How is Costco Wholesale GAS???
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Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Northeast
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The difference is in the blending done at each refinery. They each choose which chemicals to add to the end product they produce. That varies depending on a lot of things. This is a good page from a customer site highlighting how they do it:
http://www.innospecinc.com/choose-yo.../americas.html
Thinking that buying gas from the same company year-round or even one fill-up to the next means you get the same gas is just wrong. They go towards a consistent formula, but it's never the same. You could get a tank of gas that has been under not-so-ideal storage conditions and has a "bad" blend of additives resulting in poor performance, but the next time at the same station you could get an "ideal" tank of gas.
At the end of the day, it's just gas and it's more prone to personal preference and mythology than anything. It's gas. Buy from your local no-name station that's cheaper than others and you're just as likely to get the same product as something branded with a major name. In fact you could get a "better" tank of gas than your local named station.
EDIT: And if you read that page from the link I provided, and understand everything they're saying, then either you're a genius or a petrochemical engineer. I deal with people like that all the time and honestly, what they do is above my head.
http://www.innospecinc.com/choose-yo.../americas.html
Thinking that buying gas from the same company year-round or even one fill-up to the next means you get the same gas is just wrong. They go towards a consistent formula, but it's never the same. You could get a tank of gas that has been under not-so-ideal storage conditions and has a "bad" blend of additives resulting in poor performance, but the next time at the same station you could get an "ideal" tank of gas.
At the end of the day, it's just gas and it's more prone to personal preference and mythology than anything. It's gas. Buy from your local no-name station that's cheaper than others and you're just as likely to get the same product as something branded with a major name. In fact you could get a "better" tank of gas than your local named station.
EDIT: And if you read that page from the link I provided, and understand everything they're saying, then either you're a genius or a petrochemical engineer. I deal with people like that all the time and honestly, what they do is above my head.
Thanks, too much bad info out there. If anybody here ever has any questions about the petroleum industry, then I'll be happy to help. I'm just waiting for the idiot that tells me I don't know what I'm talking about! 
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Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Pasadena, CA
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Thanks Teflon
Sounds like the only difference in source is amount of detergent. Then quality attributable to supply chain (e.g. mixing in diesel or sediment) is a crap shoot depending on each link of the supply chain.
Now I just need to drive to another state to buy it as CA seems to tax me for everything I do or don't do.
Sounds like the only difference in source is amount of detergent. Then quality attributable to supply chain (e.g. mixing in diesel or sediment) is a crap shoot depending on each link of the supply chain.
Now I just need to drive to another state to buy it as CA seems to tax me for everything I do or don't do.
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Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Chicago
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I use Wal-Mart Synthetic Super Tech oil on my car and my IMS loves it!
Seriously though,
I remember in the 90's, BP launched a marketing campaign that showed the "clear" choice was in their gas and during that time, all the fuel pumps had a clear window on it so you can see the clear gas flowing through it. This didn't last too long IIRC.
I missed the replies to this thread until now with the holidays and all...
<teflon gets Remington 870 from closet and racks shell>
What's your address Jasper?
Yup, basically. There's a lot more additives than detergents though. Stabilizers, octane boosters, all sorts of things.
This isn't my area of expertise, but I think it was a safety item.
What's your address Jasper?
Seriously though,
teflon, do you have any insight as to why BP no longer has the port on the fuel pump that shows that gas being clear?
I remember in the 90's, BP launched a marketing campaign that showed the "clear" choice was in their gas and during that time, all the fuel pumps had a clear window on it so you can see the clear gas flowing through it. This didn't last too long IIRC.
teflon, do you have any insight as to why BP no longer has the port on the fuel pump that shows that gas being clear?
I remember in the 90's, BP launched a marketing campaign that showed the "clear" choice was in their gas and during that time, all the fuel pumps had a clear window on it so you can see the clear gas flowing through it. This didn't last too long IIRC.
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Joined: Jul 2008
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Well, thanks to this thread, I've been filling up more frequently at Costco. 91 is about 7 cents cheaper a gallon than most, and even more than Shell and Chevron. I typically add my own Techron every 3-5K miles anyway, so I don't see a need to pay the premium for that. Thanks teflon!
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From: Texas
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I used a Shell Mastercard for about 6 years. Pretty good on the gas rebates. Never missed a payment. I was late with one payment (due to them not sending me a statement), they charged me a late fee, I closed my account. Now I REALLY have no reason to go to Shell anymore.
, I pay my gas card in advance.... try online bill pay, i just switched
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Joined: Jul 2008
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From: Texas
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Nah. I'm done with them. I don't need that BS. I've had an AmEx since 1994 and it has served me well. Only card I need and none of that late fee/interest BS.
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