Fuel is vital for vehicle operation, and many times, people tend to change the gas stations or the type of fuel they use in their cars. Everyone discerns that it is dangerous to run cars entirely without gas, though the issue of mixing fuel from various gas stations is controversial. So, can you mix fuel from different gas stations?
Getting gas from different stations will not harm your car; however, it would be wise not to mix different gas brands regularly to be on the safe side. As much as some fuels work well when combined, fuels have different concentrations of detergent, chemicals, and other additives that may negatively impact engine performance when mixed up.
Mixing fuel brands has pros and cons; whereas some individuals experience no problems mixing fuel from many gas stations, others would rather not. I will give an adept overview on this subject.
Does it Matter Where You Get Gas?
In modern times, gas is costly; hence you should be wary of where you source it. To a point, all gas is the same, but numerous gas companies put varying additives in gas. All gas contains additives that are not the same- this aspect matters to vehicle operators.
Does A Car Run Better With A Full Tank of Gas?
Good gas contains chemicals approved by the U. S Environmental Protection Agency. On the other hand, cheap gas brands have minimum additives; those with more additives efficiently prevent engine wear.
Unlike Big gas brands, cheap gas contains a lot of ethanol which calls for frequent fill-ups. Ethanol is present even in exclusive fuels yet in fewer quantities. Check your vehicle’s manual to determine the best fuel because some cars are not ethanol-friendly. Although it is costly and tedious to find, you can use ethanol-free gas.
Can You Mix Fuel From Different Gas Stations?
There is no rule against mixing fuel from different gas stations. It can be pretty impossible to use a standard gas station since, at times, one may have a nearly empty tank thus have no choice but to get to the nearest gas station.
Mixing fuels is advantageous because fuels have different additives, which will result in minimal deposits in a vehicle’s valves. Theoretically, mixing gas is recommendable to enhance engine productivity. When mixing fuels, always ensure to use the well-known gas stations like Chevron, Shell, Texaco, Conoco, Costco, and Exxon.
You can mix fuels if you have a regular vehicle as long as you adhere to the minimum fuel specifications. Cars have different Octane Numbers, which are dependent on their manufacturer. High-end engines require higher octane fuels.
Fuels have varying octane ratings, which are always believed to determine how fast a car moves, yet this is not the case. Be on the lookout for octane ratings because using the wrong ones destroys engines. High-performance vehicles have a higher engine speed and compression rates meaning they cannot use low-octane fuel, which may cause car damage.
While moving a vehicle, small controlled explosions happen in cycles inside the engines. The controlled explosions occur at different intervals called a knock. It is pretty impossible to notice the knock-on small cars; hence, there is no need to use premium fuel in these vehicles.
As earlier mentioned, fuel brands have different proprietary additives, and once a vehicle gets used to one, it may not respond well to different fuels. Cars used to high octane fuel have reduced performance with low octane fuel.
Why You Should Use Fuel Injection Cleaner
It is unsuitable to use gas in cars that use diesel and vice versa. Unleaded gas in a diesel vehicle may make a vehicle lose its power due to significant damages.
I would advise you to commit to one fuel brand unless you find yourself in a situation where you must use another gas station. Ensure you use good quality gas and not those with minimal additives because they get used up quickly.
Can You Mix Regular and Premium Gas?
Most people opt for premium gas because many vehicle users appraise it. Even so, it is not compatible with some cars, which do so much better with regular gas. Vehicles that run on 87-octane gas have a low risk of detonation.
There is a common myth that premium gas cleans parts of a vehicle’s fuel system, which is why some individuals mix regular and premium gas. However, this is quite a misleading myth because premium gas does not enhance car engines’ productivity. Some engines burn high octane fuel. There is no need to use this type of fuel in smaller vehicles.
On the other hand, if your manufacturers commend the use of premium gas, it is safe to use the regular one. Accordingly, such cars adjust engine timing and performance to work with octane fuel. Still, it is not advisable to use cheap gas for an extended period; stick to premium fuel if you can afford it.
If you have an old car model, it is wise to stick to premium gas to prevent the engine from knocking.
Fuel System Cleaner vs Fuel Injector Cleaner
What Happens When You Put The Wrong Fuel In Your Car?
If you accidentally put the wrong grade of gas in your car, you should not panic, but if you use the wrong type of fuel, it may be a cause of concern. Wrongly fueling is poisonous to a vehicle as it risks contamination of the entire engine.
If you put Diesel Exhaust Field in your gas tank or vice versa, you need to take measures to prevent the poisoning from spreading. If you realize this mistake soon enough, make sure not to start your engine so you can control the spread. Next, call a tow truck to take your vehicle to its car dealer so it can be fixed by a professional.
To sum it up, there are some pros of mixing fuel from varying gas stations; for instance, it results in minimal deposits in a car’s valves. Nonetheless, always ensure to use energy compatible with a vehicle’s engine performance. Be careful not to use diesel in a vehicle that runs on gas and contrariwise. I suggest you commit to one gas station unless you have to use another.
References:
https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/state/north-carolina/article251384363.html
https://philkotse.com/car-maintenance/wonder-yourself-is-it-ok-to-mix-two-different-fuel-brands-6263
https://www.thoughtco.com/does-it-matter-where-get-gas-607905