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We've all noticed the varying prices at the pumps, but does premium fuel actually make any difference to your vehicle?

Typically, E5 - regarded as the premium 'super unleaded' option - costs several pence more per litre than the standard E10 unleaded fuel. The distinction lies in the ethanol content - E5 contains up to five per cent bioethanol, while E10 contains up to 10 per cent.

E5 also boasts a higher octane rating and greater refinement, which contributes to its higher price tag. Now, a consumer expert has weighed up whether splashing out extra at the forecourt is genuinely worthwhile.

When asked by Which? whether premium fuel helps vehicles perform better, senior researcher Michael Passingham was clear that this is not the case. He explained: "No - standard fuel has all the hydrocarbons and detergents your engine needs to run cleanly."

Michael explained that any differences would be "so minor" that they are "unnoticeable" while driving - and, indeed, at your vehicle's annual service when mechanics inspect the engine.

He added: "The only exception to this is cars where it specifically states in the manual that you need to use premium fuel, but at this point you will know that."

Stoneacre Motor Group supports this guidance, though they note there are some exceptions. The experts advise: "If you have a regular car newer than 10 years old with mileage below 80,000, chances are there would be little benefit [of opting for premium fuel].

"However, if your car is outside the parameters, or has been feeling a little sluggish recently, you can try filling your next tank up with high-octane fuel to see if you notice any change. Retailers boast their premium fuel has additives to clean the whole fuel system of your car; this might be especially effective on carbon deposits inside the combustion chamber."

Regarding diesel, meanwhile, premium alternatives at typical forecourts are less common.

But where premium is available, Stoneacre proceeds to highlight: "If you've just driven away in a brand-new diesel car, using premium fuel will not achieve anything as all the engine components are already clean and running smoothly."

The professionals added: "However, if you do high mileage in your diesel, it might be worth filling a tank with premium fuel once every six months. This will flush through the fuel system and help clean any build-up."

Additionally, if you have recently purchased a second-hand diesel vehicle, it would be sensible to use premium diesel on the first occasion you refuel in order to give the fuel system a "good clean".

They added: "But it's certainly not worth the extra money to fill with premium diesel every time."