what brand of gas do you use
07-21-2011, 05:46 PM
#16
Race Director
07-21-2011, 05:59 PM
#17
Nordschleife Master
07-21-2011, 06:08 PM
#18
Rennlist Member
Ahh, there's the secret. There's magic in knowing the truth behind WHY they might recommend it. Don't be disappointed if in the process of seeking an answer, you are offered nothing scientific. That's the nature of marketing, and possibly in this case, marketing alliances.
The whole Tier game in gasoline has a certain element of snob appeal, which reflects well (to the right demographic) on the manufacturers and refiners who participate. (all high-end outfits with high-end prices)Of course these are my opinions. But I don't believe that 32 ounces of any substance added to 8,500 gallons of fuel at any octane, will result in (a) a markedly superior fuel, or (b) a fuel worth a nickel more per gallon at the pump.
07-21-2011, 06:23 PM
#20
I shop for ethanol free gas, regardless of the brand. I would rather have gas not contaminated by ethanol than a "top tier" brand.
07-21-2011, 10:04 PM
#26
Instructor
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Just as an FYI, more octane does not equate to more power. Once you achieve the requirements set forth by manufacturer - more octane does not do anything more for you.
Read all you can about octane here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Octane_rating
Even in different parts of the US we have different ratings - most likely because of elevation. In the coastal part of Texas we have 87, 89 and 93 as the most offered combination. The article also highlights detergents etc and their effect on octane ratings.
The US has only so many refineries and most make gas for many different companies - in the end, the additives are what separate a chevron from an Exxon/Mobil, etc.
What most dont really know is that your local Wal-Mart of grocery store get gas from the same wholesale distributors. They get the gas that did not pass the "sample test", but could have been Chevron or Exxon gas.
Just my .02... It's your car, so ultimately you have to be comfortable with what you fill it with.
Read all you can about octane here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Octane_rating
Even in different parts of the US we have different ratings - most likely because of elevation. In the coastal part of Texas we have 87, 89 and 93 as the most offered combination. The article also highlights detergents etc and their effect on octane ratings.
The US has only so many refineries and most make gas for many different companies - in the end, the additives are what separate a chevron from an Exxon/Mobil, etc.
What most dont really know is that your local Wal-Mart of grocery store get gas from the same wholesale distributors. They get the gas that did not pass the "sample test", but could have been Chevron or Exxon gas.
Just my .02... It's your car, so ultimately you have to be comfortable with what you fill it with.
07-21-2011, 10:56 PM
#28
Race Director
don't know whose minimums you are referring to, but every drop that comes out of the terminal meets EPA minimums. Additional additives are then added by some brands in order to differentiate their fuel offer (otherwise known as a commodity--for a reason). Top Tier, Techron, etc are nothing more than marketing ploys.
Believe me, when somebody develops a gasoline that is better for your vehicle, whether it makes your engine last longer or gets you better fuel efficiency, you will hear about it on the NEWS. That would be a truly newsworthy event, given that every adult driver has money in their pockets, and the news channels' objective is to reach CONSUMERS.
Otherwise the only place you will be hearing about fancy/superior/newfangled fuels is in the major brand marketing programs/materials. A very interesting story would be the truth behind the alliance between select auto manufacturers and refiners in the marketing of "Top Tier" fuels. It's all smoke and mirrors.
Believe me, when somebody develops a gasoline that is better for your vehicle, whether it makes your engine last longer or gets you better fuel efficiency, you will hear about it on the NEWS. That would be a truly newsworthy event, given that every adult driver has money in their pockets, and the news channels' objective is to reach CONSUMERS.
Otherwise the only place you will be hearing about fancy/superior/newfangled fuels is in the major brand marketing programs/materials. A very interesting story would be the truth behind the alliance between select auto manufacturers and refiners in the marketing of "Top Tier" fuels. It's all smoke and mirrors.
While we are talking about USA gas I suspect the same holds true here. Safeway, Wal-Mart and other retailers with gasoline outlets probably shop for the cheapest gas around and while it I'm sure meets EPA (or some other agency standards) is probably near the bottom in this regard.
I have noticed that when I run say Rotten Robbie or USA gas in my 02 Boxster the check engine light has a tendency to come on more readily. It is the same error P0430 which a weak converter. But when I stick with Shell (and there are few stations around that have competitive prices) under the same weather and driving conditions the check engine light stays off.
I noticed this when gas prices were so frickin high a while back and I started resorting to cheaper priced gas as during this time the price difference was 10 cents a gallon or a bit more.
My Turbo gets Shell or some other top brand name gas always.
Sincerely,
Macster.
07-21-2011, 11:08 PM
#29
Rennlist Member
ours is a mostly independent market, but the major brands refine the product that is sold here. There's a very real chance that the brand you buy isn't refined by the brand you buy. What happens to fuel once it reaches retailer's storage tanks can certainly be a difference-maker. Bottom line is you should only buy fuel from reputable people who you know take pride in the quality of their products, and who stand behind them always.
