Gas quality and preferences
11-10-2014, 08:53 PM
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
Gas quality and preferences
Hi, all I am reaching out to you guys for input, feedback, knowledge and experience concerning gas grade and brand. My concern is more so brand i am ignorant to the history behind fuel and would like the anyone to chime in I've been buying 93(premium) since I purchase the car for over a year now and the car still responding as how I received it from the day of purchase. My Question is what is the run down.
1. Am i purchasing from the right gas station of brand.
- I know all gas stations are approved by federal and has the certification for sale in the US. I just want to make sure im doing the right thing.
I do not live anywhere close to an ethanol free station as some of you have post so i have to to with the 93 in my area(new jersey).
2. What is a goo brand to purchase from.
here is some research and what your input from what I have found.
These Are the 10 Strongest Gasoline Brands -- and You'll Never Guess What's at No. 1
Thanks in advance we all want the best.
1. Am i purchasing from the right gas station of brand.
- I know all gas stations are approved by federal and has the certification for sale in the US. I just want to make sure im doing the right thing.
I do not live anywhere close to an ethanol free station as some of you have post so i have to to with the 93 in my area(new jersey).
2. What is a goo brand to purchase from.
here is some research and what your input from what I have found.
These Are the 10 Strongest Gasoline Brands -- and You'll Never Guess What's at No. 1
Thanks in advance we all want the best.
11-11-2014, 02:23 AM
#2
i dont have factual data but more my opinion seeing performance and gas consumption ... i was a "chevron" fan boy and always saw them as the best gas around, however, i switch to Shell and off the back, i notice a difference i(better) in response and get about 20-40 gallons extra per full tank compare to both gas companies.
11-11-2014, 07:12 AM
#4
Shell 91, at least in Canada, not sure what you got in the US. The 91 is ethanol free. Means the engine doesn't get too hot, well at least by a couple of degrees, and compression is better, because the fuel doesn't ignite too fast. Of course the computer can detect variations and adjust. But generally speaking Shell 91 makes things more quiet. The proprietary detergent they use does keep the valves cleaner than other brands.
Now, winter is coming... depending where you live, gasoline is switching to a winter blend that ads some kind of anti-freeze to prevent lines from freezing. But these chemicals are less than ideal performance-wise compare to the summer blends.
Other advice, avoid low volume gas stations and try to fill up at gas stations that get more traffic. Reason, they change the filters more often and the gas is "fresh"... yes, gas has an expiry date like yogurt LOL.
.. just some thoughts.
Now, winter is coming... depending where you live, gasoline is switching to a winter blend that ads some kind of anti-freeze to prevent lines from freezing. But these chemicals are less than ideal performance-wise compare to the summer blends.
Other advice, avoid low volume gas stations and try to fill up at gas stations that get more traffic. Reason, they change the filters more often and the gas is "fresh"... yes, gas has an expiry date like yogurt LOL.
.. just some thoughts.
11-11-2014, 07:27 AM
#5
Senior Moderator
iTrader: (1)
Shell or Chevron.
11-11-2014, 09:31 AM
#7
Drifting
iTrader: (1)
Stick to the top tier brands (per your owner's manual).
Exxon, Mobil, Chevron, Shell, BP to name a few...click link below for more.
Top Tier Retailers
Exxon, Mobil, Chevron, Shell, BP to name a few...click link below for more.
Top Tier Retailers
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11-11-2014, 11:14 AM
#8
Pretty much all the major names are the same. I used to finance a gasoline distributor and he said they sell the same gas to valero, exxon, etc. Chevron does add their own proprietary blend in Techron.
11-11-2014, 11:58 AM
#10
CTSV,TL, Audi Q7 & A5SB
Stick to the top tier brands (per your owner's manual).
Exxon, Mobil, Chevron, Shell, BP to name a few...click link below for more.
Top Tier Retailers
Exxon, Mobil, Chevron, Shell, BP to name a few...click link below for more.
Top Tier Retailers
11-11-2014, 07:47 PM
#13
Stay Out Of the Left Lane
Join Date: Oct 2003
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Primarily Sunoco or Mobil for me.
11-12-2014, 08:43 AM
#14
I use Petro Canada 94, I have their rewards discounts.
I want to switch to Shell 91 because I get the same mileage... but there's less of them in my area, and i'm waiting to use up my discounts first.
I've actually found some variance between different stations for Petro Canada as well. I get considerably better gas mileage at some than others. Not sure if it's the gas mix, or a bad pump maybe, but I record all my gas consumption details before i fill each and every time.
Esso 91 was pretty bad for me.
I want to switch to Shell 91 because I get the same mileage... but there's less of them in my area, and i'm waiting to use up my discounts first.
I've actually found some variance between different stations for Petro Canada as well. I get considerably better gas mileage at some than others. Not sure if it's the gas mix, or a bad pump maybe, but I record all my gas consumption details before i fill each and every time.
Esso 91 was pretty bad for me.
11-12-2014, 08:55 AM
#15
Advanced
You will get better MPG using Shell than Petro 94.
The petro-94 is not a *real 94 octane* fuel, its 91 octane + 15% added ethanol which obviously help vs pre-detonation and keep the motors head clean. Ive had 400+whp cars before and tuners will prefers that fuel but it decrease MPG. We could push the tune a bit more aggressive vs 91 shell.
I keep using petro-94 because the difference in MPG doesnt bother me and theres plenty here.
The petro-94 is not a *real 94 octane* fuel, its 91 octane + 15% added ethanol which obviously help vs pre-detonation and keep the motors head clean. Ive had 400+whp cars before and tuners will prefers that fuel but it decrease MPG. We could push the tune a bit more aggressive vs 91 shell.
I keep using petro-94 because the difference in MPG doesnt bother me and theres plenty here.
11-12-2014, 11:55 AM
#18
Advanced
11-12-2014, 01:14 PM
#19
Burning Brakes
Join Date: Nov 2011
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I went thru the gasoline debate 2 years ago - my '12 SH-AWD currently has 33K on the clock, and my motor loves the Shell V-Power 93 octane. I've run everything you can find in Northern IL and its by far the best performing, MPG and acceleration. BP 93 is my secondary. 91 octane runs for shit compared to the 93, at least in my car. My high mileage trips are usually to Iowa City, or Southern IL, and I get very agitated that every station in those areas maxxes at 91. Our MDX prefers the BP over Shell, but the difference was marginal - we average 17 in town with Shell, and 18 with BP...I often think the difference in 0-60 times posted for the 4G TL is due to fuel type used. It seems to make a big difference with these motors. Our camry never cared what it was fed lol
It stops @ 91 and only Petro make some fake 94 Octane.
11-12-2014, 11:55 PM
#24
Racer
Thread Starter
you know what, I've never tried another brand i always stick to Hess . In my area that station see non-stop traffic not just because it is 24 hrs it's always packed with OLE limo cars and trucks for some reason. The best I ever got from that station is 33 mpg highway...right now gas prices are low there premium 93 octane is $3.04 USD i always fill up there because it is close to work and that is the only place i fill up unless there is a Hess in my radius. Now because of you guys input i want to try shell and exxon mobil though mobil is a subsidiary of exxon to see if there is any difference and will let you guys know. Is it me? but does anybody uses the gasbuddy app?... since i got the car I downloaded the app and programmed it so that when it launches it shows my filtered gas brand and grade so if it is in the radius at a good price ill go for it.
GasBuddy.com - Find Low Gas Prices in the USA and Canada
GasBuddy.com - Find Low Gas Prices in the USA and Canada
Last edited by real_mckoy; 11-13-2014 at 12:00 AM.
11-14-2014, 09:22 AM
#25
Instructor
11-15-2014, 08:24 PM
#27
Racer
funny nobody uses 76 here in US...
I never used shell cause they are like 20-30cents for expensive..
I did feel performance difference when using chevron from 76...
I never used shell cause they are like 20-30cents for expensive..
I did feel performance difference when using chevron from 76...
11-15-2014, 10:38 PM
#28
Racer
Thread Starter
ive only seen two 76 gas stations 1. was in planet of the apes and 2. in watchung nj and ive never tried there gas. Though ive check the url to locate ethanol free gas in your area new jersey was not on the radar or atleast north jersey.. Anyone know of a location in the northern area of jersey everything is in pa
11-16-2014, 02:53 AM
#29
Burning Brakes
I honestly can't tell a damn difference between the gases when it comes to performance going from 91 to 94.
For me, I fill whatever is cheaper. A lot of gas stations in Canada are ethanol free and are the same price as gas stations with ethanol. Costco buys gasoline from refineries like Shell, BP and well known gas companies so it's no surprise that their gas is good and the price is best. The Costco at my local station in Ottawa uses gas from Ultramar (since my friend works there). So their gas is ethanol free which is what I fill. I usually go to Costco or Ultramar on Thursdays for that 3 cents off premium.
I filled 94 for a month just to see what difference it made. Since I never rev even past 5k, I didn't notice anything. I'm more of a get from point A to B and that's it kind of driver. Apparently filling 94 with ethanol performs better but burns faster than filling 91 that is ethanol free.
Here's a quote taken from Costco's website. According to them, it's standard to have additives so Shell is probably just fancying their name up when in reality, it's the law and every gas company has it.
For me, I fill whatever is cheaper. A lot of gas stations in Canada are ethanol free and are the same price as gas stations with ethanol. Costco buys gasoline from refineries like Shell, BP and well known gas companies so it's no surprise that their gas is good and the price is best. The Costco at my local station in Ottawa uses gas from Ultramar (since my friend works there). So their gas is ethanol free which is what I fill. I usually go to Costco or Ultramar on Thursdays for that 3 cents off premium.
I filled 94 for a month just to see what difference it made. Since I never rev even past 5k, I didn't notice anything. I'm more of a get from point A to B and that's it kind of driver. Apparently filling 94 with ethanol performs better but burns faster than filling 91 that is ethanol free.
Here's a quote taken from Costco's website. According to them, it's standard to have additives so Shell is probably just fancying their name up when in reality, it's the law and every gas company has it.
"Since gasoline formulations are specified by government standards, base gasoline is a fungible commodity with little difference between brands.
There are two aspects of fuel quality that depend on the gasoline brand and the individual retailer: detergent additives and station maintenance.
Detergent additives
Since 1995, Federal regulations mandate that all gasoline contain an EPA-approved detergent additive. These additives are designed to minimize engine deposits that can affect vehicle performance and emissions. The various proprietary detergent additive formulations are the main difference between brands of gasoline. All Costco gasoline, both regular and premium unleaded, contains detergent additives.
Station Maintenance
Good station operation and maintenance assures the fuel is filtered, and that no contaminants, such as sediment and water, find their way into our members' vehicles. Costco gas stations are well-maintained by our capable attendants so that only clean gasoline goes into your car.
- Costco uses fuel filters to catch any particles or debris larger than 10 microns in diameter. For comparison, the average human hair is seventy microns thick.
- Our attendants check the nozzle flow rate frequently to assure that our filters are fresh. When the flow rate falls below 8 gallons per minute, we change the filter.
- Costco uses ethanol-compatible filters designed to catch sediment, water, or phase-separated ethanol and water mixtures.
- Costco's electronic sensors continuously monitor our underground storage tanks for water.
- We physically sample our tanks at least weekly to confirm there is no contamination by both visual inspection and chemical detection."
There are two aspects of fuel quality that depend on the gasoline brand and the individual retailer: detergent additives and station maintenance.
Detergent additives
Since 1995, Federal regulations mandate that all gasoline contain an EPA-approved detergent additive. These additives are designed to minimize engine deposits that can affect vehicle performance and emissions. The various proprietary detergent additive formulations are the main difference between brands of gasoline. All Costco gasoline, both regular and premium unleaded, contains detergent additives.
Station Maintenance
Good station operation and maintenance assures the fuel is filtered, and that no contaminants, such as sediment and water, find their way into our members' vehicles. Costco gas stations are well-maintained by our capable attendants so that only clean gasoline goes into your car.
- Costco uses fuel filters to catch any particles or debris larger than 10 microns in diameter. For comparison, the average human hair is seventy microns thick.
- Our attendants check the nozzle flow rate frequently to assure that our filters are fresh. When the flow rate falls below 8 gallons per minute, we change the filter.
- Costco uses ethanol-compatible filters designed to catch sediment, water, or phase-separated ethanol and water mixtures.
- Costco's electronic sensors continuously monitor our underground storage tanks for water.
- We physically sample our tanks at least weekly to confirm there is no contamination by both visual inspection and chemical detection."
Last edited by andrewcjduong; 11-16-2014 at 02:59 AM.
11-16-2014, 06:59 PM
#30
^ funny how that Costco is next to the distribution center gas tanks on Hunt Club LOL... I bet you they just run a line underground from the tanks to the pumps 
PS. Ask the dealers who are lined up on Hunt Club road (Lexus, Audi, Nissan, Kia, Hyundai, Benz...) where they fill up the gas tanks of cars they sell and they'll all tell you down the street at Shell. I think they know a thing or two...
PS. Ask the dealers who are lined up on Hunt Club road (Lexus, Audi, Nissan, Kia, Hyundai, Benz...) where they fill up the gas tanks of cars they sell and they'll all tell you down the street at Shell. I think they know a thing or two...
Last edited by Tonyware; 11-16-2014 at 07:01 PM.
11-16-2014, 08:53 PM
#32
Burning Brakes
^ funny how that Costco is next to the distribution center gas tanks on Hunt Club LOL... I bet you they just run a line underground from the tanks to the pumps
PS. Ask the dealers who are lined up on Hunt Club road (Lexus, Audi, Nissan, Kia, Hyundai, Benz...) where they fill up the gas tanks of cars they sell and they'll all tell you down the street at Shell. I think they know a thing or two...
PS. Ask the dealers who are lined up on Hunt Club road (Lexus, Audi, Nissan, Kia, Hyundai, Benz...) where they fill up the gas tanks of cars they sell and they'll all tell you down the street at Shell. I think they know a thing or two...
11-18-2014, 02:53 AM
#33
Queen of SH-AWD
I follow the recommendations from the factory and manual.
That said, I only fill up with 91 + Octane.
I fill up with Shell V-POWER (93) or BP Amoco Ultimate (93).
If I'm lucky enough to be traveling thru states that have Sunoco, I'll fill up there with 93 or above. (Sunoco is my fave!)
If I can't fill up at one of those three stations, I'll drive to find it.
Following this has kept the car running as good as it did from day one.
Also, the better quality gas yields me better mileage.
I noticed if I fill up at Mobil, Marathon, 7-11, or Delta Sonic (Car Wash that sells their own brand of gasoline), I get reduced performance and shi**y gas mileage.
My two cents...
That said, I only fill up with 91 + Octane.
I fill up with Shell V-POWER (93) or BP Amoco Ultimate (93).
If I'm lucky enough to be traveling thru states that have Sunoco, I'll fill up there with 93 or above. (Sunoco is my fave!)
If I can't fill up at one of those three stations, I'll drive to find it.
Following this has kept the car running as good as it did from day one.
Also, the better quality gas yields me better mileage.
I noticed if I fill up at Mobil, Marathon, 7-11, or Delta Sonic (Car Wash that sells their own brand of gasoline), I get reduced performance and shi**y gas mileage.
My two cents...
11-20-2014, 11:49 AM
#35
rock the block
Apologies in advance if this is confusing.
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CerberusKy (11-21-2014)
12-02-2014, 11:07 PM
#38
Senior Moderator
Brand doesn't matter, what matters is the fuel mixture. As long as it's above 91 octane your car should be fine.
My 4G TL shows me the difference in 91, 92 and 93 octane. With 92 Octane the highest MPG I can achieve on a whole tank is 1-2MPG lower than with the 93 octane. The same happened with the 91 octane but the MPG drop was only 1 MPG.
Even if you don't have the best fuel in your area, use Redline SI-1 fuel cleaner every oil change. It'll keep everything running well. I've noticed a MPG boost after putting it in.
My 4G TL shows me the difference in 91, 92 and 93 octane. With 92 Octane the highest MPG I can achieve on a whole tank is 1-2MPG lower than with the 93 octane. The same happened with the 91 octane but the MPG drop was only 1 MPG.
Even if you don't have the best fuel in your area, use Redline SI-1 fuel cleaner every oil change. It'll keep everything running well. I've noticed a MPG boost after putting it in.
12-02-2014, 11:16 PM
#39
^What does this have to do with 4G TL? ------>Car Talk
12-04-2014, 12:58 AM
#40
Racer
Thread Starter
seems as if the avg is saying octane grade is what really matters than brand... i dontknow where this rumor started about shell or bp being the best or mobil, exxon (these are affiliated by the way). most gas companies get there oil from the same dist. one think is good to think about someone mention buying gas from heavily traffic station where they change the gas filters often that's good to know and thanks by the way for all who chimed in...
lol you do have some gas stations that seems to have diluted gas however such as raceway specfic RT22, the needle with rapidly move in front of your eyes this was a bad experience. This was a 1.8l civic is saw the digital bar decrease in minutes of driving bar by bar
lol you do have some gas stations that seems to have diluted gas however such as raceway specfic RT22, the needle with rapidly move in front of your eyes this was a bad experience. This was a 1.8l civic is saw the digital bar decrease in minutes of driving bar by bar
Last edited by real_mckoy; 12-04-2014 at 01:02 AM.