Gas Brands: share your experiences
01-04-16, 11:29 AM
#16
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Texas
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I use whichever is cheapest at the time from Shell/Chevron/Exxon for peace of mind that the additives are somehow helping. When I'm in a bind I'd use Murphy.
I do log fillups/service/performance notes in a spreadsheet and have noticed that some petrol stations, regardless of brand have poorer mpg/other performance.
Why? Tank contamination, misrepresented octane, who knows....?
I just avoid those.
01-04-16, 11:38 AM
#17
Driver School Candidate
So I'm kind of OCD when it comes to gas brands.
So, based on my anecdotal findings, here is how I rated them from best to worst:
1. Chevron
HUGE GAP
2. Shell
HUGE GAP
3. Exxon
4. BP
5. Arco
The differences, in my opinion, between Chevron premium and the rest was huge. If I couldn't find a Chevron, I would go with Shell, but it wasn't nearly as good as Chevron.
The rest, including Exxon, BP and Arco were just crap in my opinion.
To this day, I only use Chevron and haven't been disappointed at all.
So what gas brand do you use?
So, based on my anecdotal findings, here is how I rated them from best to worst:
1. Chevron
HUGE GAP
2. Shell
HUGE GAP
3. Exxon
4. BP
5. Arco
The differences, in my opinion, between Chevron premium and the rest was huge. If I couldn't find a Chevron, I would go with Shell, but it wasn't nearly as good as Chevron.
The rest, including Exxon, BP and Arco were just crap in my opinion.
To this day, I only use Chevron and haven't been disappointed at all.
So what gas brand do you use?
Last edited by bsimonds; 01-04-16 at 11:39 AM. Reason: Spelling
01-04-16, 12:16 PM
#18
Since I've been in the refining and pipeline industry for 20+ years, I'll give you my two cents. Raw gasoline, (no additives) is made to specification for the area served. California has a special blend, so the refineries make the raw gas to that specification. A host of analyzers ensure the gas meets spec and records are kept and verified. The south, east, and most of the midwest is served by pipelines. Refineries in the Houston area all pool the raw gas into the two or three main pipelines and it spits out at various tank farms along the way. It is then piped to a local distribution center, where the additives are added in and trucked to the local gas station. Except for Amoco 93, that is kept by itself in the pipeline.
So, yes, worry about old junky gas stations, but most have fiberglass tanks underground per EPA laws. But don't worry about the raw gas. It is all the same. In fact, refiners will sometime err on the side of more octane giveaway. So midrange makes the most sense, if you can get it. Additives do make a difference, I guess.
So, yes, worry about old junky gas stations, but most have fiberglass tanks underground per EPA laws. But don't worry about the raw gas. It is all the same. In fact, refiners will sometime err on the side of more octane giveaway. So midrange makes the most sense, if you can get it. Additives do make a difference, I guess.
01-04-16, 02:56 PM
#23
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Seat of the pants! Lol, yeah it's all anecdotal. Just "felt" more sluggish and throttle-response, smoothness all felt off to me comparatively speaking.
Of course, there might be other factors involved, as others have mentioned, and it was all based on my subjective feel and nothing more.
In any case, I still choose Chevron almost exclusively.
01-04-16, 03:50 PM
#25
Lexus Fanatic
The reviews showing a lack of difference between stations is testament to how the LS is not sensitive to octane. I have experienced the same thing in all 3 generations of the LS's I have owned. Other vehicles I have are much more sensitive. Shell, BP, Chevron, and Exxon were the most consistent for higher octane quality in my experience.
01-04-16, 04:46 PM
#26
I usually get Shell, but over the years I've used all brands and discount no name gas. Frankly I've never really noticed a difference. Occasionally I seem to notice that my gas mileage was a little below normal, but then it could have been a different mix of driving.
01-04-16, 04:53 PM
#27
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Yeah, to be honest, I haven't tried other brands in this vehicle yet and basing my opinions on my previous vehicles.
I could tell or feel, subjectively, differences in the Honda 3.5L engine in my Acura and even more so in my older cars.
Maybe I'll run through a couple tanks of other brands and see if there's a difference.
I could tell or feel, subjectively, differences in the Honda 3.5L engine in my Acura and even more so in my older cars.
Maybe I'll run through a couple tanks of other brands and see if there's a difference.
01-05-16, 06:43 AM
#28
Don't know if you have ever had a vehicle tuned to high octane fuel but this is when you notice the biggest difference. Stock tunes are dumbed down to prevent preignition and knocking even in turbo & supercharged vehicles. After a custom tune it is much more noticeable. Need that octane to advance the timing.
Last edited by Lexuslsguy; 01-05-16 at 06:48 AM.
01-05-16, 07:11 AM
#29
Lexus Fanatic
Originally Posted by Lexuslsguy
Don't know if you have ever had a vehicle tuned to high octane fuel but this is when you notice the biggest difference. Stock tunes are dumbed down to prevent preignition and knocking even in turbo & supercharged vehicles. After a custom tune it is much more noticeable. Need that octane to advance the timing.
01-05-16, 07:17 AM
#30
I have the same experience as you with factory tunes. Very different story with custom tunes. The vehicle becomes much more sensitive to lower octane fuels. Then again you gain significant hp and tq over the factory setup.