Maroon

Could someone tell me the french term for diesel and unleaded petrol? I think diesel is gazole and unleaded is essence, but would be grateful if someone could confirm this.

bigglesworth

So long as you know diesel is gazole (gasoleo in Spain), the other two nozzles are 95 and 98 unleaded. There is biodiesel too, but not common.

dmu

unleaded = sans plomb

Ka Ora!

Didn't think you could buy leaded petrol anymore not that I have looked for it in some time.

bigglesworth

I could not remember if the pumps actually SAY sans plomb, or just the octane rating?

dmu

I THINK it's mentioned at the pumps.
The OP did ask what it was in French! He may come across a petrol pump attendant who asks "gazole or sans plomb?"
"Essence" is petrol...

dmu

Update:
Two different garage signs observed today, one says "95 (or 98) sp", the other "95 (or 98) sans plomb".

Tweedpipe

Went in for le plein today and the 2 pumps at each booth were indicated 'Gasoil' and 'SP95'. No mention anywhere of 'essence.'
Handy if one realizes that SP = sans plomb, but not so obvious for tourists.

White Trash

Handier still if you just realise that leaded petrol hasn't been on sale for years.

Peabrain

You might like to know that SP 95 E10 contains 10% of biofuel. The price is slightly lower, but fuel consumption is reckoned to be somewhat higher. If you do not wish to put biofuel in your tank for ethical reasons, the price difference between SP95 E10 and regular higher octane SP98 is marginal, and many cars will get slightly better mileage by using a higher octane fuel. Unfortunately many garages only stock the E10 variety now, thus depriving the motorist of choice.
The Germans, who love their cars, and are also much greener than the French, have been boycotting SP 95 E10 for several years. The EU is pushing biofuels, despite the obvious disadvantages.

babytillysmum

I'm following this thread with interest as I'm about to embark on a journey through France and will need to refuel along the way. Can anyone tell me if the French have the same colour coding at the pumps as we do in the UK, i.e. green nozzles and hoses for unleaded and black for diesel ?

bigglesworth

really hard to be sure, unless one is standing in front of the pump at the time, but i am pretty sure that Gazole is usually yellow. I cannot remember unleaded at all as I do not use it. Sorry

Tweedpipe

Unleaded green, and Gasoil yellow in my neck of the woods, and I believe this is also the colour-code nationally.

cyrian

Green and yellow as per biggy's and TP's replies.
If you are using a pay-at-the-pump machine, it asks you to select the type of fuel you want normally by selecting 1 or 2 or 3 from the menu. Then you hit the green button [V] to verify after confirming the correct choice on the screen. You will also be asked if you want a receipt - again hit the green button [V] to verify.
A similar system exists for payment by card in large car parks.
You may be asked to press a button to confirm that you are using a card.
After you enter your PIN then again hit the green button [V] to confirm.

cjm

Funny how you take things for granted when you are used to them. Filled up today at St Malo and didn't notice colour. Recollection is black handle for Diesel (Gazole) with yellow mask below filler nozzle. For Petrol (Essence), this is well marked for 95 and 98 octane and both masks are green and also have black handles.
When using bank card fuel at 24 hour stations, Diesel is the third option, rather like at pumps when the two petrol nozzles are first as you drive through.