Different branded gas stations appear from time to time, giving fantastic fuel deals. So, is it bad to mix gas brands? Fuel, whether gasoline or diesel, is essential to the running of your vehicle.
Is it wise to buy gas from different types of gas stations because it’s risky to drive around hoping for the same gas stations to appear?
Is there truly no short answer to this question? The higher-octane levels are the distinguishing feature, and the only real benefit is a reduced risk of engine knocking, which isn’t much of a problem on most modern fuel systems.
While you wouldn’t purchase a lower octane fuel from any gas station, octane ratings could affect your car’s performance. However, you may wonder, does a fuel with the same octane rating differ between different gas stations? (Read Anti Rattle Where Do The Clips Go On Brake Pads)
In our guide, you can learn more about fuels from different gas stations and if you’ll need different additives to maintain car performance and prevent clogging from cheaper fuel.
By the end, you may find it is perfectly fine to mix gas from various gas stations, and you face no problem whatsoever.
Is It OK To Mix Gasoline Brands?
Getting gas from different gas stations will not cause any problem whatsoever.
Although, you may need to consult your owner’s manual about what kind of octane level fuel your car requires.
All gas is the same from one station to another, yet some brands include more additives for a better-quality fuel than others.
What happens if you mix gasoline types?
Higher octane gasoline burns more slowly and evenly in your engine’s cylinder and is designed for high-compression engines where regular gasoline may burn prematurely and cause engine knock. (Learn How To Use Engine Hoist Leveler)
What is the best gasoline brand, or, as it should be called, what is a top-tier gasoline company if such a thing exists?
Here is a list of top-tier gas stations you can go to:
- Shell.
- Texaco.
- Chevron.
- BP.
- Exxon.
Can you mix fuel brands?
The answer is no for regular vehicles if you fill up with the manufacturer’s minimal fuel specifications; Research Octane Number (RON) or Motor Octane Number (MON).
Premium fuel would dilute if mixing regular with a premium grade fuel, regardless of brand or the oil companies it came from.
Does it matter what brand of gas you use?
Yes, because some brands have proprietary additives that prevent carbon deposits from forming inside your engine, which can make a difference to other fuels.
Although you are required to fill up at the same station every time, it doesn’t hurt to switch gas stations now and then.
Most major gas stations get their gas from the same major suppliers, and apart from the additives, it’s not as if the gas station would change the gas.
Now, constantly mixing it up may not be wise, and most of the time, it is wise to visit the same gasoline station to fill your tank.
Most people use a preferred gas station on their route to work, and you’re most likely the same.
Using Different Gas Stations Helps Engine Performance
You’ve probably never heard that different brands of gas stations can benefit your vehicle.
Chemicals and additives are used differently by each gasoline producer to deliver a higher-octane rating, and you’ll see this reflected in the price. The better the gas is, the more expensive it is.
If you use one type of gasoline, your fuel lines will develop deposits.
You’re also flooding your car with different additives when you mix it up and use a different brand. This can prevent the breakdown of any build-up and the prevention of additional deposits.
Is it Bad to Mix Gas from Different Stations?
Most gas stations sell both regular and premium gasoline, regardless of the gas station you visit.
Most individuals believe that premium gas is better for their cars. Every time they fill their tank, they spend thirty or forty cents extra per gallon. Premium gas isn’t always better.
If you drive a small car, there’s no reason to pay more for premium gas than regular fuel.
It is pointless and may cause damage to your vehicle, so there’s no reason to pay more for premium gas unless your manufacturer recommends a particular type of gasoline.
The only difference is that if you drive an older car, premium gas is recommended because older cars require high-octane gas to function correctly.
Aside from that, if you can’t find the better gas at your local station, you can use regular gas and top off your tank with an octane booster.
Choose a Gas Station With Gas Station Attendants
Some gas station employees will not warn you about the risks of premium gas. You’d think that a gas station employee would tell you not to spend more for their premium gas.
That will not be the case. Gas stations are looking to make as much money as they can.
They’ll keep selling you costly, premium gas because there’s nothing legally wrong with it.
You can always inquire about the octane levels of the gasoline carried by the attendant. They’ll almost certainly tell you that their premium gas is a 9 or a 10. Regular gas is usually a little less expensive.
Just be sure you don’t put premium gas in your new car by accident. The same thing applies oppositely.
Likewise, it would help if you made sure you never put diesel fuel in a gasoline engine as it will clog the fuel injectors, fuel pump, and fuel system, which then requires draining and filling up with fresh gasoline. (Read No Coolant In Reservoir But Not Overheating)
Mixing premium with regular doesn’t have the same downsides, and it could just reduce your fuel economy until you have enough of the better gas in your tank.
If your car requires premium gasoline, do not use regular gas, and if unsure, check the car owner’s manual for the octane rating.
Do 98 octanes clean my engine?
No, get some fuel injector cleaner from your local car parts store and follow the directions, as this will do more for cleaning up your engine than a higher-octane fuel.
Will premium gas clean my engine?
Premium gasoline will not clean deposits from your fuel injectors or other fuel system parts
because regular gas has the same detergent additives.
The biggest difference is the octane rating – 91 or higher for premium vs. 87 for regular.
Can I mix regular and premium gas?
It’s cheaper to use premium and mix regular gas to attain the same octane rating. It’s fine to mix different octane levels as long as they’re both unleaded.
What happens when you mix unleaded with premium?
Using the wrong gasoline might lead to further issues such as reduced fuel economy and engine performance. Instead, use premium unleaded gasoline with a 91 or higher-octane rating. If the octane rating is less than 91, the engine may be damaged, and your vehicle warranty may be canceled.
Do different gas stations have better gas?
It’s impossible to have “better gas.” Companies like Chevron want to convince you that their gasoline is better because it contains Techron. But all gas has detergents in it to keep the fuel injector from getting clogged up, and no one brand of gas is better for your car than another.
