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A mechanic has warned motorists that using premium and diesel will not always result in drivers getting better fuel economy. Brian, who runs the channel Honest Mechanic Colorado, frequently shares tips on how drivers can cut their motoring costs and steer clear of costly mechanical problems.

In a video, Brian debunked the common myth that filling up with premium petrol will boost fuel economy, clarifying that it really depends on the type of vehicle. He explained: "First off, let's talk about what premium gas [petrol] actually is. Premium gas typically has a higher octane rating from regular gas.

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"Now, octane ratings measure a fuel's ability to resist knocking or pinging during combustion. In simple terms, a higher octane gas can withstand more compression before detonating.

"So, does that mean that premium gas is always better? Not necessarily. Most cars on the road today are designed just fine to run on regular gas. In most cases, using higher octane gas than what your car's manual recommends will not provide any noticeable benefits."

Despite many drivers seeking ways to improve their vehicle's fuel efficiency, Brian suggests that opting for high-end petrol and diesel is unlikely to make a significant difference in reducing consumption.

This is because the majority of vehicles sold in the UK are designed to run with regular fuel, unable to take advantage of the additional octane in higher-end alternatives, reports .

Nevertheless, Brian added that high performance cars will often require premium petrol and diesel to be used, warning that putting cheaper fuel in them can reduce economy.

He explained: "Some high-end cars like sportscars or luxury vehicles may require premium gas [petrol] due to their high-compression engines.

"These engines are designed to squeeze more power out of every drop of fuel, and so they need a higher octane rating. If you own one of these cars, using premium gas can definitely improve performance and efficiency."

Drivers can find the right fuel for their vehicle by looking inside the fuel filler cap or by reading their owner's handbook.

When considering what type of fuel to put in their vehicle, owners should also check the ethanol rating, with many vehicles produced before 2005 being unable to run on the current E10 petrol.

In these cases, motorists should use premium fuels, which has half the amount of ethanol in it, or use a conditioner to prevent the vehicle from being damaged.