Buying diesel abroad

[StuBeeDoo]

We're currently in France. The hotel we're at tonight has a Carrefour right next door.

I usually avoid supermarket fuel in the UK like it's the plague. Is Carrefour's diesel OKish, does anyone know? Bear in mind my car has been used to a diet of 95% Esso, 5% Shell all the time I've owned it - so I'm mega-fussy about what I put in.

[X5Sport]

We’ve had this debate on the Forum many years ago. A former member worked in the military on all fuel types. All diesel, whether UK or EU has to be made to EN590. If there is any difference at all, it will be in the additives (if any) put in at delivery of the fuel into either the tanker or forecourt. There simply aren’t enough refineries of fuel storage areas for each brand to have their own. Most EU diesel comes from refineries in the Middle East anyway.

I refilled with diesel from a supermarket in France several times last summer with no problems at all. Can’t remember which ones, but it doesn’t make any difference. Diesel is diesel.

EN 590 is the primary European standard for diesel fuel, specifying ultra-low sulphur content, cetane number, and biodiesel blending limits to ensure performance, emissions compliance, and engine compatibility.

EN 590 Standard: established by the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN), defines the physical and chemical properties that diesel fuel must meet to be sold in the EU and several other European countries. It ensures compatibility with modern diesel engines and emissions control systems, including particulate filters and catalytic converters. Key specifications include:

+ Sulphur Content: Maximum of 10 parts per million (ppm), classifying it as ultra-low-sulphur diesel (ULSD), which reduces sulphur oxide (SOx) emissions and protects public health.

+ Cetane Number: Minimum of 51, indicating high ignition quality for efficient combustion and smoother engine operation.

+ Density and Viscosity: Defined ranges ensure proper fuel atomisation and combustion efficiency.

+ Distillation Characteristics: Specifies temperature ranges for fuel vaporisation, affecting volatility and engine performance.

+ Biodiesel Blending: Up to 7% fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) can be blended with conventional diesel, ensuring compatibility with engines.

[StuBeeDoo]

Thanks for your input, and the time you must have taken to type it all.
Much appreciated.

[X5Sport]

I actually think I got better mpg on French fuel, but it may actually have been the long run from the Chunnel down to Tours and then the Dordogne at a steady 70mph. That and it was properly hot that week - 40°C on several days.

Doing it again this year, but fly/drive this time. That is unless there’s no jet fuel! That being the case will mean the X6 gets another run…..

[StuBeeDoo]

My consumption isn't as good, so far, as I thought it might be. But I think we've encountered quite a lot of head/cross winds.