Gasoline: Is there a difference?

[Car Guy]

I'm looking for insight in to the difference between gas brands and/or stations. Seems like anything now is made by a handful of companies and everybody else places their name on it. Is this true for gasoline also? Either way in a nutshell I want to know where to go and where not to go. Discuss please, thanks......:thumbsup

[BR3W CITY]

As far as I know there is still a difference. One of my former managers worked for a petroleum distillery, and not only is the gas different brand to brand, but grade to grade as well. There are a few hundred oil companies around the world, about 25-30 that are "us" companies. Out of that not all of them make gasoline grade petroleum products.
Were used to
Chevron Oil Co
Mobil Oil Co
ConocoPhillips
Marathon Oil Co
Shell Oil Co
who make the gas for the majority of gas we get.

The gas stations in the area either buy gas from one of those (Shell Stations buy shell, Phillips by Phillips etc) or one of the smaller tributary companies that service the smaller stations. I will tell you that those small or "cash only" gas stations not only buy the lowest priced product, but they sell less of it, and do far less quality control on their equipment. I try to buy gas from Shell, BP, or Mobil, but will use the others as needed.

Out of state the difference gets MUCH bigger, because the 10% eth goes away in some places still. WY has the best gas ever. $2.99 for no eth 89!

[pOrk]

When I was doing a lot of traveling I got the worst fuel mileage with shell gasoline and the best with BP. Naturally I only buy BP gas now

[michelle]

I've had the best luck with BP. My gas cap even recommends it! Haha.

[Car Guy]

I've had the best luck with BP. My gas cap even recommends it! Haha.

I never heard of this, picture please.....

[michelle]

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/399766_793199751378_219700023_36933945_1573183523_ n.jpg

[-stew-]

Thanks, Michelle.

[88Nightmare]

Chevrolet does not give two shits what gas I put in my S10 lol

[michelle]

Thanks, Michelle.

Haha! (:

[outlawgibbs]

Ive noticed in the southern states on my yearly trip to Florida an increase of 2mpg better in fuel mileage. Always kinda piss's me off a little

[Wagonbacker9]

Ive noticed in the southern states on my yearly trip to Florida an increase of 2mpg better in fuel mileage. Always kinda piss's me off a little

Its the thinner air. It has other effects on the population of the southern states too which make it not worth the MPG advantage. LOL

[-stew-]

Its the thinner air. It has other effects on the population of the southern states too which make it not worth the MPG advantage. LOL


Its the gravitational pull of the earth pulling you towards the equator.

[lordairgtar]

The Chevy manual says to use Top Tier gas. I notice that Kwik trip advertises their gas as Top Tier...whatever that means.

[wrath]

Just because a sign says "Sunoco" on it does not mean it is Sunoco fuel. If it is a fully independently-owned franchise they can buy it wherever they want. If it is partially corporate-owned (essentially meaning it is being leased) then usually they require the owner to purchase their branded (read: a particular distributor) fuel. Most "brands" operate this way.

I believe Chevron mandates that their stations sell Chevron fuel. Not sure about the many others.

[BR3W CITY]

I'd imagine most gas franchises would require using the brands gas; many franchises make money on the required supply chain, instead of the actual franchise or franchise agreement. There are businesses that exist only as a franchise, and only to create an outlet for a larger supply company. I guess it depends on the brand, but if I were BP or Mobil, I would prefer the franchisee's to sell the correct product.

[Al]

I think the whole "better fuel" commercials are BS. First off, who are they better than? If Chevy can claim better crash ratings than Ford and Pepsi can claim that people like their cola 2:1 over Coca Cola, then why can't the petrol companies do the same? Is the "discount brand" gasoline I've heard about even available in the US?

I want to hear names of companies or I will disregard their statements.


Its the thinner air. It has other effects on the population of the southern states too which make it not worth the MPG advantage. LOL

Thinner air due to increased temperature. The increase in temperature also makes engine retard their spark timing slightly due to a faster combustion. Combined, these result in increased fuel economy.

[theavenger333]

when i worked for Kwik Stop, we got our gas from 3 different distributors. Wolf was one for sure.... he filled up at the place on 145. Kwik Trip distributes their own gas, hence their own trucks, so they might possibly add stuff in. i don't believe there is a such a thing as "bad gas" like everyone used to bitch about with Citgo. At base, it comes from the refinery with nothing done. it only can add from there

[GRAMPS SS]

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/399766_793199751378_219700023_36933945_1573183523_ n.jpg

my new Exploder didnt come with a gas cap with advertising...dammm it didn't even have a gas cap..I use BP mostly and sometime Speedway...dependindg on gas prices....Duster will be going to Chad...