6 Gasoline Brands That Are Wastes of Your Money
Written by
Madeline Duley
Edited by
Amber Barkley
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A car stands as one of the most significant investments an individual can make, second perhaps only to their housing. It’s a necessity in most areas of the U.S. However, unlike homes, vehicles depreciate in value over time. While selling your home may yield a considerable return, the same cannot always be said for selling your vehicle. With this in mind, prolonging the life of your vehicle is a surefire way to save you money — and major headaches — down the road.
Notably, the brand of gas you choose for your vehicle plays a pivotal role in your vehicle’s lifespan and performance, and opting for high-quality gasoline can potentially spare you from frequent visits to the auto mechanic.
Keep reading to discover why picking a high-quality gasoline brand matters, warning signs to look out for and the brands across the U.S. that fail to meet the standards of quality.
Why Does Gas Quality Matter?
Gasoline brands are not created equal. The unique blend of additives in each brand plays an important role in your car’s health and longevity.
“Since 1995, gas stations have been required to sell gasoline with special additives that are also known as detergents,” said Evaldas Zabitis, automotive expert at carVertical. “These additives keep the engine free of deposits, prevent corrosion and reduce friction, ensuring better gas mileage, longevity and performance. The lack of these additives in fuel can cause deposits to build up and hurt your engine’s performance.”
Warning Signs of Low-Quality Gasoline
Keep an eye out for these red flags that are your vehicle’s way of letting you know it’s time to switch gas stations.
Engine Stalling
“Old or poor-quality gasoline can cause the engine to slow down or stop working altogether,” said Rob Dillan, automotive expert and founder of EVhype.
If you’re experiencing engine stalling or startup issues, it’s time to make a change.
Lack of Acceleration
Be sure to also look out for acceleration issues.
“Low-quality gas affects performance; high-octane fuel is essential for optimal acceleration,” Dillan said.
The Check Engine Light Is On
While it might seem obvious, if the check engine light is on, your car is telling you something is up.
Inadequate gas quality can impact your car’s ability to pass a smog check, if the check engine light is due to incomplete combustion, according to Dillan.
Reduced Fuel Efficiency
To put it simply, cleaner, higher quality fuel is going to allow your car to run better, so if you are noticing your car is gas-guzzling at an increased rate, it might be begging for a fuel change.
“Poor-quality fuel leads to lower gas mileage and increased consumption,” Dillan said.
Gas Brands To Avoid
If you see these gas stations, drive past them.
Amoco or BP
Amoco and BP, following their merger in 1999, were once highly trusted gasoline spots throughout the states. While they were once known for their high-quality products, higher fuel standards have left these gasoline brands struggling to produce consistent quality.
“Amoco and BP gasoline [does] not meet the Top Tier standard, which means it lacks the higher-quality detergent additives [found] in other brands,” Dillan said. “These additives help keep your engine clean and prevent carbon deposits.”
These brands’ products can potentially compromise engine performance and fuel efficiency, making them less than ideal for motorists seeking reliable gasoline.
Circle K
While once a Top Tier certified brand, Circle K is now known for hit-or-miss performance. This brand no longer meets the fuel quality standards and is a gas station to pass on when deciding where to fuel up.
“This brand also does not meet the Top Tier standard. Using Circle K gasoline may result in deposits in your fuel system and reduced mileage,” Dillan said.
Love’s
Despite the affectionate name, your car will certainly not be feeling the love of this gas brand.
“Love’s gasoline lacks the enhanced additives found in Top Tier fuels. Regular use may lead to fouled fuel injectors and decreased engine efficiency,” Dillan said.
Safeway
You truly can’t beat the convenience of being able to get your groceries and gas all in one place. While at first glance, getting gas at Safeway might seem tempting — why wouldn’t you hit up this one-stop shop for everything you need? — it’s important to consider the long-term risks to your car’s well-being.
“Safeway gasoline is not on the Top Tier list. It may lead to carbon buildup, potentially affecting engine health and gas mileage,” Dillan said.
Sam’s Club
Despite offering competitive prices, Sam’s Club gasoline is likely not going to provide the quality your vehicle need — and will likely leave you wishing you had just spent an extra couple of dollars on a tank of higher-caliber gasoline.
“Sam’s Club fuel lacks the higher-quality additives in Top Tier brands. Regular use may result in engine-related issues,” Dillan said.
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