top tier gas stations

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mwmorph

Diamond Member
Dec 27, 2004
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The difference between that shell superclean gasoline thing and normal Exxon/Mobil/any other is usually 1 quart of detergent per 9000gallons(1 truck) of gasoline. Otherwise, gas is gas, it's not like you can make the hydrocarbons longer or shorter(otherwise it'd be called jet fuel or diesel) and that 15% ethanol is... well chemically identical ethanol.

If you want to take care of your car's fuel system, just keep ti well maintained.
 

CrimsonWolf

Senior member
Oct 28, 2000
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Yep, different detergents. For a given region, it's all the same gas. Gasoline is gasoline is gasoline. What differentiates brands is when they add different detergents and additives to make it their brand (e.g. Gas + Techron = Chevron, Gas + V-Power = Shell, etc.)

So, arguably, the Top Tier have better detergents to keep your engine clean over the long-run. I don't think it's a matter of how "strong" the gasoline is or anything like that. But I have no idea whether Top Tier actually makes a difference.
 

evident

Lifer
Apr 5, 2005
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Originally posted by: CrimsonWolf
Yep, different detergents. For a given region, it's all the same gas. Gasoline is gasoline is gasoline. What differentiates brands is when they add different detergents and additives to make it their brand (e.g. Gas + Techron = Chevron, Gas + V-Power = Shell, etc.)

So, arguably, the Top Tier have better detergents to keep your engine clean over the long-run. I don't think it's a matter of how "strong" the gasoline is or anything like that. But I have no idea whether Top Tier actually makes a difference.

from the many links i've read on the interwebz, nobody really knows, and i can't tell the difference either.
 

Perknose

Forum Director & Omnipotent Overlord
Forum Director
Oct 9, 1999
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Originally posted by: ElFenix
different detergents

True, and yet, the big brands/refiners commonly use each other's tanker deliveries in a pinch, the difference matters so little.

 
Aug 23, 2000
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I'm not to picky about my gas, but I absolutely will not buy from Fina. All the Fina stations around here are in such bad shape, that I would imagine the problems i've experienced with them in the past is because their tanks leak and let in ground water.
 

Vette73

Lifer
Jul 5, 2000
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Originally posted by: RU482
TOP TIER GAS = MARKETING

:thumbsup:


Don;t worry about the name but worry about the pumps and tanks. A old tank and/or old filter on a pump can let in water and dirt.

So buy the cheapest gas that has good tanks/pumps.
 

Doggiedog

Lifer
Aug 17, 2000
12,780
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I think the more important question is what is the worst gasoline?

I'm thinking Lukoil, Delta, Hess and Gulf since they are the cheapest around here.
 

jagec

Lifer
Apr 30, 2004
24,442
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Detergents, but more importantly quality of underground tanks and delivery systems. An Arco station with a brand-new tank is probably better than a rusty old Chevron station, but overall Chevron has better additives.
 

SickBeast

Lifer
Jul 21, 2000
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Apparently the government goes around testing the gas sold at all the stations and they shut down anyone who waters down their gas or anything stupid like that.

I've personally had the best mileage on Shell and Ultramar gas. I find Esso to be the worst, Sunoco and Petro Canada are both sorta medium.

This is in Canada BTW.
 

JMapleton

Diamond Member
Nov 19, 2008
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I know some cheaper gas stations have bad gas, but in mainstream gas stations gas is just gas.
 

Bignate603

Lifer
Sep 5, 2000
13,897
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Hmm, QuikTrip meets it. Usually it's the cheapest gas in my area except for Arco (can't use my credit card without a ridiculous charge so I refuse to buy from them) or the really crummy independent ones that look like they're about to fall apart.

If it's cheap and meets the higher standard why not get it?
 
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