Tesco 'contaminated' fuel

Jono

This afternoon, after leaving work, my car "lost power" at roundabouts. I assumed I put it in the wrong gear and I must be having a bad day.

I had filled up my car at Tesco in Hull this morning, and was a bit shocked to see the BBC reporting Tesco 'contaminated' fuel. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6405051.stm

I have phoned Tesco customer services 0800 505555 (option 5) who read a statement that basically said they “check their fuel”, “rumours spread quickly” and often “cars are not maintained correctly”.

After calming down, I asked “So you’re saying that it is safe to drive my vehicle with the fuel I purchased this morning and that it will not damage my vehicle?” “Yes” came the reply.

I ensured that customer services took my details and I also got them to give me a reference number – I had to ask for both of these, they were not volunteered.

I’ve kept my receipt and reference number and suggest that anyone else with this issue does the same… just in case!

Altarf

The problem is that Tesco unleaded has a 5% mix of ethanol in it. In those concentrations it shouldn't cause any problems with rotting rubber seals and metal parts (higher concentrations certainly do), but ethanol and water mix quite well.

Normally if you get water in the storage tanks on the forecourt sites, the water sinks to the bottom and stays there. With a petrol ethanol mix the water mixes in with the fuel and ends up in your car. Next thing is your car is coughing to a halt.

The irony of this is that it is done to be 'Green' but as the ethanol comes from sugar cane plantations in Brazil, these have plantations have expanded hugely causing large deforestation, environmental degradation and human rights abuse problems.

Jono

I'd just filled up this morning (it was just about going into the red). What effect does the water have on the engine?
Should I keep driving my car? or get it to a garage ASAP?

The irony of this is that it is done to be 'Green' but as the ethanol comes from sugar cane plantations in Brazil, these have plantations have expanded hugely causing large deforestation, environmental degradation and human rights abuse problems.

So much for "green" fuel...

woohoo_postingid

My car started 'hesitating' on low revs a couple of weeks ago, I had it serviced on friday 23rd Feb and was told that my Oxygen Sensor was no good.

I only ever fill up at Tesco's (due to clubcard points) - I don't think this could be purely a coincidence. I live in Kent and always fill up at the same Tesco stations.

Have emailed trading standards and am awaiting a response - will probably contact Tesco too but won't hold my breath.

ManAtHome

Only happening darn sarf then... good old BBC.

Was reported in West Yorks by local radio though.

Jono

Just has Tesco customer services re-confirming that there is "nothing wrong". Apparently, according to Jonathan Church (Tesco Media Director) I am only one of 75 who have called customer services (bbc 24 21:00 interview)... Yes I was surprised at that as well.

Anyway, I asked if the fuel in Hull was from the same batch that was used in the south east or West Yorks - he didn't know. Nor did he know about the composition of the fuel or any other questions I asked him. Nice bloke, just no information.

He also said that he'd been told to tell customers not to believe the media. I know it's normally lots of hype - it's just a bit strange that i filled up this morning, had a bumpy ride home and it's on the news all night...

before_hollywood

my revs have seemed to gradually dip and the car has run worse since i used tesco petrol

i'm joing one of these price tracking sites, beat them at their own game :evil cackle:

changkra

Must admit on the very few occasions i have used Tesco petrol i have had problems with my car losing power going up hills. These days i always stick with Shell, which surprisingly enough is actually cheaper than Tesco, I collect the air miles too so I'm not losing out on points.

MikeLB

Dont forget the allegeed problem is also concerning Morrisions Fuel and not just Tesco.

The main problems which have been reported involved the car dying almost immediately after leaving the forecourt due to Lambda Sensor Failures.

Inactive

Also Sainsburys Fuel is affected.

leeshowes

there is another thread about this under motoring! Read it. It is obviously affecting 100s of people. I have sorted the problem i had after filling up in a Tesco in London which supplies "Greenenergy" Fuel. (5% Ethanol). I had my car serviced and topped up with Texaco Diesel and a really big shot of redex. This seems to be affect both petrol and diesel vehicles. At the very least if Tesco wont admit to the problem i feel it would only be sensible to steer well clear of Tesco Fuel Stations and hit them in the pocket through drop in sales.