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    Petrol that pings

    Ford Ford Advice Ford Focus Ford Focus Advice Ford Focus 2006
    I HAVE engine-missing/pinging problems in my 2006 Ford Focus. It happens when the engine is under pressure, such as powering up a hill, and has occurred since the car was new. At my last service I was told to use premium unleaded fuel, but in error I used an ethanol blend at my weekly refill. To my surprise, this stopped the problem. But what is the long-term effect of using ethanol mix in this engine? It is not recommended in the car's manual. At the next refill at the same local petrol station I went back to regular unleaded and the pinging returned. I then became concerned about the unleaded sold through this outlet because this seemed to be the problem. I changed to another outlet and used its standard unleaded, and again there has been no problem with the engine. My concern now is the unleaded being sold through my normal outlet might be down in octane or possibly diluted. Is there an independent authority that can investigate whether the fuel is at the appropriate standard?
    Answered by CarsGuide
    26 July 2007
    Graham Smith

    REPORT your experience to the oil company involved and ask it to check the fuel being sold at the outlet. If there is a problem, it's unlikely to be with the petrol being supplied by the oil company. I'm sure the oil company involved would be happy to check the fuel to make sure its product is not being tampered with.

    Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.
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