The Difference Between Pertamax and Pertalite for Scooter

So, you've landed in Bali, picked up your scooter, then you pull into a gas station, and you’re faced with a choice: what is the difference between Pertamax or Pertalite? 

Don't sweat it – this is a common question for both international tourists and local adventurers alike. Choosing the right scooter fuel type isn't just about price; it’s about ensuring a smooth ride, protecting your engine, and even doing your bit for the environment.

Consider this your go-to guide for scooter fuel recommendations, ensuring you make the best choice for your ride and for long-term engine health.

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The Difference Between Pertamax and Pertalite

Let’s dive into the essential differences between Pertamax and Pertalite:

1. RON Values

source: pertaminapatraniaga.com

The most fundamental difference between Pertamax and Pertalite lies in their RON (Research Octane Number) values. 

Think of RON as a measure of a fuel’s ability to resist "knocking" or "pinging" – that unfortunate metallic sound you might hear if your engine's fuel-air mixture ignites prematurely.

Pertamax boasts a RON 92. 

This higher octane rating means it's more resistant to spontaneous combustion under high pressure. 

It’s essentially a more stable fuel, making it ideal for modern engine technologies, especially those equipped with Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) and catalytic converters, which are common in many newer scooters.

With a RON 90, Pertalite ignites more easily under pressure. This makes it well-suited for more conventional engines with lower compression ratios.

2. Engine Compression Ratio

Matching your fuel to your scooter’s engine compression ratio is crucial for optimal performance and preventing damage. 

Using the wrong petrol RON values can lead to issues down the road.

Pertamax is specifically recommended for engines with a compression ratio of 10:1 or higher. 

Many popular scooters you’ll find in Bali, like the Yamaha NMAX and Honda PCX, fall into this category. 

If you use Pertamax in a lower compression engine, the combustion might be less than optimal, as the fuel is designed for higher pressures.

Meanwhile, Pertalite is ideal for engines with a compression ratio between 9:1 and 10:1. 

Scooters such as the Honda Beat and Honda Scoopy typically fall into this range. 

If you were to force Pertalite into a high-compression engine, you’d likely experience engine knocking scooter (known locally as "ngelitik"). 

This knocking isn't just an annoying sound; it’s a sign of inefficient combustion and can lead to significant long-term engine damage.

3. Fuel Efficiency

While the upfront cost might be a factor, considering fuel grade comparison also means looking at efficiency. 

A more complete burn means more power generated from less fuel.

Generally, Pertamax offers better fuel efficiency because its superior combustion characteristics mean the engine extracts maximum power from a smaller volume of fuel.

This translates to more kilometers per liter. 

On average, you might find a scooter running on Pertamax can achieve around 18.42 km/liter.

For high-compression engines, Pertalite tends to be less fuel-efficient. 

Because the combustion isn't as optimal, the engine may need to consume more fuel to produce the same amount of power, leading to a lower average of around 17.2 km/liter.

Read more: 18 Best Rental Scooters in Bali: What is the Most Popular Scooter in Bali?

4. The Additives

Both fuels contain additives, but their effectiveness in maintaining engine health differs. 

These fuel additives are designed to improve performance and protect your engine.

Pertamax contains a special additive package called PERTATEC. 

PERTATEC is formulated to actively clean engine deposits, prevent rust formation, and even keep the fuel itself pure by preventing water contamination. 

This is a significant benefit for keeping your scooter's engine in top condition, especially for a rental where consistent performance is key.

While Pertalite uses an additive called EcoSAVE, which aims to enhance mileage, it's generally less effective at preventing stubborn engine deposits and maintaining long-term engine cleanliness compared to PERTATEC.

5. Environmental Footprint

For many, being mindful of their environmental impact is increasingly important. When it comes to emissions, there's a clear distinction between these two fuels.

Due to its more complete combustion, Pertamax produces significantly lower exhaust gas emissions, typically around 78.4 ppm. 

This means less pollution entering Bali’s beautiful air.

Because its combustion is less complete, Pertalite tends to generate higher emissions, around 93.1 ppm. 

Choosing Pertamax is a small but meaningful way to contribute to a cleaner environment during your travels.

6. Price and Subsidy

This is often where the initial decision-making comes in, as there's a notable price difference.

Pertalite is currently subsidized by the Indonesian government, making its price more affordable, typically around Rp10,000 per liter.

Pertamax is a non-subsidized fuel. Its price is higher, ranging from approximately Rp12,800 to Rp14,500 per liter, reflecting its more complex production process and higher quality. 

While it costs more per liter, remember the efficiency benefits we discussed earlier can somewhat offset this difference.

7. Fuel Color

source: lapisnews.com

This is an important tip, especially if you find yourself fueling up at a smaller shop or "warung" in Bali, where pumps might not be as clearly labeled as at larger gas stations.

• Pertamax: Pertamax is typically blue in color.

• Pertalite: Pertalite, on the other hand, is generally green.

So, if you're pulling up to a warung and they're pouring from a bottle, you can often identify the fuel by its distinct color. This visual clue can be a lifesaver when you're unsure.

Ready to Explore Bali? Rent Your Scooter from Cinchy!

Now that you know what fuels for the scoote, it's time to find your perfect ride! 

At Cinchy, we're dedicated to making your Bali adventure as smooth and enjoyable as possible. 

We offer a diverse fleet of well-maintained and safe vehicles, ensuring every motorbike is regularly serviced for your safety.

Why choose Cinchy for your Bali scooter rental?

• Competitive Prices: Whether you need a scooter for a day, a week, or a month, our rental packages are designed to be what you need. Daily rentals start from just IDR 95,000 (~US$5.84 or ~AU$9) for automatic scooters like the Honda Scoopy or Yamaha Fazzio. Weekly packages begin at IDR 560,000 (~US$34.44 or ~AU$53.38), and for longer stays, monthly rentals start at IDR 1,500,000 (~US$92.24 or ~AU$142.97).

• Quick and Easy Rental Process: We keep things simple. Just bring your valid ID (Passport or KTP), valid driving license (International or SIM C), round trip flight tickets, and hotel bookings for the duration of your scooter rental. We’ll have you on the road in no time!

• 24/7 Service: Our customer support team is available around the clock to assist you with any needs or questions you might have during your rental period.

• Convenient Delivery and Pickup: Enjoy extra convenience with our free motorbike delivery and pickup service in major urban areas across Bali.

• Scooters for Every Style: We offer three types of scooters to match your travel style:

  • Compact (110–125cc): Perfect for city streets and zipping through traffic (e.g., Honda Vario, Yamaha Fazzio, Honda Scoopy).

  • Comfort (150–165cc): Ideal for longer rides and a smoother journey (e.g., Honda PCX, Yamaha NMAX).

  • Style: Ride with flair and stand out with our classic Vespa models.

• Essential Accessories & Optional Add-Ons: Every rental comes with basic accessories like a quality helmet (and child helmets on request!), hair nets, phone holders, and raincoats. For a small additional fee, you can upgrade with a brand new helmet, fresh visor, a full gas tank, or even a tourist eSIM to stay connected!

Book your scooter at Cinchy now to experience the breathtaking beauty of Bali with ease and complete peace of mind.