Long outback drive, no premium, what to do?

[Bluey9N]

Hey Guys.

Im planning a big roadtrip next year for my wife and I that will involve crossing northern QLD and into the NT in our Polo GTi. After searching the various BP, Caltex etc sites theres not enough sites that stock Premium 95+ fuel for a good stretch of the road (like 1600kays). Im planning on bringing 40L of 98 premium in jerry cans with me but I dont think that will be enough.

So, what are my options? Does the 1.8T run on regular 91? I wouldnt think its advisable to do any long distance on it. Could I use an Octane booster additive if neccesary? Could I mix half regular 91 half 98 octane fuel to double to amount im carrying. As in when the tanks half empty with 98 fill it up with 91 and itll balance out OK?

Has anyone else done this sorta thing? I realise that theres much better cars (diesel golf would be good) to do a big country road trip on but we need to clock up some kays (lease car) and we want to see Australia so it makes sense.

Any pointers or ideas would be great. Thanks.

[Jarred]

couple of bottles of octane booster should do fine. Pop one in when you use 91. Much easier and more convienient than carrying a couple Jerry cans imo.

Although, spare fuel would be a good idea on such a long trip too, just in case

[Bluey9N]

Theres not a whole lot of room in the polo so we'll be rolling with the rear seats left at home so we can fit cans, water, tent etc in the back. Ill bring a 4 pack of Oc booster along.

[Manaz]

A spare 20L jerry can (or two) of fuel should be considered compulsory on long trips like this - getting stuck in the middle of nowhere because you're out of fuel would not be good.

I'd go with the octane booster idea myself - tip the appropriate amount in with each tank of RON91 to get it up to RON95.

[silvershadow]

A spare 20L jerry can (or two) of fuel should be considered compulsory on long trips like this - getting stuck in the middle of nowhere because you're out of fuel would not be good.

I'd go with the octane booster idea myself - tip the appropriate amount in with each tank of RON91 to get it up to RON95.

Agree 100% with carrying the octane booster but also suggest a spare fuel filter as well - if the outback servo is running low on fuel, it is not uncommon for the crud at the bottom of the tank to be picked up and delivered into your tank with the fuel. Don't forget BP "Opal" is the only fuel available in many locations to cope with the petrol sniffing problem.

Spare drinking water is more important than spare fuel if you have a breakdown and have to wait for help.

[gareth_oau]

perhaps before you go on the trip, fill your tank with 91 and try some booster.

Make sure your'e happy with the outcome before you try it for real

[Bluey9N]

perhaps before you go on the trip, fill your tank with 91 and try some booster.

Make sure your'e happy with the outcome before you try it for real

Excellent idea! Give it a trial run before being out in woop woop and hoping its gunna be OK.

Hadnt thought about the Opal fuel... Might ask BP about it.

She'll be getting a full service and new tyres before we head out so fingers crossed theres no issues. I wouldnt know where the fuel filter on the 1.8T is anyway but ill pack one just in case.

I'll be carrying two jerries of fuel and a 20L drinking water bottle as well as soon food. Must be prepared for any situation

[KWICKS]

Hire a diesel Landcruiser!

[Bluey9N]

Have a mate with one who probably would lend it to me but like i said its to get the kays up for the lease.

Id be tempted to go a more roundabout way with a cruiser and probably get myself into trouble anyway

[Manaz]

Hadnt thought about the Opal fuel... Might ask BP about it.

Opal fuel is simply regular fuel with some of the aromatics removed, so that it's of no use for sniffing. My understanding is that what they remove won't affect car performance, it just costs extra to do the additional processing (the government subsidises Opal in specific areas of Australia to ensure that motorists don't pay any extra for it).

EDIT:Lots of info on it here: http://www.bp.com/sectiongenericarti...tentId=7024232. In particular, they make the following statement:

Independent
testing
was
commissioned
by
BP
in
October
2004.
The
testing
found
that
‘There is no significant difference when a vehicle runs on Opal fuel compared to the same vehicle running on regular unleaded petrol.’