Gasoline: Do Certain Brands Make Your Car Run Better?

CJ from Granite Bay, CA · 01-03-02, 01:38

There are many types of gasoline that is marketed for todays automobiles. Each refinery adds its own additives while others don't. Do you feel your vehicle performs better using a "name brand" than some unknown brand of gasoline?

Jonbth · 01-03-02, 01:53

I've been using Mobil Super exclusively in my 88 S10 Blazer since it was new. It has 150,000 miles on it and I've never had an injector or emissions part fail (except the O2 sensor). I won't use anything else. I also have used Mobil 1 oil, that's probably why my engine still looks like new inside when I take the oil cap off.

Guess My Name · 01-03-02, 02:07

My truck likes any fuel with out water in it!!!!

I love the cheap stuff myself do to pricing!!

Dan E. · 01-03-02, 03:13

I don't know if they make my vehicle run better, but some brands just make my explorer feel better. Kind of hard to explain.

All I know is STAY AWAY FROM 711 gas, at least here in Utah.

TortoiseAWD · 01-03-02, 04:39

I have little choice in the matter . . . in Omaha, only Amoco carries high-octane pure dino juice (no ethanol) that the WRX likes. The nearest competitor is 91 octane 10% ethanol, so I stick with Amoco.

Tort

olivher · 01-04-02, 08:46

I've just tried some testing with our 2001 Accord. For about a tank full, I used Chevron 87 octane and I got 30mpg on that tank. Previously, we would consistently get 28mpg on Costco 87 octane gas. I don't know if the 2mpg increase was due to the gas brand because there have been many reports that the Accord's mpg increases over time. I did this test when the car hit 7500 miles. I'll have to monitor it again to find out if there really is a difference.

CJ from Granite Bay, CA · 01-04-02, 10:09

Over the past several years, when making trips to either So. Cal or Arizona I would use Unocal 76 going in one direction, air conditioning on (druing the summer) and try to maintain a certain speed throughout the trip. When returning I would use a non-major brand and tried to duplicate the same driving scenario. In doing so, I noticed the engine to run some what warmer than using Unocal 76 and the mpg was lower. I also have noticed that using Standard's Chevron gasoline with Techron does in fact keep the injectors clean. So needless to say, when driving around town I use Chevron and on the highway Unocal 76.

Kev · 01-04-02, 10:47

When I was in College (10 - 12 years ago) I worked with a lady whose brother owned an Auto Repair Shop. He did a survey of all his customers that came in with problems that could be related to the gas. He found that the the most problems came from Texaco and Exxon. I know that there are a lot more factors to consider, but I will not buy gas from either of them unless I have to.

Short Cut · 01-04-02, 11:07

I don't know about other parts of the country but in California Shell gas sucks! I have bad experiences with it in the past so I have stayed away. Then last summer I was travelling with my fifth wheel trailer and Shell was the only convenient gas to get at the time but boy was I sorry when their premium octane gas pinged like a diesel engine. I've been told that Shell gas typically has more water in it than other brands although I have no way to substantiate that claim.

I try to stick with Chevron premium especially for the motorcycles and Porsche. btw the Techroline additive is available in little bottles in most Chevron stations and some autoparts houses and I've had mechanics tell me that it really does help to clean your injectors.

PrinzII · 01-04-02, 01:56

I am strictly Mobil. For some reason, their gas seems to last longer in my cars than others. Right behind them is Shell. I don't do BP/Amoco or the cheapies because they burn too quick

Guess My Name · 01-04-02, 02:06

I must say I have never been able to tell a real difference in mileage with gas. Heck I get from 14-18 depending on how I drive. With a range of 450 usable miles I doubt I could ever drive the same to see if one gas was better than another.

Now if it sucks I can tell by engine noise like if there is water in it. but with the pig I have if I stomp it once or twice a week I get crappy mileage.

As for refineries most of them around here make gas for many different stations. SO I wonder if they clean the trucks out ot not??? That would make a bunch of difference I would guess.