The G Man

Here in the U.S. Higher Octane fuels do not have better detergent, it is all the same additive no matter what octane you buy. On the other hand, different gas companies will have different additive package, so it is important to use top tier gas.

mandyfig

And for wholesale clubs such as Costco, BJ's and Sam's which gas are they actually using? Does anybody have the in on this? I will ask my friend who works for Costco and will let you know.

The G Man

They all use the same gas, there are just so many tank farms in each city. The difference is in the additives, but they all have to meet min. goverment standards. The big difference is the age of the gas and how well the station maintain their tanks.

mandyfig

When are the additives added and where?

The G Man

There is the myth that premium gas has more cleaning additives than regular, used to be that way years ago, before cleaning additive standards were federally mandated in 1995, ain't that way no more.

Also gasoline tends to be generic as it is passed on through the pipeline, and the rack terminals add their patented company additives destined for branded stations, and generic additives destined for unbranded stations. It's these additive packages that distinguish the different brands of gas.

harleydjce

Minimum federal standards are exactly that - Minimum! Premium fuels from reputable manufacturers generally contain a higher level of additives. It is no myth. The US is no different to the rest of the world. Try checking out this link to Shell's V-Power in the USA:

http://www.shell.com/home/Framework?..._lhn3_4_0.html

Given that premium fuels are sold at a premium price, the fuel companies need to distinguish their products by more than octane rating

The G Man

I stand corrected, Shell V-Power is good stuff. If you ever get a bad tank of gas, put that V-power in and it cleans everything up. I think it is the only brand out there right now that adds more detergent to their high octane fuel. Here is a link about the court case Exxon had about their claim that preimum gas will clean your engine better.

http://www.ftc.gov/opa/1996/09/exxon1.shtm

The bottom line is stick with top tier gas brands.

TunedRX300

There is a WSJ report that Costco gas is supplied by Chevron, Shell, or BP, just minus the additional additives. All gasoline sold in the US must meet the minimum EPA additive requirements.

AM1

iTrader: (6)

all gas comes from the same places the additives are the only difference.

mandyfig

Question is who and where are the additives put in?

The G Man

BMW, GM, Toyota and Honda got together and came up with a list of gas suppliers that meets their standard as top tier gas. They all agree that the min. gov. standards for detergent additive is simply not enough to keep the modern engine clean.

mandyfig

Where can we find this list?

TunedRX300

I agree, that is why I pour 12 oz of Chevron Techron Complete Fuel System Cleaner every 3-5K. According to Chevron, Techron additive sold in auto parts store is the same as those in Chevron's gasoline. Only catch is the % of good stuff such as PEA is different from Chevron gas and various Techron additives sold in bottles.

Autozone usually has free brand name additives that has PEA (after rebate), I have not paid more than tax and postages for three years, so Costco gas works out well for me: 1) it has EPA minimum additive to begin with, 2) additional carbon deposit should be removed with a strong dose of Techron once every 3-5K 4) $0.20 per gallon saving on the same octane rated gas

TunedRX300

http://www.toptiergas.com/

mandyfig

Great thanks. Now, if I can de-bug where Costco and BJ's get their gas, I will feel better.