible that the cleaning properties of the premium fuel will dislodge some of the deposits within the engine. However, I would recommend getting to the bottom of the lumpy running of the engine in gear one and two. Have the spark plugs ever been changed? If not, they are probably worn out and causing the issue.
Similar questions
I have a question for you about what is the best, most suitable fuel (petrol) to put in my recently bought 2019 Kadjar S Edition 1.3 TCe 140 EDC with 21K on the clock. I only use my car for social journeys,...
Is supermarket fuel quality being compromised due to the large mark up they are being allowed to charge? My 25k mile Audi Q7 engine light came on recently and turned out it was a Nox sensor failure, Strange...
What octane petrol should I use in my John Cooper Works MINI? The handbook recommends Super Plus, with 98 RON. One of the leading supermarkets sell a 97 RON, which is significantly cheaper than the 98...
Related models
Hugely practical and robust, refined and quiet on the move, excellent diesel engines, especially the 2.0 D-4D, very reliable.
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer