40 years of driving, never had a problem using the cheapest gasoline I could find. It was a habit I picked up from my father who grew up in the depression.
Top Tier gas or regular & Techron
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I have been a fairly dedicated Shell customer and was saving some money off their fairly high prices with one of their fuel cards (which was free to me), but I recently changed jobs and getting to a Shell station is now a PITA. There is one less than 2 miles away from work as the crow flies, but it is on the other side of the river and not near a bridge. No station within 10 minutes of my house. The most convenient stations for me now are an old, nasty-looking 7-11 and a fairly new Irving, both very busy places...there is also a Gulf very close to my work, but it is a real bear to get in and out of. No Costco anywhere near me, and I sure would not wait in long lines for gas like my Costco-loving buddy in MN does.
I know Irving is not Top Tier, but I guess I would feel most comfortable using their gas...Gulf would also be a comfortable choice if it wasn't a left turn onto a very busy road right near a light where my path is usually blocked to get out of there. 7-11 would be the most convenient, but that place just looks nasty all around...not that I don't stop there for sodas and greasy breakfast stuff once or twice a week. I suppose I will still try to hit Shell whenever I can and probably the Irving on a somewhat regular basis, I'm sure 7-11 will get some gas visits because it is just right there.
I'd be more comfortable with Top Tier on a regular basis than cheapo gas with a bottle of Techron every so often, but I'm sure either would be OK. I'd also like to know where Techron can be had for $3/bottle, especially in CT...even their low to no PEA "Fuel Injector Cleaner" is more than that on rollback at my MalWart. The PEA-laden "Fuel System Cleaner" is $5 with an occasional rollback to maybe $4.
I know Irving is not Top Tier, but I guess I would feel most comfortable using their gas...Gulf would also be a comfortable choice if it wasn't a left turn onto a very busy road right near a light where my path is usually blocked to get out of there. 7-11 would be the most convenient, but that place just looks nasty all around...not that I don't stop there for sodas and greasy breakfast stuff once or twice a week. I suppose I will still try to hit Shell whenever I can and probably the Irving on a somewhat regular basis, I'm sure 7-11 will get some gas visits because it is just right there.
I'd be more comfortable with Top Tier on a regular basis than cheapo gas with a bottle of Techron every so often, but I'm sure either would be OK. I'd also like to know where Techron can be had for $3/bottle, especially in CT...even their low to no PEA "Fuel Injector Cleaner" is more than that on rollback at my MalWart. The PEA-laden "Fuel System Cleaner" is $5 with an occasional rollback to maybe $4.
I'm not in the US - but in my case, car requires what would be considered "Mid-grade" ordinarily. I use high-octane to negate an issue with pinging at present.
At the end of the day - use what your manufacturer suggests. If you notice the engine's economy is increased with premium fuels, by ALL means use them.
The thing to remember is all fuel should meet minimum detergent requirements. I haven't seen any compelling evidence suggesting premium (high octane) fuel is any 'better' than regular fuel from the same station. Maybe there are differences between Independent stations and the "name brand" stuff, (at least in Australia), a lot of fuel is imported from one or two refineries in Singapore/SE-Asia. So it isn't as though it can be wildly different.
At the end of the day - use what your manufacturer suggests. If you notice the engine's economy is increased with premium fuels, by ALL means use them.
The thing to remember is all fuel should meet minimum detergent requirements. I haven't seen any compelling evidence suggesting premium (high octane) fuel is any 'better' than regular fuel from the same station. Maybe there are differences between Independent stations and the "name brand" stuff, (at least in Australia), a lot of fuel is imported from one or two refineries in Singapore/SE-Asia. So it isn't as though it can be wildly different.
4wd
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I rotate between Exxon & Shell ... when Techron comes out on sale I run a bottle through with a tank of Chevron.
Exxon is the volume seller here and best price - Chevron is the highest.
Exxon is the volume seller here and best price - Chevron is the highest.
I have always used whatever is the cheapest gas but since we got the terrain with a DI I have made the switch to top tier. There is a good mobil station near us that we use
4wd
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I'm happy to see Mobil moving back into our markets - they had high detergent gasoline long before it was cool ...
One of the store owners switched over to them was surprised when the first QAQC guy showed up and took a sample.
One of the store owners switched over to them was surprised when the first QAQC guy showed up and took a sample.
For local driving, I'll pick Costco first, BJ's second, and then a Kwik Fill third.
On trips, if Costco/BJ's is on the way, great. Otherwise, whichever station seems to have a lot of traffic going through.
On trips, if Costco/BJ's is on the way, great. Otherwise, whichever station seems to have a lot of traffic going through.
I use a lot of Sunoco gas because the station that I frequent has a good price and doesn't charge extra for using my credit card. I usually throw a bottle of either Techron or Gumout (with PEA) on the fillup before on oil change.
Never had a problem.
PS: Even though Sunoco isn't listed as TT, I think it has a good amount of detergents but doesn't want to pay for the TT rating...this is just my opinion...
Never had a problem.
PS: Even though Sunoco isn't listed as TT, I think it has a good amount of detergents but doesn't want to pay for the TT rating...this is just my opinion...
There are some Top Tier gas companies ( 76, Conoco, Phillips 66) that sell gasoline with 30% more detergent additives required to maintain their Top Tier status. I tend to patronize these stations and on occasion, I will throw in a bottle of a high PEA Fuel system cleaner.
Just saying..........
Just saying..........
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Originally Posted By: Virtus_Probi
I know Irving is not Top Tier, but I guess I would feel most comfortable using their gas
Huh, did not know Irving wasn't Top Tier; quick look reveals it isn't. Didn't realize that! Thought I had been getting top tier. Guess I should start buying more Techron and adding.
I know Irving is not Top Tier, but I guess I would feel most comfortable using their gas
Huh, did not know Irving wasn't Top Tier; quick look reveals it isn't. Didn't realize that! Thought I had been getting top tier. Guess I should start buying more Techron and adding.
Originally Posted By: Merkava_4
Costco gasoline. Top Tier and the price difference pays for the membership.
Ditto!
Costco gasoline. Top Tier and the price difference pays for the membership.
Ditto!
Originally Posted By: SeaJay
40 years of driving, never had a problem using the cheapest gasoline I could find. It was a habit I picked up from my father who grew up in the depression.
Same here but the 1st 20 it probably didn't matter that much. I now use only TT gas to keep injectors clean and efficient. Keeps combustion chamber cleaner also. No reason not to use TT.
40 years of driving, never had a problem using the cheapest gasoline I could find. It was a habit I picked up from my father who grew up in the depression.
Same here but the 1st 20 it probably didn't matter that much. I now use only TT gas to keep injectors clean and efficient. Keeps combustion chamber cleaner also. No reason not to use TT.
JHZR2
Staff member
Around us, Valero and Costco seem to be the best top tier prices. Were starting to get Conoco, 66 and 76 around here as well, which I think are top tier too. We shop for the lowest price name brand around us. Costco gives a good option with consistency in price, so we do buy that when we can. For whatever reason, Shell is expensive around us - in other states its much more reasonably priced compared to other vendors.
I usually add a bit of additive if Ive bought non top-tier gas for a few tanks in a row. I dont think that if I was only buying non top tier gas, that Id dose every tank, but Id add a splash at fill up time when I thought of it...
I usually add a bit of additive if Ive bought non top-tier gas for a few tanks in a row. I dont think that if I was only buying non top tier gas, that Id dose every tank, but Id add a splash at fill up time when I thought of it...
I wonder what is happening in the engines fed by a Direct injection where there is no fuel hitting the back of the intake valves.
Originally Posted By: Virtus_Probi
...I'd also like to know where Techron can be had for $3/bottle, especially in CT...even their low to no PEA "Fuel Injector Cleaner" is more than that on rollback at my MalWart. The PEA-laden "Fuel System Cleaner" is $5 with an occasional rollback to maybe $4.
These were my last 2 major purchases of the 12 oz. Techron Complete Fuel System Cleaner:
8/30/15 NAPA auto parts, Old Saybrook, CT - 4 bottles at $3.49 net. I overpaid a bit. Only went there to pick up a radiator hose and then saw the Techron on sale.
2/23/16 AAP New London, CT - 4 bottles at $4.99 less $10 Speedperks. Net $2.49/bottle. The Speedperks is free money imo. I'd have not bought the bottles otherwise. The offer was spend $20 and you get $10 off. Works for me. Though I have no use for the 29c Dorman cotter pins that pushed me over the $20.00 level.
Average price of $2.99/bottle and a 2-3 yr supply. I only buy the stuff when I see it for $3.50 or less. About once a year I run into the $3.50 bottles. I think I've gotten some from Walmart in the past as well.
...I'd also like to know where Techron can be had for $3/bottle, especially in CT...even their low to no PEA "Fuel Injector Cleaner" is more than that on rollback at my MalWart. The PEA-laden "Fuel System Cleaner" is $5 with an occasional rollback to maybe $4.
These were my last 2 major purchases of the 12 oz. Techron Complete Fuel System Cleaner:
8/30/15 NAPA auto parts, Old Saybrook, CT - 4 bottles at $3.49 net. I overpaid a bit. Only went there to pick up a radiator hose and then saw the Techron on sale.
2/23/16 AAP New London, CT - 4 bottles at $4.99 less $10 Speedperks. Net $2.49/bottle. The Speedperks is free money imo. I'd have not bought the bottles otherwise. The offer was spend $20 and you get $10 off. Works for me. Though I have no use for the 29c Dorman cotter pins that pushed me over the $20.00 level.
Average price of $2.99/bottle and a 2-3 yr supply. I only buy the stuff when I see it for $3.50 or less. About once a year I run into the $3.50 bottles. I think I've gotten some from Walmart in the past as well.
Originally Posted By: 69GTX
Originally Posted By: Virtus_Probi
...I'd also like to know where Techron can be had for $3/bottle, especially in CT...even their low to no PEA "Fuel Injector Cleaner" is more than that on rollback at my MalWart. The PEA-laden "Fuel System Cleaner" is $5 with an occasional rollback to maybe $4.
These were my last 2 major purchases of the 12 oz. Techron Complete Fuel System Cleaner:
8/30/15 NAPA auto parts, Old Saybrook, CT - 4 bottles at $3.49 net. I overpaid a bit. Only went there to pick up a radiator hose and then saw the Techron on sale.
2/23/16 AAP New London, CT - 4 bottles at $4.99 less $10 Speedperks. Net $2.49/bottle. The Speedperks is free money imo. I'd have not bought the bottles otherwise. The offer was spend $20 and you get $10 off. Works for me. Though I have no use for the 29c Dorman cotter pins that pushed me over the $20.00 level.
Average price of $2.99/bottle and a 2-3 yr supply. I only buy the stuff when I see it for $3.50 or less. About once a year I run into the $3.50 bottles. I think I've gotten some from Walmart in the past as well.
Thanks for the info...there is a NAPA not that far from my work, but it is a PITA to get there and the wrong way from my house, too. Made the trek over there to buy NAPA Gold filters and haven't been back since I decided I didn't like them. I'd stop there for $3.50 Techron CFSC if it were in a better location for me.
I did find a good deal on Gumout Regane HM at O'Reilly when they were changing the bottles and some of the product names...the old bottles were marked as $3.77 and I grabbed two, then got the rest of the stock when they rung up as 99 cents. This reminds me that I asked what made this product "HM" in a Gumout Q&A and never bothered to check back for an answer...
Originally Posted By: Virtus_Probi
...I'd also like to know where Techron can be had for $3/bottle, especially in CT...even their low to no PEA "Fuel Injector Cleaner" is more than that on rollback at my MalWart. The PEA-laden "Fuel System Cleaner" is $5 with an occasional rollback to maybe $4.
These were my last 2 major purchases of the 12 oz. Techron Complete Fuel System Cleaner:
8/30/15 NAPA auto parts, Old Saybrook, CT - 4 bottles at $3.49 net. I overpaid a bit. Only went there to pick up a radiator hose and then saw the Techron on sale.
2/23/16 AAP New London, CT - 4 bottles at $4.99 less $10 Speedperks. Net $2.49/bottle. The Speedperks is free money imo. I'd have not bought the bottles otherwise. The offer was spend $20 and you get $10 off. Works for me. Though I have no use for the 29c Dorman cotter pins that pushed me over the $20.00 level.
Average price of $2.99/bottle and a 2-3 yr supply. I only buy the stuff when I see it for $3.50 or less. About once a year I run into the $3.50 bottles. I think I've gotten some from Walmart in the past as well.
Thanks for the info...there is a NAPA not that far from my work, but it is a PITA to get there and the wrong way from my house, too. Made the trek over there to buy NAPA Gold filters and haven't been back since I decided I didn't like them. I'd stop there for $3.50 Techron CFSC if it were in a better location for me.
I did find a good deal on Gumout Regane HM at O'Reilly when they were changing the bottles and some of the product names...the old bottles were marked as $3.77 and I grabbed two, then got the rest of the stock when they rung up as 99 cents. This reminds me that I asked what made this product "HM" in a Gumout Q&A and never bothered to check back for an answer...
4wd
$50 site donor 2026
Not as useful but one still has fuel injectors ...
Originally Posted By: DaveTheSailor
I wonder what is happening in the engines fed by a Direct injection where there is no fuel hitting the back of the intake valves.
Unfortunately, they are very prone to nasty carbon buildup on the intake valves! About the only thing to do that makes any real difference (once this has happened) is to manually get it off - best practice has been walnut shell blasting.
I wonder what is happening in the engines fed by a Direct injection where there is no fuel hitting the back of the intake valves.
Unfortunately, they are very prone to nasty carbon buildup on the intake valves! About the only thing to do that makes any real difference (once this has happened) is to manually get it off - best practice has been walnut shell blasting.
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