I bought gas at one of those cheaper places (I think it was like 20 cents less a gallon than nearby gas stations). Now, it feels like it's not as good, like my engine's not as smooth, and the mileage seems to be worse. Is this my imagination? Could there really be a difference in gas quality? I mean, it ain't champagne!
2006-09-06 06:59:21 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
ALL Fuel is fuel. There is no appreciable difference between brands.
However, there is a possibility that the fuel you bought was less than stellar; if it was old, or mixed with some fuel that had stagnated, oxidized or otherwise deteriorated.
Fuel, even in the underground storage, does not have an unlimited shelf life. Any fuel that is older than about 90 days has begun to deteriorate, and if it is over 6 months old will merely burn, and you will certainly notice a loss of performance.
It is also possible that the fuel you bought MAY have had more than minimal ETHANOL (bio fuel, alcohol). Ethanol will suffice for gasoline, and is mixed with petroleum fuel as much as 10% in some areas,
If the blend was corrupt, or if the transfer tanker had a remnant of a load from an E-85 drop, and mixed the regular with it, the mix could be a greater percentage of ethanol. This will CERTAINLY cause a noticeable drop in performance, and idle will be affected.
2006-09-06 08:19:02 · answer #1 · answered by Ironhand 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i believe that there is a difference in gas quality. some stations use additives (detergents) and may benefit or harm your engine. mostly depends on how new your vehicle is. Newer vehicles require top quality fuel to keep your engine running clean. this is probably why you notice the performance change in your car when using cheaper fuel. I personally use Chevron with techron for my 02 Accord :)
2006-09-06 07:09:36 · answer #2 · answered by Yardley Q 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've read that gas is gas regardless of where you get it. In fact, many different retailers' trucks fill up at the same distribution terminals. What may cause a difference is if the retailer you went to uses additives that don't agree with your car or if their gas has water in it due to condensation on the inside of the tank.
2006-09-06 07:02:57 · answer #3 · answered by Angela D 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is all basically the same stuff, but some companies use additives that may or may not agree with your car. Find the one that works best and stick with it.
2006-09-06 07:06:54 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
perhapse it has a lower octane level than the more expensive stations, therefore decreasing millage and performance.
2006-09-06 07:02:49 · answer #5 · answered by cheyannebuttercup 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋