I may just be reaching at straws here, but I am somewhat perplexed and puzzled by the difference in performance based on the brand of fuel I have used in my LS. Around these parts, its mostly Circle K, with some QuikTrip, AM/PM, Valero, and Chevron thrown in the mix. My commute to/from work is usually lined with Circle K, followed by Valero and a sporadic Chevron or QT. So naturally I end up filling up at a Circle K 80% of the time. However, when I am in need of a fill-up and see a Chevron I usually make that my first choice.

I have only put the premium grade fuel in this vehicle, but have noticed since using Chevron the past couple fill-ups, my car feels more peppy and responsive, and I have not encountered that sluggish lag off the line or resistance to shift nearly as much.

Is my car really a fuel snob who prefers drinking top shelf fluids just like its owner? Has anyone else noticed differences when using different brands of fuel? I know the fuel all comes from the same refineries, but are there additives that each station puts into the fuel to give better performance or make it cleaner burning??

Again, maybe I'm still on a turkey high and imaging things, but it really feels like the Chevron fuel has given my vehicle much better response and performance over the others. Just curious.

 

I've noticed a lot of brand name gas stations disappearing in my area, and people have had problems with some of the low-end gas stations that replaced them.

Here's a list that should ensure better gas - http://www.toptiergas.com/licensedbrands/

 

I have an empirical observation that Chevron gas often provides better gas mileage than other brands of gas (e.g., Costco gas), although I didn't notice smoother engine performance or better acceleration with Chevron gas.

 

I put WaWa gas in one time and my car was so sluggish I really thought something had broken. It wasn't until I cleared that out and refilled with something better that it was fixed. A few others have reported the same with WaWa gas.

 

It's very possible. I have a Shell and Chevron station right near my house- I tend to lean towards the Shell station (for no reason other than habit) and use that as my benchmark for how my car "feels." I have owned an LS (400, 430, 460) for the last 12 years and have only put non-premium in any of them a handful of times (hurricane evacuation recently when 87 was only thing available, gas shortage 10 years ago in Atlanta, etc).

I drive often for work and occasionally can't find a Shell or Chevron and sometimes have to go to a WaWa, Pilot, or Circle K. I have noticed slight differences in the way my 460 (and my prior 430) feel using gas from those places. Typically I just get about $10-$15 worth of premium from a place like that and then find a Shell, Chevron, Mobil to fill the majority of the tank.

 

Thanks! It appears I probably should be focus on avoiding Circle K even though they are like McDonalds and Walgreens on every corner, and stick with Chevron, QuikTrip, or Valero.

 

so the thing about Circle K, is each franchise is affiliated with different brands, so you actually don't know what you are getting, it could be anything from anywhere. my neighbor across the street is a tanker driver for Circle K, and told me that he picks up fuel from Arco, Valero, Shell, Citgo, and Exxon, and delivers all of them to Circle K units around SoCal.. depending on the franchise owner and what they are affiliated with.. I believe they do have their affiliate information on their signs or pumps in small print tell you who provides the fuel for that station.

 

Interesting. I'll have to take a look for that and see if I can locate that information at future fill-ups. Not something I've ever paid attention to in the past.

 

Other than a POSSIBLE proprietary fuel additive, gas is all the same. But Chevron and Shell stations have extra shiny pumps...here's a read:

http://www.businessinsider.com/no-re...and-gas-2013-8

 

I notice a difference in performance with different gas stations, my car just doesn't seem to like the no name places compared to the name brand gas stations. But it doesn't really matter to me anymore, my car is a commuter and I just throw whatever is the cheapest into it (I wasn't always like that, but like I said, when you drive 600 miles a week and the car is ten years old, things change).

 

I used to use BJ's gas ...On my old LS430, after about 3 fill ups with BJ's gas, the Check engine light would go on. I got to a Shell station and do 2-3 fill ups and it would go right off.

I don't even touch cheap0 gas unless I have No choice (gas light is on, nothing for miles, etc)

 

I only use premium (Exxon, Shell, Chevron, Texaco) gasoline in my 460 as long as its available.. I've used some of the off brands in the past and noticed some hesitation. Just my opinion.

 

I've never noticed any difference...

 

Each station has their delivery trucks but honestly.. who tests the products and verifies the actual Octane rating? Nobody.. its just a promise from the pipeline.

Sadly.. we're still waiting for a guarantee that our credit cards aren't being skimmed while we fuel up our rides!
Maybe its more like Duff Beer? (for the impatient.. fast-forward to 1:28)

 

Actually the state does test the fuel in the tanks and certify they’re correct, as well as certifying the pumps pump and charge accurately.