Many travellers face confusion about which fuel to use for a rental car in Thailand. Each Thai petrol station offers different fuel types with unique names and colours. This guide explains Fuel Types At Thai Gas Stations and helps you pick the right one for your car.
Read on to avoid costly mistakes at the pump.
Types of Fuel Available at Thai Gas Stations
Thai gas stations offer several types of fuel. You can find gasoline, gasohol, and biodiesel among your options.
Gasoline 91 (Regular Petrol)
Gasoline 91 is often called Regular Petrol at petrol stations in Thailand. It has a lower octane rating than Gasoline 95, with an octane number of 91. This fuel suits most small rental cars and several popular compact models.
Pumps for Gasoline 91 usually have green labels or signs.
Prices are lower for Gasoline 91 compared to premium options like Gasoline 95. Always check the label on your rental car’s fuel cap before filling up with this type of petrol. Using the correct fuel can help avoid engine problems and extra charges from your rental company.
Gasoline 95 (Premium Petrol)
Often marked as “เบนซิน 95” or “Gasoline 95”, this fuel is a premium petrol with a higher octane rating. It suits cars that need more power and better engine performance.
Many rental car policies recommend using Gasoline 95, especially for newer models or vehicles that specify high-octane fuel.
You can find Gasoline 95 easily at most Thai petrol stations but it usually costs more than other fuel types. The high octane helps prevent knocking in the engine, making it safer for long drives and busy city trips.
Octane ratings on the pump labels help you identify the correct grade quickly.
Always double-check your rental car’s fuel cap for recommended petrol type before refuelling.
Gasohol 91
Switching from Gasoline 95, you will notice Gasohol 91 as a common fuel at Thai petrol stations. This type blends regular petrol with up to 10% ethanol. It burns cleaner than standard petrol and often costs less per litre.
Major filling stations in Thailand offer this ecofriendly fuel option.
Many rental cars can use Gasohol 91, but always check your vehicle’s requirements first. Do not use it if the car takes only pure gasoline or diesel, as using the wrong fuel can harm the engine.
Look for “Gasohol 91” or “E10” labels on pumps to avoid confusion during refuelling.
Gasohol 95
Gasohol 95 mixes 95-octane petrol with up to 10% ethanol. Most rental cars in Thailand use Gasohol fuels like this one. This option costs less than pure petrol and burns cleaner, helping the environment.
The yellow label on pumps shows you are choosing Gasohol 95, not regular petrol or diesel.
Do not fill a diesel car with Gasohol 95. Many Toyota and Honda rentals support it but always check your fuel cap for “Gasohol” before refuelling. Fuel prices for Gasohol 95 change weekly but usually stay lower than Premium Petrol (Gasoline 95).
This fuel is common at Thai filling stations along highways and in cities, making it easy to find during your trip.
Gasohol E20
Gasohol E20 is a blend of petrol and ethanol. It contains 20% ethanol, which comes from sugarcane or cassava. This fuel type offers a more eco-friendly option compared to regular petrol.
Many cars in Thailand can use Gasohol E20 without any issues.
Check your rental car’s manual before refuelling. Some vehicles may not be compatible with this fuel type. Gasohol E20 is often found at Thai gas stations and is usually cheaper than gasoline options.
Gasohol E85
Gasohol E85 contains up to 85% ethanol and 15% petrol. It is made from renewable resources like sugarcane and corn. This fuel type helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Using E85 can be good for the environment, but not all cars can use it.
Check your rental car’s manual before filling up.
E85 pumps often have clear labels showing their content. Prices for Gasohol E85 may differ from regular petrol due to its eco-friendly nature. Understanding these details will help you make a smart choice at Thai gas stations.
Next, let’s look at biodiesel options available in Thailand.
Biodiesel
Biodiesel is a renewable fuel made from vegetable oils or animal fats. It is eco-friendly and can reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Many Thai gas stations offer biodiesel options, usually labeled as B5, B10, or B20.
These numbers indicate the percentage of biodiesel mixed with regular diesel.
Using biodiesel in a rental car helps support sustainable practices while driving in Thailand. Check your rental car’s requirements before filling up to avoid any issues with engine performance.
Tips for Refuelling Your Rental Car in Thailand
Refuelling your rental car in Thailand is simple if you know what to look for. Read the fuel labels at the pump clearly. They show different types of fuel and their grades. Always check your rental car’s fuel needs before filling up.
This helps avoid mistakes. Want to learn more tips? Keep reading!
Understanding fuel labels at pumps
Fuel labels at Thai gas stations show the type of fuel you can use. Gasoline and gasohol are common choices. Look for numbers like 91 or 95. These numbers tell you the octane rating.
Higher numbers mean better performance.
Biodiesel is available too, marked as B100 or B20. This fuel is eco-friendly but not suitable for all cars. Check your rental car’s manual to find out what fuel it needs before filling up.
Understanding these labels helps prevent mistakes when refuelling your rental car in Thailand. Checking your vehicle’s requirements is important to avoid costly problems later on.
Checking your rental car’s fuel requirements
Look in the car’s manual. It will tell you what fuel type to use. Most rental cars in Thailand run on unleaded petrol, usually Gasoline 91 or Gasoline 95. Some may also accept gasohol blends like E20 or E85.
Check the fuel cap too. There might be a label inside that shows which fuel is right for your car. Using the wrong fuel can damage the engine, so always confirm before filling up.
What to Do If You Use the Wrong Fuel
Turn off the engine right away if you realise you’ve used the wrong fuel. This helps avoid further damage to your rental car. Do not start or drive the car, as this can worsen any problems.
Call your rental company for help. They will guide you on what to do next. You might need to have the car towed and drained of the incorrect fuel. Keep all receipts for any costs related to fixing this issue, as they may be needed later.
Fuel Types At Thai Gas Stations
Know the fuel types at Thai gas stations to avoid problems. Gasoline 91 and 95 are common choices. Many stations offer gasohol options, which mix petrol with ethanol. Check your rental car’s requirements before refuelling.
Using the wrong fuel can lead to costly repairs, so pay attention while filling up. Enjoy your drive in Thailand!
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