Reader’s Question:  What fuel is clean, efficient and economical to use? Which is better -- Shell Fuel Save or Petron? What causes fuel contamination? – Arvin Ebar, Manila

Answer: Both brands are good. I have tried both the gasoline and diesel products of Shell and Petron. I am currently using Petron turbo diesel for my Gen1 Pajero. It works for me because I feel that the product works as good as what they say it is supposed to. For the record, I like to tinker around with the engine of my car – fine tune as they say. The way I tuned the engine and my driving style led me to use Petron Turbo diesel.

For the gasoline part, I use Shell Racing Nitro. I use it for my 94 Crown. I used to load Shell Premium and it worked fine for me. But when I tried using Shell Racing Nitro, I felt the engine ran a bit smoother.

As a routine, I make sure that I give both cars an Italian tune at least once a month. Just de-carbonize the engine to feel it loosen up.

Fuel contamination usually happens during the transferring and the storage of the product. When the fuel is loaded on to the storage tank on the truck, the air inside the tank can contaminate the fuel. The air has a small percentage of water mixed with it. Even when you load it into your car, the air in your fuel tank can be a source of contamination. The weather can also play a part; loading on a rainy day can increase the chances of water contamination.

Would I recommend these brands?

Yes I would. But certain factors may affect the outcome on your vehicle. The condition of your car, the location of the station you get your fuel from is critical, the people managing it, driving style and your criteria for a good economical brand of fuel.

Even the other brands are good. I have friends who are using Seaoil and they are very happy with the quality. Total is an alternative for me.

The UniOil brand is also good. It’s just that in my area and the route that I take every day, Total and UniOil are not available.    

You mentioned that you currently own an Adventure, 2009 GLS. That is a good car. Tuned properly, you can make the speedometer hit 155kph with ease. I should know, I handled three of them before.

Trying out different brands would probably need two tankfulls for you to see how it works for you. Please let me know what brand you decide to try and how it affects your car.

As for which one is more economical: For the diesel, I don’t have to put additives as often as before. For the gasoline, I am still sorting out problems with the car. Switching to another brand will be considered once the car is tuned to my liking.

Drive safely.

Got something you want to ask? E-mail divad_1776@yahoo.com.