Chevron/Shell/Arco/Valero...which gas do you use? (price, oil)

[sandy7]

Just wondering if the perciptible folks in this forum have some inputs....I find ARCO having the cheapest rates often. Is there a big difference in the mileage you get or what it does to your engine?

[hsw]

Vaguely recall reading Chevron fuel is a bit higher quality than other brands

Choose a well-maintained, newer fuel station in an area likely to have high-perf cars often refueling...higher odds of station having well-maintained fuel tanks (w/o contaminants in fuel) and rapid turnover of fuel (esp high-grade stuff)

Biggest risk w/dubious fuel sources is major damage to engine due to any contaminants...saving a few bucks may ultimately cost many $K bucks

[AA702]

I have a few trucks that I use for my business. I have found that in my 1999 Toyota Tacoma 2.4 Ltr/manual trans that if I use Chevron Gas.. it give me more power and better mileage. I never thought there was a difference in gas, but for that truck it makes a difference. I also use a 2005 Ford F150 V8 automatic. I cannot tell the difference in that truck when I use Chevron or a generic brand, so you will just have to experiment. I would get Chevron because I know their fuel is a little better and it might be worth the few cents more per gallon. I also recommend people to use a fuel system treatment every oil change just to get the junk out of your fuel systems. Also check your Air/Fuel filters often. Just my 2 Cents.

[bigdumbgod]

Rotten Robbie, baby!

(Siphon might be #1 in a pinch, with proper skills)

[sonarrat]

Costco all the way.

[mrzod]

I have a spreadsheet (super geek here!!) that I use to keep track of: my mileage, gas station fuel efficiency, average price paid, frequency of patronage, etc.

I like Shell.

[itzjeremiah]

I usually use ARCO or Shell. Contrary to those thinking that ARCO is "cheap" or lower grade, my friend owns a franchise and their fuel is by no means "low grade". You'll also find that most "name brand" gas stations use outside vendors when they can't get brand trucks to their stations.

[sandy7]

Thanks y'all for the inputs. I've been using Chevron and Shell and have been getting close to 27 mpg on my 1998 honda tin can, although most of it has been freeway.

What steps do you take to bump up the gas mileage? I usually avoid the A/C and stick to 45-50mph on the freeway for now.

[gooski]

Originally Posted by sonarrat

Costco all the way.

Yup - you have to wait a bit longer due to the lines but you can't beat the price.

They only have two grades as they don't have the middle grade that most stations have.

[sandy7]

I just found out I bumped the mpg from 26.9 to 31.6 using Chevron all the time. Need to add that I ensure every week that my tires are inflated to the right PSI and whenever I use the highway, I stick to 55mph which is the optimum speed for fuel consumption. I will give the car for a tune-up as well and see what effect it has.