A top mechanics has warned drivers not to refuel their cars at supermarkets
Dan Taylor, Cheryl Mullin and Luke Chillingsworth
13:03, 23 Aug 2025
A top mechanic has warned drivers not to refuel at Asda, Morrisons, Tesco or Sainsbury’s(Image: Getty)
A top car mechanic has issued a warning to drivers, advising them to avoid filling up at supermarket petrol stations. Reaz, who has 17 years of professional experience and operates his own garage, suggests motorists should steer clear of stations run by major retailers such as Tesco, Asda, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s.
In a conversation with GSF Car Parts, he pointed out fuels from supermarkets often lack the “necessary detergents” required for maintaining a clean fuel system. He also recommended that drivers alternate between premium and standard fuel when they visit petrol stations.
He advised that alternating between different types of fuel is a “simple practice that can extend the life of your vehicle’s engine.”
Similarly, specialists at Allied Autocare have warned that fuel from supermarkets may be of lower quality compared to products offered by leading brands, according to reports in the Express.
These motoring experts highlighted that using fuel without additional additives could end up being expensive “in the long run”.
They stated: “Retailers like BP, Shell and Esso sometimes put additives into their fuel to help boost the fuel efficiency of your car.”, reports the Mirror.
The top supermarkets have hit back at claims their fuel does not have additives to help vehicle engines(Image: Getty)
“This means that fuel from supermarkets, without these additives, could be costing you more in the long run. This mixture of additives can improve fuel efficiency and help keep your car engine clean. It could be a case of getting what you pay for.”
Nevertheless, AllStar – one of the UK’s leading fuel card providers – rejected claims supermarket fuel can damage vehicles as merely a “myth”.
A spokesman said: “Supermarket fuel tanker lorries often fill up from the same tanks as branded fuel lorries – so most of the time the fuel they sell is the same, but premium fuel may have different additive packages.”
Tesco maintains its Momentum 99 product, stocked at most filling stations, does include additives to benefit engines. A spokesperson said: “Our Momentum 99 petrol contains a special blend of additives to help keep a car’s fuel system clean and working at its best.
“Additionally, the higher octane level (99 compared to 95 for regular unleaded petrol) gives improved overall engine performance for cars that are able to take advantage of this (generally, sportier models).”
Meanwhile, Asda commented: “There is no such thing as ‘supermarket fuel’ – our fuel conforms to the same standards and comes from the same refineries as the branded oil major petrol stations. “We also have a dedicated fleet of tankers to ensure the quality is maintained from the refinery through to the pumps. “”.
Morrisons and Sainsbury’s emphasised their value proposition while insisting drivers weren’t being overcharged.
Morrisons said: “We aim to be competitive with our petrol prices and they do change to ensure we give our customers great value. Prices are not available on our website but are displayed on the totems at your local petrol station.”
Sainsbury’s said: “We want to ensure our petrol stations remain competitive within their local area, offering customers a fair price wherever they live. We therefore adjust the price at each station using locally gathered pricing information.”