More than 700 concerned members have called the National Roads and Motorists Association Limited (NRMA) seeking advice and reassurance on the use of Lead Replacement Petrol (LRP), NRMA CEO Rob Carter said today.
"More than 700 members have called our technical advice line since Super leaded petrol was phased out on 1 January 2002 and replaced with LRP. Most of these members were concerned that LRP
would damage their vehicle or adversely affect its performance, Mr Carter said.
"NRMA's technical experts want to reassure motorists that LRP is suitable for use in all vehicles that previously ran on Super leaded petrol.
"LRP has the same octane rating as Super and includes additives to give the engine protection previously provided by leaded petrol," Mr Carter said.
Mr Carter said the introduction of LRP had been relatively smooth and that it had been available from most service stations for at least six months.
"Any motorists who suspected that LRP was having an adverse effect on their car should talk to their mechanic to eliminate other possible causes of problems," Mr Carter said.
"Mechanics may be able to make some simple adjustments to vehicle engines to optimize performance on LRP.
"Many imported cars made before the introduction of unleaded petrol in 1986 can use unleaded petrol, which is a cheaper option than LRP.
Advice on the best fuel for your car, or on any other technical issues, is available by calling NRMA Technical Advice on 1300 655 443.