Is name brand gasoline really that much better than cheap stuff?

The main difference in gasoline is the additive package the refinery puts in for the final retailer. All must meet a minimum quality and octane standard for modern cars. There are now two tiers of fuel- regular fuel and TOP TIER.

The new standards were developed by the four automobile manufacturers (BMW, General Motors, Honda, and Toyota) for TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline. They wanted a cleaner fuel that would to minimizes deposits on fuel injectors, intake valves, and combustion chambers. These standards comprise the requirements for TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline.

Top Tier gasoline logo was developed by Chevron. The four auto makers proposed a gasoline with a detergent additive package that exceeded the Environmental Protection Agency’s minimums – which they thought were are too low – They recommended the Top Tier detergent levels for all grades of unleaded gasoline.

Although several big-name oil refiners and retailers eagerly joined in a few years ago – including ConocoPhillips, Chevron Corp. and the Shell Group – the “profile” of the effort has remained low. As has Top Tier’s market penetration.

About 40% of gasoline in the U.S. market now meets Top Tier requirements

There may other refineries across the nation that make the TOP TIER fuel but I believe Chevron OIL is the only one in California.

Hope this helps you to understand the difference between the expensive fuels and the "cheap stuff."

I work in the gasoline industry and believe that there is a difference. Top Tier fuels, as someone mentioned, meet higher than minimum standards to keep your engine running clean and avoid deposit buildup.

Gasoline is sourced, refined and stored as generic product that any retailer can sell, but during the loading process (not refining), additives are injected. The federal gov't does specify minimums, but they are not enough for today's technically advanced engines. These regulations were written in the early 90's and haven't changed.

Spend the few extra cents per gallon to care for your engine and prolong its life. Make sure your mechanic is using quality oil during changes (ask him which brand he uses, don't just assume it's the one on the sign out front!!) and change your air filter to allow your engine to breathe. Poor airflow can contribute to quick buildup of deposits as quickly as cheap gasoline.

If you drive 15,000 miles per year and your car gets 25 mpg, then a 3 cent difference between the cheap stuff and the name brands is less than $20 per year. (15K/25=600 gallons, 600 x 3=1800, 600 x 3.03=1818) You spent a lot of money to purchase your car, spend a few extra dollars keeping it running right. Even if your car gets 12.5 mpg, it's only costing you $36 more on 3600/year.

it has been proven that all gas is the same it comes from the same tank farm as all other gas and you dont need to put any better grade than what is called for by the manufacture of you car. 86 grade is all you need if thats what the engine and manufacture say its all you need you can buy like injector cleanner from stp or whoever if you car has alot of miles on it it will help lucas gas line addative is really good it will help some if you have a need to use it just keep the upkeep like the owners book for you car recommends follow what oem tells to do .3000 to 5000 oil change w/filter etc good luck

it all comes out of the same tanks when loaded on the transport trucks just a matter of what additives are injected in to it. I would stay away from lots of the smaller places as having hauled gasoline for many a year i have seen first hand alot of water in some tanks at smaller unknown stations who do not have the water removed on a regular basis. as long as the vehicle does not ping you are good.If worried about it or intend on keeping your car forever run some 93 octane every 4th tank or so.

No. More expensive stuff has more detergents and other additives in it, but generally no. And if you run a can of Seafoam through every so often, you'll pretty much cancel out any difference.

The only difference is in the number and types of additives for keeping your fuel system clean.

All motor fuel sold in the US must meet a minimum standard for keeping the fuel system clean.

Beware of the Raceway, Payless, Swift kinds of stores because it has been known for them to have water or less maintainance on their tanks

I have heard from multiple sources that it does not effect the car if you use cheap "discount" gas. But from my own experience yes it does.

yes it is mid grad is the best