Fuel Additives

[N_Jay]

Originally posted by jay
I have a Costco AMEX that gets me 3% off Costco gas, and a Shell Mastercard that gets me 5% off Shell gas. There's usually a long line at Costco, none at Shell, and the Shell seems to perform somewhat better in my vehicle. Since the Shell gas is only 1 to 2 cents a gallon more, is easy in and out, is a top tier gas, and seems to perform better, I've lately been running it exclusively.

I run Costco (with the AMEX card 3%) plus it is usually the cheapest in the area, Citgo is usually a cent or 2 more and shell is a cent or two above that.
Our Costco never has a line (unless you are one of those who will not pull the hose around to the far side of the car).

[robrecht]

Originally posted by N_Jay


There is not much to "tune" on our Hondas.

Did the Techron fix it?

I was getting that impression but haven't really looked into it yet. I figured it couldn't hurt to change the plugs and fuel filter but does it have like 100k plugs or something? I think it's running smoother after the Techron but I really hardly ever drive the Pilot so I'm actually not that sure. Now that it's out of warranty I figured I better man up and start learning about how to service the Pilot. Got some really good tires.

[robrecht]

Originally posted by jay
I have a Costco AMEX that gets me 3% off Costco gas, and a Shell Mastercard that gets me 5% off Shell gas. There's usually a long line at Costco, none at Shell, and the Shell seems to perform somewhat better in my vehicle. Since the Shell gas is only 1 to 2 cents a gallon more, is easy in and out, is a top tier gas, and seems to perform better, I've lately been running it exclusively.

5% off Shell, that sounds like a pretty good deal. Thanks.

[jay]

Originally posted by N_Jay

I run Costco (with the AMEX card 3%) plus it is usually the cheapest in the area, Citgo is usually a cent or 2 more and shell is a cent or two above that.
Our Costco never has a line (unless you are one of those who will not pull the hose around to the far side of the car).

I'm a hose puller!

[robrecht]

Originally posted by jay
I'm a hose puller!

We always knew that about you, Jay.

[jay]

Originally posted by robrecht
We always knew that about you, Jay.

Stepped into that one with both feet!

[75blazer]

Originally posted by xGS


From your first link:

"Brands like Mobil and Sunoco keep their gas formulas secret, but Mobil says it adds at least twice the amount of detergent as generic gas, and that it adds the same amount to all three grades of gas."

From your second link:

"Typically the only difference is the additive package they put in the gas," Beard said. The additive package is often put into the gas as the tanker is filled up at the refinery. A common additive is a detergent agent. "The law requires a certain level of detergents in gasoline. Shell, for example, is putting in more detergent. — Whether that has a measurable effect to the driver is debatable." Detergents have a marked effect on engine deposits."

The question isn't whether "gas is gas" but rather is the regulated minimum amount of detergent additives adequate?

Some automakers, such as Honda, think not: [http://www.toptiergas.com]

I read this too, but didn't link it before (and will now), but I'll post the summary. Feel free to read the rest if you'd like, but again gas is gas. 1 or 2 extra quarts of detergent for an 8000 gallon load? Use the money you save every fill up to buy a bottle of detergent at pep boys once in a while and pocket the difference.


".....your local Chevron station may sell gas refined by Shell or Exxon Mobil. Suppliers share pipelines, so they all use the same fuel. And the difference between the most expensive brand-name gas and the lowliest gallon of no-brand fuel? Often just a quart of detergent added to an 8,000-gallon tanker truck."

http://money.aol.com/smoney/general/...12123309990001

[xGS]

Originally posted by 75blazer


... but again gas is gas. 1 or 2 extra quarts of detergent for an 8000 gallon load? Use the money you save every fill up to buy a bottle of detergent at pep boys once in a while and pocket the difference.

Since "a bottle of detergent at pep boys" should be used just prior to an oil change, what you suggest is that your engine will perform better by letting deposits form during the interval of several thousands of miles between oil changes and then using a higher concentration of detergent to remove them rather than continuously using a brand of gas with a lower concentration of detergent, nevertheless, that will keep the deposits from forming in the first place.

[N_Jay]

Originally posted by xGS


Since "a bottle of detergent at pep boys" should be used just prior to an oil change, what you suggest is that your engine will perform better by letting deposits form during the interval of several thousands of miles between oil changes and then using a higher concentration of detergent to remove them rather than continuously using a brand of gas with a lower concentration of detergent, nevertheless, that will keep the deposits from forming in the first place.

Even with the worst gas today, you probably only need a bottle every year or two. (or even less often).

The every oil change routene is like 3000 mile oil changes; A thing of the past!