As I’ve studied aspects of life in a Lazy Daze, I learned that Costco seems to offer both low priced and high quality fuel. To the later point, I learned from a fuel distributor that 1) Costco sells “Top Tier” fuel which means they add what some say are the best detergents (improving engine life?), and 2) they don’t skimp on tank and pump maintenance. I’m curious what brands / strategies others have adopted in this regard?
As I’ve studied aspects of life in a Lazy Daze, I learned that Costco seems to offer both low priced and high quality fuel. To the later point, I learned from a fuel distributor that 1) Costco sells “Top Tier” fuel which means they add what some say are the best detergents (improving engine life?), and 2) they don’t skimp on tank and pump maintenance. I’m curious what brands / strategies others have adopted in this regard?
I alway try to use Top Tier fuel, Costco whenever available. The rest of the time, I check the following website to find the local brands selling Top Tier fuel.
TOP TIER™ Gasoline Brands (https://www.toptiergas.com/licensed-brands/)
Homepage (https://toptiergas.com)
Print the list and carry it in your your LD.
Larry
I carry my Shell card but it has taken a back seat to my Costco gas purchases.
I use GasBuddy to locate Costco Gasoline while traveling in the LD. Kinda one-stop-shopping while heading out for a camping trip. If I’m on my way to a Costco and an Arco shows up along the way, I’ll stop there instead. The price is not too far off from Costco and can often get me back on the road more quickly.
Kent
I carry my Shell card but it has taken a back seat to my Costco gas purchases.
I use GasBuddy to locate Costco Gasoline while traveling in the LD. Kinda one-stop-shopping while heading out for a camping trip. If I’m on my way to a Costco and an Arco shows up along the way, I’ll stop there instead. The price is not too far off from Costco and can often get me back on the road more quickly.
The difference between Costco and Arco is at Costco you can use its Visa card and get 4% back, per gallon.
When buying 50 gallons of fuel, the 12 cents per gallon adds up.
Arco does not accept credit cards, only debit cards, so no rebate. Many times it is cheaper to buy gas at competing stations, as long as they are Top Tier, once the 4% rebate is calculated in. Gas Buddy is a handy, often used app .
It's fun to go out to eat with a group of LDers, when the bills comes, many times everyone pulls out a Costco's Visa card. We all love the rebates.
Up north, we shop at Safeway and accumulate gas credit points.
When you are getting 8-9 MPG, every bit of savings helps
Larry
I am surprised to hear people say that Costco has high tier gas.
This is because I saw a TV news show interviewing a Costco manager who was saying their gas was cheap gas but how it was cheap to add a bottle of stuff ( one of those gas additives) to a tank of gas to make it good. At that time I checked the stuff he was talking about and it brought the gas cost up to the top tier stations - I figured why do the extra work and pay the same cost.
I saw that interview years ago so maybe things changed. How do you know Costco carries high tier gas (especially with the fiasco where they were selling regular milk labeled as organic milk until they got caught doing this). Does some independent party test it?
Jane
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I buy the cheapest gas i find in any town i go through but I use extra. I find my 460 runs noticeably better on it and gets better mpg.
Although we are currently sans a RV at this time, for our regular vehicles we almost exclusively use Top-tier gas, namely ARCO. We always pay in cash to get the discounted price, and because of the issues with skimmers. We are Costco members and I’ve seen the long lines of people waiting to save a few cents on a fill-up. I just don’t have the patience, lol! ARCO’s are numerous and rarely do we have to wait in a line.
<smile> talking about fuel price and quality is like talking about taxes. About the only thing that is the same across the USA is the basic Federal tax and basic Federal quality standard of gas. From that point forward all taxing policy and fuel formulations are different. Gas companies reformulate the gas depending on the location of the place the fuel will be sold. The gas you buy is different in like say Denver then the gas you buy in New Orleans. Top Tier is a advertising/commercial gimmick. Not that it is bad it's a way gas stations can drive (no pun intended) traffic to their store. ALL gas must meet basic standard set by the Federal Government. Assuming an honest gas station dealer any gas you buy at any station will work in your car/truck.
<smile> talking about fuel price and quality is like talking about taxes. About the only thing that is the same across the USA is the basic Federal tax . . .
Unless you purchase on an Indian reservation or military base.
Top Tier is a advertising/commercial gimmick. Not that it is bad it's a way gas stations can drive (no pun intended) traffic to their store. ALL gas must meet basic standard set by the Federal Government. Assuming an honest gas station dealer any gas you buy at any station will work in your car/truck.
It is an advertising gimmick but my understanding is Top-tier gas has additional additives/detergents above and beyond the federal standards. Heck, even Clark Howard recommends it! ;)
Clark.com - Advice You Can Trust. Money in Your Pocket (https://clark.com/)
Top Tier is a advertising/commercial gimmick. Not that it is bad it's a way gas stations can drive (no pun intended) traffic to their store. ALL gas must meet basic standard set by the Federal Government. Assuming an honest gas station dealer any gas you buy at any station will work in your car/truck.
I used to assume that top tier was a gimmick as well and then I read this. Study: Top Tier Gasoline Worth the Extra Price - Consumer Reports (https://www.consumerreports.org/car-maintenance/study-shows-top-tier-gasoline-worth-extra-price/)
Jim
I prefer to put Chevron in my 2003; if that's not available, I will pump another top tier brand. I don't waste money (California gas prices are already some of the highest in the US) on a higher octane than 87, recommended by Ford, unless I'm in the mountains of CO, UT, WY, etc.; then I'll pump 88.
Replacing the fuel filter at regular intervals helps keep everything clean; this is Rock Auto's link for the OEM filter for a 2000-2008 6.8L E-450:
More Information for MOTORCRAFT FG1114 (https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=1141196&cc=1420298&jsn=453)
I prefer to put Chevron in my 2003; if that's not available, I will pump another top tier brand. I don't waste money (California gas prices are already some of the highest in the US) on a higher octane than 87, recommended by Ford, unless I'm in the mountains of CO, UT, WY, etc.; then I'll pump 88.
Replacing the fuel filter at regular intervals helps keep everything clean; this is Rock Auto's link for the OEM filter for a 2000-2008 6.8L E-450:
More Information for MOTORCRAFT FG1114 (https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=1141196&cc=1420298&jsn=453)
I actually prefer Chevron as well, Joan; just too cheap to pay the significantly higher price they charge. :o
I am surprised to hear people say that Costco has high tier gas.
I saw that interview years ago so maybe things changed. How do you know Costco carries high tier gas (especially with the
fiasco where they were selling regular milk labeled as organic milk until they got caught doing this). Does some independent party test it?
Google shows the answer.
Kirkland Signature™ Gasoline | Costco (https://www.costco.com/kirkland-signature-gasoline.html)
I tend to trust Costco after many decades of membership and everything I have read about Top Tier recommends using it.
I also tend to trust Consumer's Reports.
You will need to decide for yourself if you believe. YMMV
Larry
I prefer to put Chevron in my 2003; if that's not available, I will pump another top tier brand. I don't waste money (California gas prices are already some of the highest in the US) on a higher octane than 87, recommended by Ford, unless I'm in the mountains of CO, UT, WY, etc.; then I'll pump 88.
When at higher altitudes, your LD's engine requires a lower octane rating, not a higher one. 85 octane is common in the higher parts of Colorado.
Save your money and buy the regular grade fuel.
Larry
In Texas, we try to fill up at Bucees every chance we get. They also provide gasoline without corn in it for 87 octane at the same price as ethanol gasoline.
Lets not forget that the octane rating of gasoline merely tells us how much compression the gas can withstand without pre-igniting. In high altitudes, with thinner air, you don't get as much air in the cylinder as you do at lower altitudes, so you don't have to slow down the "flash point" as much so you can use a lower octane fuel. White gas for example has an octane rating of about 50. Ethanol, on the other hand has an octane rating of over 100. (E85 is about 108). One of the ways they increase the octane rating in high altitude states is to add more ethanol. 88 octane gas typically has 15 % ethanol. Bottom line, unless you love ethanol, or will be leaving high altitudes soon, 86 octane is usually just fine for engines designed for 87 octane, especially with today's computer controlled engines. As I remember, 88 octane (with more ethanol) was usually cheaper than the 86 octane at the same station.
Rich
I'm not a fan of 'corn squeezins' in gasoline, but after California eliminated MTBE in 2004, ethanol, usually limited to 10%, has been the 'oxygenate', and corn-free gas is very difficult to find.
I'm confused ((hardly unusual!) about the recommendation for using 85 octane instead of 88 in high elevation areas; it's contradictory to the information from this source:
Selecting the Right Octane Fuel (https://fueleconomy.gov/feg/octane.shtml)
"What is 85 octane, and is it safe to use in my vehicle?
The sale of 85 octane fuel was originally allowed in high-elevation regions—where the barometric pressure is lower—because it was cheaper and because most carbureted engines tolerated it fairly well. This is not true for modern gasoline engines. So, unless you have an older vehicle with a carbureted engine, you should use the manufacturer-recommended fuel for your vehicle, even where 85 octane fuel is available."
???
As I remember, 88 octane (with more ethanol) was usually cheaper than the 86 octane at the same station.
Having both ethanol and non-ethanol fuel, with similar octane ratings, at the same station, isn't something I see here in California. Most local stations have 87, 89 and 93 octane fuel. Our local Costco only has 87 and 93.
Larry
confused ((hardly unusual!) about the recommendation for using 85 octane instead of 88 in high elevation areas; it's contradictory to the information from this source:
Selecting the Right Octane Fuel (https://fueleconomy.gov/feg/octane.shtml)
"What is 85 octane, and is it safe to use in my vehicle?
I only mentioned 85 octane because in parts of high altitude Colorado, we could only buy 85 octane.
As altitude increases, the air density decreases, leading to lower cylinder combustion pressures.
A lower combustion pressure, decreases the needed octane level, to prevent pre-ignition or pinging.
If 87 octane is available, run it.
Most, if not all, engines built in the last twenty years have knock detectors that will retard the timing, if pinging is detected, to prevent engine damage.
Larry
There is plenty of conflicting information on this subject on the web. I guess it is up to whatever makes you comfortable. As always, YMMV, and it probably will, especially if you use gas with more ethanol in it. I meant 85 octane, not 86, as it is usually the more available product in high altitudes. Please be aware, this is NOT the same as E85 gas which is 85% ethanol and should not be used in any engine not specifically designed for it.
Rich
Our engine detests 85 octane no matter the elevation. It throws the computer off and so that it will not shift into 4th. I have no idea what the deal is nor do have the mechanics who have had it looked at 2/3 times. It's been reflashed once and electronically tuned another time. I will pay any price to avoid using it as it ruins driving until it's out of the tank.
My MPG goes up enough using extra to almost pay the difference in cost but the main thing is I really notice a power difference. With cruise set at 55mph my transmission will stay in overdrive on many hills on interstate 90 west of Spokane that when running regular it downshifts on
My MPG goes up enough using extra to almost pay the difference in cost but the main thing is I really notice a power difference. With cruise set at 55mph my transmission will stay in overdrive on many hills on interstate 90 west of Spokane that when running regular it downshifts on
Your LD has the older 460 V8 and may respond well to a higher octane fuel, due to a possible higher compression ratio or an older piston/head design.
The V10s only need 87 octane and do not run better or get better mileage on higher octane fuel.
Those of us who own V10s can save our money and used regular.
Larry
Not sure if this is consistent with the rest of the Country, but in Fredericksburg, TX all gas is supplied by Valero, the closest refinery, regardless of the brand of the service station. Of course different brands may put additives in the supplied gasoline, but I have not witness this happening. One other consideration that I believe is important is how often is the fuel replenished. The newer the fuel, the better.
Having both ethanol and non-ethanol fuel, with similar octane ratings, at the same station, isn't something I see here in California. Most local stations have 87, 89 and 93 octane fuel. Our local Costco only has 87 and 93.
Larry
Here in Denver the Costcos have only 85 and 93 octane which means I have to blend the two to come up with 87.
Chris
Not sure if this is consistent with the rest of the Country, but in Fredericksburg, TX all gas is supplied by Valero, the closest refinery, regardless of the brand of the service station. Of course different brands may put additives in the supplied gasoline, but I have not witness this happening.
This is true in many metro areas where there is only one local refiner, everyone uses the same basic fuel, with each retailer's custom blend of additives added at the time of dispensing into the tanker truck.
Larry
I used to assume that top tier was a gimmick as well and then I read this. Study: Top Tier Gasoline Worth the Extra Price - Consumer Reports (https://www.consumerreports.org/car-maintenance/study-shows-top-tier-gasoline-worth-extra-price/)
Jim
Interesting link. I have to wonder if using cheap gas with occasional use of additives would achieve the same results at a lesser cost.
Interesting link. I have to wonder if using cheap gas with occasional use of additives would achieve the same results at a lesser cost.
Sawyer, I've found that ARCO (a top-tier gas) has consistently one of the cheaper prices available as long as you pay cash and not credit.
Sawyer, I've found that ARCO (a top-tier gas) has consistently one of the cheaper prices available as long as you pay cash and not credit.
Didn't realize Arco was top tier. I was thinking Chevron, Shell etc. Good info.
We travel with debit card these days to get cash prices.
TOP TIER™ Gasoline Brands (https://toptiergas.com/licensed-brands/)
Sawyer, I've found that ARCO (a top-tier gas) has consistently one of the cheaper prices available as long as you pay cash and not credit.
Many times ARCO is not the cheapest, if you use a cash back credit card.
This is the reason whyI carry a sheet with all the Top tier stations listed.
Larry
I notice that Flying J and other brands that cater to highway traffic are not listed as top tier.
I've actually learned a lot in this thread. I have always bought cheap gas and was skeptical of claims in here of top tier gas being better but doing more research has me fully onboard. I'm a complete convert. No more cheap ⛽ and fuel additives for me.
"Do Fuel Injector Cleaners and Other Gas Additives Really Work?
Use Top Tier fuel instead
The good news is there’s an easy way to keep your engine clean of deposits. Vehicle manufacturers are well of the problems caused by carbon deposits. In response, the manufacturers worked with certain oil companies to put a special, high-strength additive package, with superior deposit-cleaning qualities, into their gasoline.
Starting with a few gasoline brands, this trend has swept through the industry. It has led to the creation of Top Tier Detergent Gasoline, in which any brand meeting the Top Tier enhanced additive standards is licensed to use the term to promote its products. Many auto manufacturers have recommended the use of Top Tier Detergent Gasoline in their vehicles.
This is a great first step toward keeping your engine clean and free of deposits, and it costs virtually nothing.
Recent AAA testing, using an independent laboratory, showed that non-Top Tier gasolines caused 19 times more engine deposits, after only 4,000 miles, than those that meet the Top Tier standards. AAA recommends that drivers use Top Tier Detergent Gasoline. "
Do Fuel Injector Cleaners and Other Gas Additives Really Work? (https://repairpal.com/do-fuel-system-additives-really-work)