Is ARCO and SPACE AGE the really bad quality of gas?

Question

so many people are saying that don't go to ARCO or SPACE AGE. I think they cannot prove what their saying if it's bad or not. I hope the real experts answers this question and have worked for actual gas industry or that field. Thank you.

Answer 1

Gas is pretty much the same no matter where you get it from. Government controls require it meet certain standards, although individual refineries might put in slightly different additives.

Answer 2

I don't live on the west coast, so I can't attest to the quality of these gasolines, but to set the record straight, gasoline is similar until it's loaded to deliver to your station.  Multiple companies load off the same tanks at the terminal, but the different brands get their own additive packages injected during truck loading.  I've heard lots of bad comments about ARCO gasoline, which is a division of BP.  Space Age I've never heard of, but I'd guess they're selling discount fuel.

These additives are required by the government, but can significantly impact the quality of the fuel you purchase.  Discount fuels only have the government minimum detergent additives, which will, over time, allow a buildup of crud in your engine.  Valves won't seat properly, sludge builds up due to incomplete combustion, both of which will cost you fuel efficiency.  The Top Tier fuels program was developed by car manufacturers, including BMW, Toyota, Honda, Audi, GM and Volkswagen to identify those fuels that will actually keep your engine cleaner over the life of your vehicle.  Top Tier suppliers have to meet standards for all grades of gasoline, not just premium.  

Vehicle engines are highly complex machines that require regular care.  By running a high quality fuel in your engine, you will reduce the maintenance required over the life of your vehicle.  It's been estimated that the average family that drives 2 20 mpg cars 15,000 miles per year spends about $5200 a year on fuel.  If you save 5 cents per gallon, you'll spend $75 per year less on gasoline.  Me, I'm happy to spend that 37.50 a year to be sure I'm running a high quality fuel in my vehicle which will help it last longer and likely actually save me that money in higher efficiency.

Answer 3

Not necessarily poor quality but Arco and other discount brands do use a slightly higher percentage of additives which reduces the mpg for most vehicles.

Answer 4

I think they are all about the same.