Check out this news footage... do you guys agree that gas is just gas?? I personally either get Shell, 76, or Chevron (91 octane here in CA)

http://playlist.yahoo.com/makeplaylist.dll?ID=1172289

 

In the interest of full disclosure, I work for a major oil company. However, I am not a chemist and I don't know what's in the gasoline. However, a couple of comments based on what little I have absorbed on the subject. First, gasoline has improved a lot over the years. Engine technology, and more specifically, tighter tolerances in the fuel injectors, etc. have forced refiners to produce a much cleaner product. Second, the news report is correct, the difference between gasoline brands is in the additive package and the various companies do have their own proprietary formulations that are considered to be unique, technical solutions to the challenges of providing a clean burning product that won't pollute, gum up your engine or cost too much.

One difference between branded and unbranded product that I feel strongly about is that if you purchase your gasoline from a major oil company, and you experience a problem with your car that is caused by their fuel, major oil companies have the ability and willingness to take care of your situation. Other sources may not. Admittedly, this type of situation is very uncommon, so it may not figure heavily into the selection process, but worth considering.

 

I spent three years working on analytical instruments for refineries. There are some differences in gasolines but there are a lot of factors.

First, as has already been pointed out, several brands may buy from the same refineries, but the difference is in the additives. Not only do some major brands like Chevron or Mobil have their own additive packages, but a VERY cheap station can even cut back on the off-the-shelf additives the refineries offer. It is sort of a "blend to order" scenario. If you ask for cheap gas, the refinery can sell you fewer additives and less detergence.

Some VERY cheap stations (you know, the local stations that aren't even part of a national chain) also buy "dregs". They agree to take the leftover from the tanker truck that makes other deliveries in the area. They get a good eal that way, and sometime they get good gas cheap. But OTHER times, they last layer of gas has the most crud in it becuase the truck sat for a few days (like over a weekend) and the stuff settled. It's not likely, but it does happen.

I tend to stick to name brands like Chevron (because Techron is a GREAT engine cleaner) or Mobil (because they scored tops in a BMW motor club gasoline test a few years back.

If you do get some bad gas and suspect dirty injectors or valves, try a coupe of bottles of Techron concentrate. Not something "with techron" but "Techron Concentrate". That stuff is really good IMO.

 

I try to stay to big names, I use BP now that they have amoco gas, and chevron. I occasionally fill up at QT, not sure how good their gas is, but they are a huge chain out here atleast, so I figure they are not likely to hurt my car, they also gaurentee their gas very clearly.

 

Evidently there are some significan differences in brands, at least as far as their addatives. Check out this link:
http://waw.wardsauto.com/magazineart...107&mode=print

For more than you ever wanted to know about global fuel issues check out:
http://www.worldenergy.org/wec-geis/...wnloads/05.pdf

 

I am sure the area makes a difference. I live in florida and 1.90 is a bit. I try to stay on the better quality but I did find Citgo for a 1.77 near my house. I had to do it.

 

/cry

 

To expensive for me these days. Randalls (grocery store) has the absolute cheapest on 93 octane out here these days. I don't know how it is where others live but grocery stores are the hot spots for gas these days. They only started having gas in the past couple of years (this is not a warehouse club, regular grocery store). I just got 93 premium for $1.49 the other day, you can't beat that.

The main places I stay away from are non-chains, and bad parts of town. My reason being is that an independent or a bad part of town would be much more likely I would think, to try and cheat the customers somehow. I've seen reports of gas stations selling only 87 octane in all the pumps, or their pumps cheating customers out of gas by making them short you gas, etc.