Does it really matter where I get my gas from?

Question

My auto mechanics teacher told us that the only thing that matters is the octane level. The only thing you need to do is make sure you are using the gas your car was built to use. He says the only difference is that high cost stations add ome unimportant formula, different from each station, that makes their gas different. But my friend (he's a mechanic) says that it DOES matter. He says he's worked on cars that use the cheap gas and he could tell 'cause their engines are so dirty. Does it really make a difference?

Oh, sorry. What I was asking was does it matter where I get my gas from.... Is it better to get my gas from expensive Mobil, or can I be just fine with cheapo Alliance?

Brandon, using the wrong octane is actually costing you more money. If you don't use the octane level your car was designed for you lose fuel effieciency, and you end up using more power with less outcome.

Answer 1

Your mechanics teacher is right. Some cars aren't designed to use premium fuels with higher octane, and they will affect your cars performance. Yes, the lower octane will gunk up the engines more, but that doesn't mean performance won't be worse with higher octane. BMW's and Mercedes are some cars that benefit from the use higher octane fuels. There are literally hundreds of different types of fuels and additives, but you're best bet is regular 87 Octane 7.8 Lb. RVP fuel (in the summer) and 9+ Lb. RVP fuel in the winter (basically, regular unleaded).

Although I'm biased, BP/Amoco/Arco's fuels have been rated highest quality for years.

Answer 2

I'd like to say it doesn't matter, but it does. there is only a few refineries in the us, but then the different companies add different additives. i get better mileage with different fuels. not always the more expensive fuels either. if you use higher octane fuel, you will have to have your vehicle tuned up for that fuel, and then stick to that octane rating. almost all cars are set for 87 octane. and they will run fine on that. you can always by the fuel additives from the store and add them your self to try to help keep you engine clean. and don't forget to do regular maintenance. you can't just buy expensive gas and expect your car to run forever. the high octane gas isn't as important now as when it was when we had carbureted engines.

Answer 3

the only real difference is the quality of the gas. A 'name' brand may test their gas more so if your car really depends on the higher octane to run right (like high boost turbo engines) you want to go with the top tier brands. If you are just driving a stock car, the only difference would be the amount of additives the top tier gas companies put in the fuel (ie, detergent etc.). Good gas burns a little cleaner and leaves less deposits.

Answer 4

Different formulations cause gasoline to burn differently yes. Some are cleaner than others, some formulas burn more efficiently due to additives. Can you "feel" much of a difference? Probably not so much. But there are some engines that just run better on certain types of gas. Depends on a lot of variables including the compression ratio, spark plug gap, induction method, tuning of the engine, computer settings, even the temperature of the ambient air and efficiency of the exhaust system just to name a few.
I have a car that I can't use one particular brand of gas in because it always plugs the injectors. Years ago I had a '65 Chevy Impala that ran remarkably better when I used Chevron gas. Go figure...

Answer 5

With current laws, sulfur content has drooped on a lot of "stations". Gas is pretty much the same all over. Octane is still important if your car requires a different level. As long as you don't buy your gas from some guy with a bucket and a hose around his neck, you will be OK.

Answer 6

I have always used the lowest price graded 87 depending on where you live. I have driven these same cars for over 200K miles with no issue. Of course on occasion you will a bad tank of gas, but this is just the way it works. I have 3 vehicles now and would not put anything over 87 octane in them, and they are perfectly fine..

Answer 7

Here's what I know. Ever see the ads where they say Chevron isn't sold in Detroit, so the automakers drive down to Kentucky to get it for their performance and emissions testing? It's true... I heard that from people in the auto industry ten years before Chevron advertised it.

Though honestly, for $3.00+ a gallon, they can keep it. My next car will be diesel, and I'll run biodiesel or SVO.