These days, gas prices are ridiculous. Personally, I've spent $240.00 on gas in the last month, so I really try my best to avoid getting screwed over at the pump.
One question I've always struggled with is whether I should be filling up at Exxon, or saving an extra 5-25 cents at the generic "Gas-n-Go" down the street. As a consumer whore, it seemed to me that the brand-name company would be better for my car; whether it's making it run better or the gas lasting longer. Logic would follow that since you're paying more, you're getting better product.
Is it true?
As it turns out, that's almost completely false.
ABC News did research by examining the contents of Mobil brand gas and a generic station, finding that, "By and large, it's one and the same. … You will find results will almost mirror each other."
Granted, the brand-names may add some better additives and detergents to their fuel, but the EPA requires a minimum amount of detergent in all gas, which all gas companies follow. The requirements set by the EPA are more than enough for most cars to run safely.
The only exception might be with higher-end cars that specifically recommend high-octane fuel. And even then, it is disputed.
In short, brand-name gas and generic gas are the same, except maybe if you drive a luxury car. And if that's the case, you shouldn't be driving a Benz or Jaguar unless you can afford the gas for it.
**Bonus Mythbusting**
The same rule of thumb applies for the difference between regular gas and premium gas. Unless your car recommends premium gas, you are wasting your money by purchasing it. Your car will run just as well on regular gas as it will on premium gas.
And again, even if your car recommends premium gas, some people still say it's not necessary.
One question I've always struggled with is whether I should be filling up at Exxon, or saving an extra 5-25 cents at the generic "Gas-n-Go" down the street. As a consumer whore, it seemed to me that the brand-name company would be better for my car; whether it's making it run better or the gas lasting longer. Logic would follow that since you're paying more, you're getting better product.
Is it true?
As it turns out, that's almost completely false.
ABC News did research by examining the contents of Mobil brand gas and a generic station, finding that, "By and large, it's one and the same. … You will find results will almost mirror each other."
Granted, the brand-names may add some better additives and detergents to their fuel, but the EPA requires a minimum amount of detergent in all gas, which all gas companies follow. The requirements set by the EPA are more than enough for most cars to run safely.
The only exception might be with higher-end cars that specifically recommend high-octane fuel. And even then, it is disputed.
In short, brand-name gas and generic gas are the same, except maybe if you drive a luxury car. And if that's the case, you shouldn't be driving a Benz or Jaguar unless you can afford the gas for it.
**Bonus Mythbusting**
The same rule of thumb applies for the difference between regular gas and premium gas. Unless your car recommends premium gas, you are wasting your money by purchasing it. Your car will run just as well on regular gas as it will on premium gas.
And again, even if your car recommends premium gas, some people still say it's not necessary.
2 comments:
Makes me feel a whole lot better for being such a cheap ass and opting to go to one of those "Gas-n-Go" places.
even so there will always be crazy cats who want to spend more money on premium and i guess name-brand gas station.
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