We’re always being told that higher quality gas brands will help preserve the life of our vehicle’s engine and make for a smooth, more fuel-efficient ride. But, how much of a difference does this really make? Isn’t all gas essentially the same thing? And if so, are top tier gas brands just an expensive sales tactic to get us to spend more for the same thing? Here at JD’s Auto Repair, we want to tell you everything you need to know when it comes to the type of gas you use!
The difference between top tier and normal gasoline
The short answer as to whether the type of gas you use matters is yes. This is because gas isn’t made up of only gasoline, it’s also mixed in with a complex formula of detergents and additives that clean your engine and prevent a buildup of carbon deposits throughout the engine chambers. As carbon deposits and other engine junk tend to reduce the efficiency of your vehicle, top tier gas brands tend to be more fuel-efficient than the cheaper alternatives and are likely to keep your engine running smoother for longer. In addition, the actual quality of the gasoline they use is usually higher. This is because the process of removing gasoline from oil is never 100%, so higher quality gas comes from refineries that put their oil through additional processes to ensure its purity. As this type of gasoline sells for a premium, it’s usually added to the top tier types of gasoline, and the cheaper options tend to use the less refined versions.
What to do if you can’t access top tier gas or you’re on a budget?
Although top tier gasoline might be the better option, it certainly cost a lot more. This makes it more difficult for those of us on a tight budget. Also, it’s not always easily available – larger gas stations owned by global brands like Shell, ExxonMobil, BP, Chevron, Phillips 66, and Texaco might provide this option, but smaller companies and independent stations might not stock the premium versions. There is, however, a second solution. If you frequently use regular gas, it’s a good idea to use a fuel-system cleaner now and again to clean out any carbon deposits or other gunk that has built up in the engine over time. Although this won’t give you the same level of performance that using top tier gas will, it will ensure your engine lasts longer and is less likely to break due to a buildup of carbon deposits.
So, there you have it – the type of gas you use really does make a difference to both the performance of your vehicle and the lifespan of your engine. However, if you’re unable to use top tier fuel regularly, there is an alternative option that performs many of the same benefits as top tier gas without the hefty price tag – using a fuel-system cleaner to ensure your vehicle is free of damaging carbon deposits. If you would like more advice or information on how you can increase the performance of your engine or would like to have your engine cleaned by qualified experts, give us a call at JD’s Auto Repair. We’re always happy to help and offer our expert advice!
