Top Tier, and I meet the manufacturer’s octane requirements of at least 87. This, even though “regular” gas in the Rocky Mountain states is 85 octane. At the Costco we shop (Fort Collins, CO), they sell just two grades, 85 and 91 octane. I put in 91.

I try and buy from the major retailers, Sunoco, is the station I use most often locally and when I'm traveling I try and buy from Exxon, Shell, Sunoco or any of the normal stations you see off the highway. I do try and avoid no name gas stations unless I'm in a fix, need to get gas and don't know where the next closest station is located. I was on a Hwy 212 west of Sturgis and rode 100 miles and only saw two gas stations so in that situation you get gas where you can.

quote:

Originally posted by TMats:
Top Tier, and I meet the manufacturer’s octane requirements of at least 87. This, even though “regular” gas in the Rocky Mountain states is 85 octane. At the Costco we shop (Fort Collins, CO), they sell just two grades, 85 and 91 octane. I put in 91.

The couple times we've driven in NM & CO, I saw 85, I went up to midgrade, rather than put in 85

There was one local station that has had a few incidents of water in their fuel. I never go there. Apart from that, though, I'll go to any reputable station and pump 87 into my vehicles.

The only exception to this is my small engines (tiller, mowers, boat)...those get ethanol-free 91 octane from the local co-op.

For oil, I get the Wal-Mart brand full-synthetic 5w30 (or 0W20 for the Mazda) and change it every 3000 miles. My Suburban turned 430k on the original engine this summer, and the trucks are both over 200k, so that routine seems to be working.

I try and buy top tier when I can. Many years ago I never gave a second thought to the quality of gas, until I got some really bad gas. My truck would barely start and ran horribly until I used it all up.

quote:

Originally posted by P250UA5:


The couple times we've driven in NM & CO, I saw 85, I went up to midgrade, rather than put in 85

I've had problems with that 85 Octane stuff in my Suburban, too. Drivability and performance issues, and a couple of times it boiled or vaporized or something in the tank...threw an evap code and when I pulled the cap off it was hissing and all kind of fumes were wafting out. I just suck it up and pay more for 87 when I'm out west now.

Mine says that premium fuel is required and gets 9 MPG.

Kinda knew what I signed up for when I bought it, so there is no reason to save a buck or two with lower octane fuel.

I usually stop at the same place (Raceteac) as they have a high volume of fuel sales and fiberglass tanks in the ground (minimal rust/paint/flakes).

My everyday ride runs fine on 87 from the same place.

quote:

The couple times we've driven in NM & CO, I saw 85 ...

Those states' high elevations (the lowest elevation in CO is still ~4000 feet) > thinner air > lower pressure in the cylinders > lower octane (a measure of resistance to detonation) can be used.

Don't use gas anymore...

When I did I was on the road doing sales and I usually filled up 2-3 times a week where ever I was and saw a gas station. I didn't search out premium gas.

I'm a squeegee guy now with my Mustang Mach E.

Top Tier. Car requires 91. They only sell 93 by me so it's 93.

I did get some Canadian Shell 94 last month and got my best mpg out of it. And my daughter was usually doing 85-90 to try and get out of new york while i napped.

i usually average 26mpg with mixed driving, but she got 37mpg highway out of it.

I stopped caring when I found out they all use the same pipeline. Only the additives are different. I buy at Sams club and have had zero issues.

quote:

Originally posted by redstone:
I stopped caring when I found out they all use the same pipeline. Only the additives are different. I buy at Sams club and have had zero issues.

You are correct in that only the additives are different. Well, and the underground storage tanks at the station.

^^^
Same pipeline? Yes. Different blends are ran through the same pipe at different intervals.

They don't have separate pipes for regular, premium, kerosene or diesel.

I don't think the additives make much of a difference.

quote:

Originally posted by egregore:

quote:

Originally posted by 12131:

quote:

should I start using Shell premium in my Tacoma?

What does the manufacturer say?

I had a 2005 model (first year of second generation) with the V6 engine and 91-octane was recommended for best performance, but not a particular brand. If this is still in effect, the OP would benefit, albeit not dramatically, by using it.

If an engine does not specify premium fuel, there is nothing to be gained by using it.

I disagree. My F150 commuting gets 17 mpg on trash gas, and 19.varying mpg on premium 93 octane gas. My theory is that the smoother flame makes the engine run smoother, and a smoother running engine gets better mpg. And to the degree that better gas has better additives, then the engine benefits over time as well, runs cleaner, and wears better.

Another way to think of it is running an old engine on cheap gas in very hot weather, you may get some pre-ignition pinging, though if the car has a PCM that can adjust enough to prevent it, that can help. But imo a slower, smoother flame is a better flame, any way you cut it, within the norms of gasoline commuters.

Another example. A couple days ago I picked up a two-cycle line trimmer from the shop, and noticed it wasn't running as smoothly as it normally used to. So a drained the gas the shop put in, and refilled it with 94 octane pre-mixed, and it ran like a champ.

In general I'm not a big fan of "what the manufacturer" says. Manufacturers of all types say all kinds of nuanced things, and sometimes downright flat out stupid or wrong things. Sort of like things governments and medical communities tell you all the time.

Do a little research, and follow the money as they say, and you might be surprised.

But to comment on the OP, I usually buy top-tier type gas from the big retail clubs, but prefer the top of the line Shell Nitro gas. My guess is the latter is probably better, as this thread got me thinking again.

I recently completed a 3800 mile road trip in a 2018 4Runner. As an experiment and for giggles I used the highest octane gas available the entire trip. It varied from 91 to 93. The higher number made zero difference in power or average mileage. It did however cost me considerably more money. I am not brand loyal so I used pretty much any station that had some name recognition and convenience.

quote:

Originally posted by SIG4EVA:
I stick with Top Tier fuels. Costco, Shell, etc.

Same. If I’m out in the country, riding my bikes, and need fuel, and nothing else is available, I’ll put 1/4 tank in at non top tier fuel station to get me to top tier fuel station where I immediately fuel up to dilute the crappier gas. My gas vehicles all require premium sans the truck but in the manual of the truck it does highly suggest using premium when towing, so I’ve always used 93 octane in it 24/7 because I never know when I’ll be towing or not. Costco fuel primarily for the past 20 years. I’ve dyno’d my bikes, cars, using that fuel and tuners have always said “great gasoline”. They would know changing AFR’s for a living.

Costco, if not there Sunoco, Exxon, Chevron in that order. No non-top tier fuel or Shell ever.

Shell gas, 93 octane in my WRX if given a choice as I constantly get the best fuel mileage with Shell.

Also, I go longer without rough idling with Shell. With Shell, I can go 6+ mouths before using a fuel injection cleaner, anyone else, 2 mouths, rough idling and fuel injection cleaner is needed.

Also Chevron 93 octane is second pick for me. That's around here. Constantly the 2nd best fuel mileage.


Sunoco, but they are few and far between.
There are a couple that are fairly close, that sell street legal 100/112 octane no methanol fuel around here, and I will top off, or fill up when I'm around them.

Around here, I only fuel up at the busiest locations, that way I know I'm getting the freshest fuel.


As for oil, 5W-30 8100 Motul X-clean efe or 8100 X-Cess gen-2 has shown to raise fuel mileage, and lower oil consumption. And smoother idle.

ARman

Top tier only for me. My car is direct injection. It’s usually Costco since they’re top tier and 20-30¢ cheaper per gallon. If I am not by a Costco, it’s Shell or Mobil but just enough until I can get home or to Costco. While Costco isn’t as close as Shell or Mobil, I always keep two 5 gallon containers of Costco fuel at home. When both 5 gallon cans are empty and the car is around 1/4 tank, I make a run to fill the tank and both cans. This is about 22 gallons of fuel which lasts me about 2.5 weeks with local driving.

I’m mostly a ‘price & convenience’ guy, consider it mostly close enough.

My sister is into brands a little bit. She swears her ‘mileage to empty’ on the dash shows higher miles to go with the ‘better gas’. The assumes the tank is completely full, each time.

I’ve never tested it myself, see if there is any difference.