[CalgaryDrummer]

So,

I tried searching but did not see a topic like this. I may have searched the wrong words.

Does anybody have strong opinions about where they fill up fuel? I.E. Esso VS Shell VS Petro Canada, etc etc?

I did not really "prefer" one over the other, but there was always one I avoided over the rest, and that was Esso.

I obviously have no idea why, but Esso gas made my Escort run like crap. My dad said the same thing on his work trucks. Shell was fine, Petro Canada was fine.

I understand it is probably more "location specific" than this, but that is partially why I am asking.

Do people ensure they fill up at the same company, or more specifically, same pump as much as possible?

I am mostly just curious, but I thought it would be a good debate....

 

[86524]

I use Esso but really only because I have their Speedpass and it makes fueling up quick and easy. Been fueling there for about ten years on various vehicles, never had a problem.

 

[jhayne]

I've only used Shell on mine so far only because of location (just right in front of our house) and I'd try to stick with only one brand. I don't see much incentive to switch around brands for the prices, because they only differ by a fraction of a cent (if that) most of the time.

What I'm playing around with now though is the type of fuel. I've used the 'Bronze' (87oct) and 'V-Power' (91oct) and I really notice a difference both in performance and fuel mileage, which I suspect is due to the ethanol content (10% ethanol vs none), but I could be wrong. I'm still not sure if that justifies the price difference though. Still yet to try their 'Silver' (89oct, 5% ethanol) fuel. Maybe that will hit the sweet spot for me

 

[CalgaryDrummer]

Thanks for the input. I just wonder about this "ethanol blended" and "nitrogen enriched" blah blah, and if it is a "snake oil salesman" sort of scenario, if you catch my drift.

I honestly find my car runs just a wee bit nicer on Petro Canada, regardless of the grade. I am trying all grades in patterns as well, and recording any differences I notice.

Thanks again for the replies!

 

[SydneyRoo]

I try to stick to Esso. I've been racking up Esso points for about 10 years now, and I use them for free car washes in the winter.

 

[jhayne]

Thanks for the input. I just wonder about this "ethanol blended" and "nitrogen enriched" blah blah, and if it is a "snake oil salesman" sort of scenario, if you catch my drift.

Actually, for ethanol it's the other way around. Ethanol-mixed fuel is supposedly not good for the car in terms of maintenance as it corrodes the parts faster, and you get less mileage. I think Canadian gas started putting it to make gas "cleaner" and less demand on oil. That's why there's less ethanol as you go up the fuel grade.

 

[SydneyRoo]

Actually, for ethanol it's the other way around. Ethanol-mixed fuel is supposedly not good for the car in terms of maintenance as it corrodes the parts faster, and you get less mileage. I think Canadian gas started putting it to make gas "cleaner" and less demand on oil. That's why there's less ethanol as you go up the fuel grade.

I wonder if there are any stations any more in this country that offer ethanol-free 87 gas. It seems all you can get is E10. When I was in Australia a couple months ago, you had the choice between E0 and E10 for regular base-grade gas. The E10 was usually 2-3 cents cheaper than E0, but not worth it IMO.

 

[Mike_Mac]

for me in general i go anywhere that has 91.
but when i put in 94 from petro canada my car really felt better and got much better gas mileage. not sure if the 94 has no ethanol in it or not as it said what all stations in Ontario say "contains up to 10% ethanol"

 

[86524]

This is the first vehicle in which I haven't had to put premium fuel in for over 10 years. I'm going to take advantage of that and just use regular unleaded - ethanol or not. Besides, the manual says up to 10% ethanol is fine.

 

[EddieWinslow]

I usually fill up at Pioneer. only because its right by my work, and their Bonus Bucks card is just easier than collecting so many points.

 

[Double Helix]

Truthfully, these new engines are so good that I doubt there's much a difference in the slight chemical mixes having a big impact.

I would recommend the non-touch car wash that Shell tends to offer though if you're unable to wash the car yourself. I took mine through another one (I can't remember what it was) and when I came out of the car wash one of the two black plastic parallel strips at the top of the car was slightly unclipped. I was easily able to pop it back down but repeated stress like that might ruin that connection permanently so be careful.

 

[CalgaryDrummer]

Seem most people feel it doesn't really matter, which is probably a good thing. I was somewhat thinking long term, and how these different compounds would impact wear and tear, if any.

As for washing, I only hand wash

 

[JCH841]

Lots of previous posts here and elsewhere. To save costs and such, much of the gasoline we buy comes through the same pipeline or out of the same tanks and the additives are put in when the truck is filled. Ethanol is generally added under government mandate as it is an oxygenate and helps reduce pollution. If you buy from a name brand station with newer tanks and high turnover of product you should be fine. If the station is convenient and has perks you like ...