Myth: Off-Brand Gas Is Bad for Your Engine
Many drivers feel a sense of loyalty to “Top Tier” brands like Shell or Mobil, fearing that the gas at a local unbranded station will “clog” their engine. In truth, all gasoline comes from the same regional refineries and travels through the same pipelines. The base product at a discount station is identical to what you find at a premium one. The only real difference lies in the proprietary detergent additives mixed in at the final stage.
While premium brands do include more detergents to keep valves clean, the “off-brand” gas still meets all government quality standards. Your car won’t suffer from using it. The only time gas quality becomes a real issue is if a specific station—regardless of the brand—has leaky underground tanks that allow water or silt to contaminate the fuel.
