Where do buy gasoline from?

[esquire.]

With the spike in gasoline prices, I'm curious as to where people buy their gas from? Is gasoline a commodity, or is there a difference in quality among the different gas stations- Exxon, Chevron, Arco, Costco, etc... And, do you buy unleaded, unleaded plus, or premium?

If I buy the cheapest gas around at Arco, will I regret this later on?

 

[username79]

Originally Posted by esquire.

With the spike in gasoline prices, I'm curious as to where people buy their gas from? Is gasoline a commodity, or is there a difference in quality among the different gas stations- Exxon, Chevron, Arco, Costco, etc... And, do you buy unleaded, unleaded plus, or premium?

If I buy the cheapest gas around at Arco, will I regret this later on?

I buy at BP, because I just got the BP Visa - 10% off for 2 months, 5% thereafter. Can't be that -- nearly 40 cents off per gallon at the peak of the summer months! I have to put premium in my car and it really helps. You should look into it. There are BPs everywhere I go so it is convenient.

AFAIK, there is no difference in gas between stations in the US. It is all marketing.

 

[Otter91]

Originally Posted by esquire.

With the spike in gasoline prices, I'm curious as to where people buy their gas from? Is gasoline a commodity, or is there a difference in quality among the different gas stations- Exxon, Chevron, Arco, Costco, etc... And, do you buy unleaded, unleaded plus, or premium?

If I buy the cheapest gas around at Arco, will I regret this later on?

I buy gas for my sports car at 76 stations. Here in California, we are limited to 91 octane, and even then, most stations don't actually reach the octane levels that they claim. After a long conversation with the gentleman who performed the computer tune on my car, 76 stations have the closest to accurate ratings for octane here in CA. This is very important in a performance car as that octane is what prevents detonation and makes the fuel burn at a consistent rate.
Outside of the performance realm, there is little to worry about with "cheap" gas. I buy gas for my pickup at the local Flyers station (cheapest place on the block). The added detergents that are Shell and Chevron are all over right now, are really nothing that will be helpful to the car in a practical sense. Unfortunately, my tuner said that Chevron happens to test quite similarly to Arco (can you say profit!?)
If you are worried about engine buildup, one of the best things that you can do is run a fuel system cleaner (available at any auto parts store or gas station) each time you change your oil. It will keep your injectors flowing well, which is a huge part of the equation.

As for octane ratings, you should use the lowest octane rating that is recommended by your cars manufacturer. Using higher octane fuel can actually make your car run worse if your car isn't meant to run on it. Regular gas is best for most cars, check your owners manual, there will probably be a recommendation.

Hope this helps

Ryan

 

[centalones]

I refuse to buy at BP ever since they installed these annoying speakers that blare whenever you start to pump gas.

I mostly buy gas from the station affiliated with the grocery store I normally shop to get their fuel discounts.

 

[DNW]

I have a discount card from the local grocery store that saves me 10 cents/gallon for every $50 I spend there. So, I save on average 20-30 cents/gallon at Sunoco every time I fill up my 17-gallon tank. It's a nice little perk that the grocery store gives to its customers. Other than that, I don't really care where I get my gas from.

 

[Piobaire]

We buy from CostCo or Sam's Club, whichever is convenient at the time. We both use premium. $80 to fill today.

 

[Toad]

Exxon Mobil. What a great gas station.

 

[Bradford]

Costco or Sams Club, whichever is convenient.

 

[sonick]

In Canada, anecdotally I've heard that Chevron has the best quality gas.

 

[riverrun]

ebay

 

[DNW]

Originally Posted by riverrun

ebay

Your car can run on used gas?

 

[imageWIS]

BP. I support the petroleum company that actually loses money.

Jon.

 

[riverrun]

Originally Posted by DarkNWorn

Your car can run on used gas?

Pre-guzzled, please.

 

[robin]

I get mine at the airport. The engines in my cars don't last too long, but at least I save a bundle.

 

[LabelKing]

I prefer Chevron--the mechanics suggested Chevron. The car is supposed to use Premium but Premium in those days was something like 87. However, I still get Premium, not Medium.