What Brand of Gas Do You Use?

EIA diagram on typical gasoline distribution:



The brand-specific additives and detergents are added when the gasoline is transferred to the tanker truck (last step).

 

I have yet to see any non-biased empirical evidence to support non-EtOH gets better mileage than EtOH fuel, but to each their own. I do know that the ethanol lobbiests do a damn good job.

Also keep in mind that non-EtOH gasoline is not available in many metropolitan areas.

Then you know that although all gasolines are made to certain specifications, not all gasoline is blended the same way using the same components, and certainly the quality of said components varies greatly. Refiners also add additives to help the individual gasoline components and the overall blend meet specs as well.

To address the posts by Artillery, Boone Taco, and KenLyns:

The EIA is a great source of refining and commodity/production information and benchmarks.

If you live in a remote area like McKee, TX, Ardmore OK, or Billings, MT chances are that the gasoline you buy at the Shell, Exxon, Chevron, Gulf, etc etx gas station came from the local refinery. Yes, I understand Billings, MT is a small city, but the geographic location of it makes it remote is the access to pipeline/transportation. The ONLY difference in buying different brand gasoline in markets such as those is the name brand and possibly the additive package. The latter is added at the truck rack when the tanker trailer is filling.

If however you live in a major metropolitan area like Houston, LA, New York, etc the gasoline you buy is from a tank in a tank farm or terminal somewhere tha contains a hodgepodge of gasoline from different refineries and pipelines. I'm skipping some of the intermediaries for ease but as with the smaller markets, what makes the gasoline you buy at Shell (for example) Shell Gasoline is the additive package that's added at the pump rack.

ON OCCASION with a large terminal tank be treated to meet the specs of a particular customer (like Shell, Marathon, etc) but in my experience it's rare and mainly applies to diesel because any given barrel of gasoline may "change hands" numerous times before it's actually sold to the final customer. Diesel is a little different for a number of reasons that I won't go into depth here (unless someone asks ) but in the broad strokes there is a greater number of variables with diesel than with gasoline.

 

My biggest issue is winter blend gas here in the northeast...I lose about 2mpg or 10% of my fuel economy on winter gas...

also you don't want to be using any EtOH fuel in lawn equipment (Chainsaw, trimmer etc)...turns the carbs to goop...

 

We typically use Shell in our vehicles. We live close to a reservation, so the Shell price of gas there costs a bit less than the local Arco (not that I would put that in my vehicles).

When we're traveling we'll go with Shell, Chevron/Texaco, or Mobil.

 

Disclaimer: I have not read the entire thread.

My grandfather used to work pretty high up in Ultramar Diamond Shamrock, which is now known as Valero. They are pretty popular here around Texas, so I don't know your familiarity with them.

I remember him refusing to purchase gas at one of the cheaper no-name stations. I was shocked that he bought gas from Texaco and not from Diamond Shamrock (before they merged with Ultramar). I asked him why he would support the competition and not the cheaper alternatives. In summary, here is the answer he gave me.

Name brand gasoline companies use a higher quality additive package to make their fuel. Lesser brand gas companies use government subsidized and/or cheaper additive packages to lower production costs. These cheaper additive packages leave deposits and residue that hinders performance, mileage, engine life, etc.

I tend to go with Exxon because there is one near my house that is consistently equal to or less expensive than the Quik Trip across the street.

 

I tend to go to Exxon because there's one conveniently located on the right-hand side of the street on my way home from work, with a decent touchless car wash, and I collect points toward free washes. Since my truck will likely die of rust well before any engine problems develop, the free washes are arguably more important...

 

Win.

 

Other. I fuel up where it is most convenient at the time I need gas. Use 93. When I remember/catch it, it's at a 1/4 tank.

 

I voted other because Sunoco was not on the list.

 

^Are you one of these people?

 

I live in California and have noticed 2 things, during an out-of-state vacation.

1 - gas is much less expensive as soon as I leave the state (Nevada, say) .
2 - the car gets better highway gas mileage using non-Calif gas.