Ask an expert

Hi i have a 2006 Mondeo with 140km on the clock, it is will serviced by ford. I havnt had it long and travel approx 190-200km day to work, ford has told me i should run it on 95 as it will run better which i now do.
The manaul says 91 or 95 but 95 for better mileage, as i go through a tank of petrol in 3 days and know there is not really any differance in the two eg the range is 8.1 and 8.5 l/per100km for both 91 and 95.
Q1 Why does the exhust pipe run black on 95 and clean on 91, no oil is being used as i keep a check on it ?
Q2 Should i switch back to 91 ?

Thanks
Craig

There should be no reason why the tailpipe is a different colour on either fuel. Prior to unleaded fuel, we used to like to see a white tailpipe due to the lead in the fuel. These days, without lead in the fuel, all tailpipes run black.
Tests that we have carried out have found that an engine that is designed to run on 91 will generally be more cost-effective to stay with 91. You will go a little further on 95 and might find the car performs slightly better, but due to the price of 95, the added cost doesn't equate to the additional distance travelled.