Fuel from big supermarket chains. What's your opinion?

What a horrid thing to happen, toosie, glad you got home safely.

I've heard these stories, but this is the first time I've actually heard from somebody it has actually happened to. Apparently it's all too easy for the tanker drivers to put the nozzle in the wrong tank when they're delivering.

I would complain to the supermarket. They have probably had other complaints and will be anxious to stop any bad publicity so might compensate you.

Good luck!

How awful toosie, yes good to hear that you're ok and in one piece.
As Feline says you must report this and hold the supermarket culpable.
This is downright dangerous and careless and they should be hauled over the coals.

That's a terrible thing to happen, so glad you're ok! Have heard what I thought was an urban myth about supermarket fuel, but that's the first time I've heard it direct from someone I trust. I do tend to buy mine from the supermarkets as its often cheaper - Morrisons is my store of choice at the moment

Okay, here's my spin on this .....

About five years ago, my Renault Scenic 1600 petrol started to lose power dramatically and had to be towed to the dealers. They had 22 vehicles taken in that week with exactly the same problem and it baffled them until it was diagnosed as silicone contaminated unleaded from local garages, namely Total and Tesco forecourts. Apparently the oxygen sensors ( relaying info to the engine management system ) had been 'shot' by the contamination and had to be replaced with the fuel drained and replaced as well. The problem was reported in the national press and was apparently a 'one off'. I am aware that both Tesco and Total set up hotlines to report and claim for damaged vehicles.

Having said that, I have had a diesel for the past four years and had trouble with another engine management valve problem, one time seriously, resulting in total breakdown, and others it just goes into 'limp home' mode and clears eventually. I suspect contaminated fuel there but no real proof.

I speak to a lot of licenced taxi drivers and the consensus of opinion is that they prefer 'main stream' diesel fuel and there is growing opinion to suggest that supermarket diesel just doesn't 'feel right' in the way that the car drives. I have to believe that there is something in this story as these guys use enough of it.

I also hear that the same petrol depots supply several different makes, the only difference in the various brandings being the additives that are blended. Of course, it's difficult to blame fuel but with a catalogie of complaints from one petrol station, you have to draw your own conclusion. Normally, any mass contamination will result in the relevent garage 'putting their hands up' and dealing with claims via liability insurance.

Personally, I only now use leading makes ( Shell, Esso and BP ) as I view them as 'quality' fuels and one would hope that quality is assured. I am loathe to trust supermarket forcourts where the price differential is so minimal nowadays. Just my opinion of course.

Recovery costs are so expensive - was it your breakdown cover that didn't cover the cost or the car insurance?

I use supermarket petrol all of the time, and we haven't had any problems..... no doubt this will jinx me!! We mainly use Tesco, but occasionally Morrisons or Asda.

Think it's good that you reported it to the supermarket, but I would chase it up with them - after all, it was not only dangerous, but you are out of pocket too!

Hi Toosie. That was the last thing you needed during xmas! Such an added expense!! Anyway i have heard from mechanics in the past its best to stick to the same brand. I drive a diesel engine and get it from shell and up here the supermarkets and shell esso are the same prices. I think it only works out cheaper if you have 5p off coupons if you spend an x amount.

Personally i prefer getting it from shell as it's sticks in my mind when i bought my car the mechanics says there is definitely a difference in quality which will affect the driving i don't know whether this is common knowledge.

Another theory i have heard in a case there was someone filling up at a supermarket and the the car stopped while driving out a few minutes after leaving station as if there was no fuel in the tank even though the station and the meter was as if it was filling up so now i'm quite dubious to fill up in a supermarket.

I would contact trading standards and take it further keep all your reciepts etc.

Good luck, let us know how you get on.

After talking to car mechanics, many would not fill up their own cars on supermarket petrol forecourts, so it does seem that they should know, what is best for a car.