Warehouse Clubs Fuel

[Bruceg0028]

I heard many criticisms on the new Costco and why you shouldn’t join the club.

Just something to think about.

Vehicle fuel has ratings called Top Tier. Top tier fuel has special additives that make the fuel better for your car. Most car manufacturers say not to use Non Top Tier fuel in your vehicle.

Sam’s club and BJ’s does not use Top Tier gasoline. However Costco and most other name brand gas stations do. You can goggle this and see who does and who doesn’t.

I have found my gas mileage is significantly reduced when filling up at BJ’s and Sam’s.

We took a trip to Miami this past winter and I filled up at BJ’s the night before. When we got to our destination my tank was just about empty. We filled up with Mobil for our return trip and we had just over a quarter of a tank upon return.
I was driving a Chevy Equinox and my normal mileage is about 31MPG. On that trip it dropped to 27MPG.

I have had other friends check their gas mileage and they also experience a 3-5 mile per gallon reduction in their fuel mileage.

So if you think you’re getting a better deal using the BJ’s credit card and getting an extra 10 cent discount you’re losing it on your mileage. Costco also gives you a 5% rebate when you have their Citibank card and their gas is priced just as good as BJ’s and Sam’s.

I don’t need a bunch of trash talk that I’m wrong. Just do a mileage check yourself and see the results.

If your not sure if the gas is Top Tier just look at the gas pump your buying from and it will say Top Tier on the pump. And as I said earlier you can goggle this to see.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I heard many criticisms on the new Costco and why you shouldn’t join the club.

Just something to think about.

Vehicle fuel has ratings called Top Tier. Top tier fuel has special additives that make the fuel better for your car. Most car manufacturers say not to use Non Top Tier fuel in your vehicle.

Sam’s club and BJ’s does not use Top Tier gasoline. However Costco and most other name brand gas stations do. You can goggle this and see who does and who doesn’t.

I have found my gas mileage is significantly reduced when filling up at BJ’s and Sam’s.

We took a trip to Miami this past winter and I filled up at BJ’s the night before. When we got to our destination my tank was just about empty. We filled up with Mobil for our return trip and we had just over a quarter of a tank upon return.
I was driving a Chevy Equinox and my normal mileage is about 31MPG. On that trip it dropped to 27MPG.

I have had other friends check their gas mileage and they also experience a 3-5 mile per gallon reduction in their fuel mileage.

So if you think you’re getting a better deal using the BJ’s credit card and getting an extra 10 cent discount you’re losing it on your mileage. Costco also gives you a 5% rebate when you have their Citibank card and their gas is priced just as good as BJ’s and Sam’s.

I don’t need a bunch of trash talk that I’m wrong. Just do a mileage check yourself and see the results.

If your not sure if the gas is Top Tier just look at the gas pump your buying from and it will say Top Tier on the pump. And as I said earlier you can goggle this to see.

First - it's google, not goggle. Just getting that out of the way.

Meanwhile back to the topic: if you have both types of gas available in a relatively similar distance from your starting point, then sure - top tier might be a better option.

For me, Costco is a 25 minute drive, and most of it is on congested roads, requiring me to sit in traffic or at red lights, wasting gas. BJs, on the other hand, is less than 5 minutes from my house, including the 3-4 minutes I get stuck at red lights wasting gas just sitting there, on my way there.

I already get around 34mpg using BJs gas. That's with the air conditioner running on automatic to keep my car cabin at 78°. Mile for mile, and minute for minute, it just isn't worth the added inconvenience, time, or distance to get better gas at Costco.

[Bill14564]

I heard many criticisms on the new Costco and why you shouldn’t join the club.

Just something to think about.

Vehicle fuel has ratings called Top Tier. Top tier fuel has special additives that make the fuel better for your car. Most car manufacturers say not to use Non Top Tier fuel in your vehicle.

Sam’s club and BJ’s does not use Top Tier gasoline. However Costco and most other name brand gas stations do. You can goggle this and see who does and who doesn’t.

I have found my gas mileage is significantly reduced when filling up at BJ’s and Sam’s.

We took a trip to Miami this past winter and I filled up at BJ’s the night before. When we got to our destination my tank was just about empty. We filled up with Mobil for our return trip and we had just over a quarter of a tank upon return.
I was driving a Chevy Equinox and my normal mileage is about 31MPG. On that trip it dropped to 27MPG.

I have had other friends check their gas mileage and they also experience a 3-5 mile per gallon reduction in their fuel mileage.

So if you think you’re getting a better deal using the BJ’s credit card and getting an extra 10 cent discount you’re losing it on your mileage. Costco also gives you a 5% rebate when you have their Citibank card and their gas is priced just as good as BJ’s and Sam’s.

I don’t need a bunch of trash talk that I’m wrong. Just do a mileage check yourself and see the results.

If your not sure if the gas is Top Tier just look at the gas pump your buying from and it will say Top Tier on the pump. And as I said earlier you can goggle this to see.

When I goggled it I learned that Top Tier fuel includes enhanced detergent additives to keep an engine cleaner. With non-Top Tier fuel you might get more deposit buildups over time. What I did *not* see was anything that would affect mileage from one trip to another.

Different brands may use different octane calculations which could affect mileage.
Different brands might use different amounts of ethanol which *would* affect mileage.
Different trips may have different headwinds, traffic, driving speeds, AC usage which all would affect mileage.

[Rango]

“Placebo effect”

[justjim]

So many variables can take place with gas mileage. Head wind and tail winds, premium gas vs regular gas, etc. We have a Sam’s card and I fill up there when it’s convenient but don’t spend the time and gas to save maybe fifty cents. It doesn’t make sense. But to each their own.

[Topspinmo]

I rarely buy top tier gas. Not conveniently near me. Shell use to be up mulberry, but now it circle K which convenient and OK ✅ for me, but I just have plain car that uses plain gasoline.

[kingofbeer]

I heard many criticisms on the new Costco and why you shouldn’t join the club.

Just something to think about.

Vehicle fuel has ratings called Top Tier. Top tier fuel has special additives that make the fuel better for your car. Most car manufacturers say not to use Non Top Tier fuel in your vehicle.

Sam’s club and BJ’s does not use Top Tier gasoline. However Costco and most other name brand gas stations do. You can goggle this and see who does and who doesn’t.

I have found my gas mileage is significantly reduced when filling up at BJ’s and Sam’s.

We took a trip to Miami this past winter and I filled up at BJ’s the night before. When we got to our destination my tank was just about empty. We filled up with Mobil for our return trip and we had just over a quarter of a tank upon return.
I was driving a Chevy Equinox and my normal mileage is about 31MPG. On that trip it dropped to 27MPG.

I have had other friends check their gas mileage and they also experience a 3-5 mile per gallon reduction in their fuel mileage.

So if you think you’re getting a better deal using the BJ’s credit card and getting an extra 10 cent discount you’re losing it on your mileage. Costco also gives you a 5% rebate when you have their Citibank card and their gas is priced just as good as BJ’s and Sam’s.

I don’t need a bunch of trash talk that I’m wrong. Just do a mileage check yourself and see the results.

If your not sure if the gas is Top Tier just look at the gas pump your buying from and it will say Top Tier on the pump. And as I said earlier you can goggle this to see.
Regarding your trip to Miami. I suspect that you may have been driving faster than your normal speed. Maybe you where driving 75mph instead of 65mph. This could account for your MPG drop.

[retiredguy123]

As I understand it, you need to pay to have the fuel tested and rated as "top tier". Some fuels that are actually equal to or better than top tier, are not rated as top tier only because the manufacturer refused to pay for the testing. So, this is a bogus credential.

Also, some gasoline stations sell fuel from various sources, so they don't even know when they are selling top tier fuel or not.

[shut the front door]

Regarding your trip to Miami. I suspect that you may have been driving faster than your normal speed. Maybe you where driving 75mph instead of 65mph. This could account for your MPG drop.

There are a multitude of things besides speed that would effect gas mileage. The method used above simply isn't accurate.

[Ignatz]

My vehicle must be a slow learner.

I don’t see any mileage difference to speak of between brands and I like to fill up at Sam’s when I’m in the area.

I’ll stick with factual reasons for mpg variance such as seasonality, driving style, etc.

[Rwirish]

Top tier is better no question. However, there is little to no difference in MPG.

[Efuchs]

I heard many criticisms on the new Costco and why you shouldn’t join the club.

Just something to think about.

Vehicle fuel has ratings called Top Tier. Top tier fuel has special additives that make the fuel better for your car. Most car manufacturers say not to use Non Top Tier fuel in your vehicle.

Sam’s club and BJ’s does not use Top Tier gasoline. However Costco and most other name brand gas stations do. You can goggle this and see who does and who doesn’t.

I have found my gas mileage is significantly reduced when filling up at BJ’s and Sam’s.

We took a trip to Miami this past winter and I filled up at BJ’s the night before. When we got to our destination my tank was just about empty. We filled up with Mobil for our return trip and we had just over a quarter of a tank upon return.
I was driving a Chevy Equinox and my normal mileage is about 31MPG. On that trip it dropped to 27MPG.

I have had other friends check their gas mileage and they also experience a 3-5 mile per gallon reduction in their fuel mileage.

So if you think you’re getting a better deal using the BJ’s credit card and getting an extra 10 cent discount you’re losing it on your mileage. Costco also gives you a 5% rebate when you have their Citibank card and their gas is priced just as good as BJ’s and Sam’s.

I don’t need a bunch of trash talk that I’m wrong. Just do a mileage check yourself and see the results.

If your not sure if the gas is Top Tier just look at the gas pump your buying from and it will say Top Tier on the pump. And as I said earlier you can goggle this to see.

Hate to burst your bubble, but after forty years in the.industry I can tell you that gas is pretty much the same across all brands. In fact, in most areas the trucks pick up at the same racks fed from the same tanks. It's called comingled storage. They may put their own additive packages in but the amounts are negligible and really are directed towards long term cleanliness of the engine, even that is of minimal impact. The additive also allows major companies to see if their branded vendor is buying gas from other unbranded suppliers. You will not see any appreciable difference in mileage. It's all marketing hooey.

[srswans]

I heard many criticisms on the new Costco and why you shouldn’t join the club.

…Most car manufacturers say not to use Non Top Tier fuel in your vehicle…

I have found my gas mileage is significantly reduced when filling up at BJ’s and Sam’s…

...

I don’t doubt that you had a wild mileage swing on a trip.

I couldn’t find any auto manufacturers that say to avoid Top Tier gas. Most recommend it.

BJ’s and Sam’s are not Top Tier gas. Costco and Mobil are. Chevron, Sunoco and Exxon are. Circle K is not.

One cannot easily get Top Tier 93 octane North of Missouri. However, my car runs great on 91 octane with no Ethanol.

[midiwiz]

I heard many criticisms on the new Costco and why you shouldn’t join the club.

Just something to think about.

Vehicle fuel has ratings called Top Tier. Top tier fuel has special additives that make the fuel better for your car. Most car manufacturers say not to use Non Top Tier fuel in your vehicle.

Sam’s club and BJ’s does not use Top Tier gasoline. However Costco and most other name brand gas stations do. You can goggle this and see who does and who doesn’t.

I have found my gas mileage is significantly reduced when filling up at BJ’s and Sam’s.

We took a trip to Miami this past winter and I filled up at BJ’s the night before. When we got to our destination my tank was just about empty. We filled up with Mobil for our return trip and we had just over a quarter of a tank upon return.
I was driving a Chevy Equinox and my normal mileage is about 31MPG. On that trip it dropped to 27MPG.

I have had other friends check their gas mileage and they also experience a 3-5 mile per gallon reduction in their fuel mileage.

So if you think you’re getting a better deal using the BJ’s credit card and getting an extra 10 cent discount you’re losing it on your mileage. Costco also gives you a 5% rebate when you have their Citibank card and their gas is priced just as good as BJ’s and Sam’s.

I don’t need a bunch of trash talk that I’m wrong. Just do a mileage check yourself and see the results.

If your not sure if the gas is Top Tier just look at the gas pump your buying from and it will say Top Tier on the pump. And as I said earlier you can goggle this to see.

ok I won't say you're wrong, I WILL say that's 2 different inconsistent routes. you would need to do the exact trip including speed, stops, etc. aka a mirror trip to actually know the difference. I can tell you this - I've spent 12 years driving this state for work various rental cars and every trip has different MPG no matter what.

[M2inOR]

Sam's, BJ's, Wawa, and Costco for me in my Lexus.

No significant difference for me, other than per gallon cost.

[Altavia]

Most Chevron, Shell, Mobil, Sunoco and 76 stations here have Top Tier along with Costco.


From Consumer. Reports

Top Tier Gasoline Is Worth the Extra Price, Study Shows - Consumer Reports (https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/fuel-economy-efficiency/top-tier-gasoline-worth-the-extra-price-a7682471234/#:~:text=Top%20Tier%20gasoline%20was%20developed,t hat%20sell%20Top%20Tier%20gas)

Top Tier Gasoline Is Worth the Extra Price, Study Shows - Consumer Reports.

Test results showed that, on average, non-Top Tier gasoline left 19 times more carbon deposits on injectors and intake valves and in the combustion chamber than Top Tier gasoline had.

AAA also found that Top Tier gasoline can have a cleansing effect, reducing intake valve deposits by 45 to 72 percent when used over a 5,000-mile interval. Variation in the results is attributed to the detergents used by different brands.

Further, analyzing gas prices over a 12-month period found just a 3-cent price difference between non-Top Tier and Top Tier gasoline.

Bottom line: For the nominal investment, this study shows that motorists would benefit from using Top Tier gasoline as their primary fuel.

[JRcorvette]

Top Tier Fuel is better for your engine and there is no denying that. As for better gas mileage I really don’t know and don’t care about a few extra MPG. We simply do not drive that many miles a year and if you do the math the difference in money is about the cost of a good meal in a nice restaurant. I will say that if you have a turbocharged engine you need to be using premium fuel. Yes it will run on regular fuel however it is not good for the engine or turbocharger. Most new cars have turbocharged engines these days.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Hate to burst your bubble, but after forty years in the.industry I can tell you that gas is pretty much the same across all brands. In fact, in most areas the trucks pick up at the same racks fed from the same tanks. It's called comingled storage. They may put their own additive packages in but the amounts are negligible and really are directed towards long term cleanliness of the engine, even that is of minimal impact. The additive also allows major companies to see if their branded vendor is buying gas from other unbranded suppliers. You will not see any appreciable difference in mileage. It's all marketing hooey.

Was in the marine tanker transportation industry. Efuchs is correct. The base gasoline is the same for all the wholesale dealers. We only carried two kinds of the gasoline ever in the oil tankers: regular and premium, due to different octane levels. that was pumped into different tanks at the distributor.

There are additives added to gasoline for specific companies, i believe added at the rack when filling the trucks. There is no other way to add specific additives to a specific retail customer. However, the additives are miniscule, and may marginally make a difference in the long term only.

There are also different additives in engine oil, and those additives are handled the same way, prior to bottling by adding to base lube oils. The oil additives are more important than the gasoline additives for engine life and cleanliness.

As far as MPG differences, we experience different trip directions mpg differences solely due to elevation changes. . . starkly obvious when towing a travel trailer. . especially when MPG goes from 19 to 10/11 MPG.

but everyone believes what they want to believe, confirmation bias is a bitch! And people can buy cheap gas and add their own additives if you want to buy them at any automotive parts store. I occasionally add 2-3 times the recommended amount of injector cleaner per tank of gas every 20K miles or so when the tank is empty to "clean" the injectors. I might be helping, i really don't know but it makes me feel good that i am performing some kind of performance maintenance.

YMMV

[Bruceg0028]

It was the exact same route and zero stops since one tank got us there and less than 1 tank back. Since I stopped using BJ gas and my mileage is back at 31MPG.

Also have a friend who does airport runs and he stopped using them also saying his milage was also way down.

I can only assume that’s the culprit. CAR only has 29k on it and gets regular oil changes and tire rotations and air pressure checks.

I said in the post, just check your mileage and see if you experience the same thing. But of course lots of negative comments as always on this forum. lol.

[Moderator]

Kindly refrain from deviating from the original topic of discussion in your comments.

If you wish to share a related comment, please initiate a new thread to avoid disrupting the current discussion.

[Beats]

Is it really worth the $60 a year for BJ's just to save some money at the gas pump? BJ's just does not even come close to Costco in any other manner and so many levels, if you disagree you do not or never have had a Costco membership or a BJ's membership to compare it to. I have had both and warned the management at BJ's with their stupid coupons that I would be gone in a minute if Costco comes to the Villages, well they did and I did not resign up in April when my BJ's membership expired. I told them many times that the coupons were ridiculous and many times the items in the book were not in stock when you went to the store. Very little help when you needed someone, not enough check out lines, sample area was a joke as is the clothing area. Lets not even address the food court section which leaves BJ's seriously lacking. BJ's is just a company that does not listen to its members! I know they are sorry to lose me because of how many emails that I get a day that they want me back and one has to ask how many others are out there that have also canceled their memberships. Good luck trying to win us back.
I will keep my Sam's membership for convenience for my location as it is a far better store than BJ's, but I do not see myself ever going back to BJ's and my prediction is that BJ's will be gone within a few years.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

I heard many criticisms on the new Costco and why you shouldn’t join the club.



using your stats, using 10,000 miles driven
using $3.00 per gallon Top Tier and 10% discount on non top tier gas. .
with 31 mpg versus 27 mpg.

the savings is only slightly better than $60 per 10,000 miles driven or about 3% in total cost. . . maybe enough for some people, not enough given any time and / or distance restrictions for everyone when the gas budget is 1-2% of the total household spend per year. The savings is 0.067% of a dual social security income household, assuming max social security benefits, excluding any other additional income. .

would be more impactful for a single social security household. . but the savings is too small for many people, versus other cost savings opportunities with groceries, eating out, alcohol, etc.. .

[maistocars]

Bill14454, OrangeBloss, and King of Beer, among others - you really don't need to include the original poster's post in your reply - only do that if you're replying to a secondary post within. You'll save us all a lot of time scrolling down past that.....pulleeeeze!

[Bill14564]

Bill14454, OrangeBloss, and King of Beer, among others - you really don't need to include the original poster's post in your reply - only do that if you're replying to a secondary post within. You'll save us all a lot of time scrolling down past that.....pulleeeeze!

Thanks for the advice but I’m good. Posts can be changed, sections can be highlighted, and people can get lost in all the replies - including the original reduces confusion.

[Boilerman]

Was in the marine tanker transportation industry. Efuchs is correct. The base gasoline is the same for all the wholesale dealers. We only carried two kinds of the gasoline ever in the oil tankers: regular and premium, due to different octane levels. that was pumped into different tanks at the distributor.

There are additives added to gasoline for specific companies, i believe added at the rack when filling the trucks. There is no other way to add specific additives to a specific retail customer. However, the additives are miniscule, and may marginally make a difference in the long term only.

There are also different additives in engine oil, and those additives are handled the same way, prior to bottling by adding to base lube oils. The oil additives are more important than the gasoline additives for engine life and cleanliness.

As far as MPG differences, we experience different trip directions mpg differences solely due to elevation changes. . . starkly obvious when towing a travel trailer. . especially when MPG goes from 19 to 10/11 MPG.

but everyone believes what they want to believe, confirmation bias is a bitch! And people can buy cheap gas and add their own additives if you want to buy them at any automotive parts store. I occasionally add 2-3 times the recommended amount of injector cleaner per tank of gas every 20K miles or so when the tank is empty to "clean" the injectors. I might be helping, i really don't know but it makes me feel good that i am performing some kind of performance maintenance.

YMMV
I’ll believe Consumer Reports over what someone on a forum says who claims to be an expert.

[PeteP]

The original post is completely incorrect. I build engines, have raced cars, own multiple classic and performance cars and study fuel formulations. You should always use Top Tier gasoline, otherwise overtime your fuel injectors, valves and pistons will build up carbon deposits. The car manufacturers actually created the top tier fuel designation which requires certain levels of deterrents in the gas. They did this to extend the life of the engines / reduce repairs. I always go out of my way to get top tier fuel and when I can’t I add Techron fuel treatment to my tank. Top Tier fuels= Shell, Chevron, Mobil, ,Costco. Use it in your golf cart too.

[Jerry101]

[QUOTE=OrangeBlossomBaby;

‘First - it's google, not goggle. Just getting that out of the way.’

… thanks for clearing that up for us!!!

😴

[Arctic Fox]

Do you remember Redex? A can of fuel additive that you squirted into your tank before filling up. It was supposed to make your engine run better but I never saw anything to prove that it worked. Still, at a few cents a squirt I was occasionally tempted.

[Altavia]

The original post is completely incorrect. I build engines, have raced cars, own multiple classic and performance cars and study fuel formulations. You should always use Top Tier gasoline, otherwise overtime your fuel injectors, valves and pistons will build up carbon deposits. The car manufacturers actually created the top tier fuel designation which requires certain levels of deterrents in the gas. They did this to extend the life of the engines / reduce repairs. I always go out of my way to get top tier fuel and when I can’t I add Techron fuel treatment to my tank. Top Tier fuels= Shell, Chevron, Mobil, ,Costco. Use it in your golf cart too.

Especially true for the the latest direct injection turbo engines. The shop I use reports excessive carbon causing issues as early as 30K mi on those cars.

[Arctic Fox]

The car manufacturers actually created the top tier fuel designation which requires certain levels of deterrents in the gas.

I'm assuming "detergents"?

Any other differences between Top Tier and normal gas?

[Altavia]

I'm assuming "detergents"?

Any other differences between Top Tier and normal gas?

Not as far as I know. Top Tier fuel applies to all octane levels they offer, not just premium.

The additives help prevent and remove carbon deposits on engine parts like intake valves and fuel injectors.

This minimizes reductions in fuel economy and engine performance over time due to carbon build up.

[NoMoSno]

Not as far as I know. Top Tier fuel applies to all octane levels they offer, not just premium.

The additives help prevent and remove carbon deposits on engine parts like intake valves and fuel injectors.

This minimizes reductions in fuel economy and engine performance over time due to carbon build up.
About - TOP TIER™ (https://www.toptiergas.com/about-top-tier/#why)

Where I buy it, it is cheaper than regular gas around TV.
I pass the station every day.

[Jalane]

Care to share where?

[NoMoSno]

Care to share where?
https://happydaves.com/
They sell Sunoco gas.
441 just south of 42.

[loufromnewjersey]

Bill14…. You are really going on a tangent to try to discredit the better gasoline. Better and cleaner gasoline plus 40 cents less per gallon are good enough reason for me.

[Bill14564]

Bill14…. You are really going on a tangent to try to discredit the better gasoline. Better and cleaner gasoline plus 40 cents less per gallon are good enough reason for me.

This is a perfect example of why I made the comment I did in post 24.

In what way did I go on a tangent?

In what way did I discredit any gasoline?

Better is arguable. Cleaner may be of questionable value.

Where in the world are you finding gas at $2.37/gallon?? (Costco page says $2.74)

[jimmy o]

I heard many criticisms on the new Costco and why you shouldn’t join the club.

Just something to think about.

Vehicle fuel has ratings called Top Tier. Top tier fuel has special additives that make the fuel better for your car. Most car manufacturers say not to use Non Top Tier fuel in your vehicle.

Sam’s club and BJ’s does not use Top Tier gasoline. However Costco and most other name brand gas stations do. You can goggle this and see who does and who doesn’t.

I have found my gas mileage is significantly reduced when filling up at BJ’s and Sam’s.

We took a trip to Miami this past winter and I filled up at BJ’s the night before. When we got to our destination my tank was just about empty. We filled up with Mobil for our return trip and we had just over a quarter of a tank upon return.
I was driving a Chevy Equinox and my normal mileage is about 31MPG. On that trip it dropped to 27MPG.

I have had other friends check their gas mileage and they also experience a 3-5 mile per gallon reduction in their fuel mileage.

So if you think you’re getting a better deal using the BJ’s credit card and getting an extra 10 cent discount you’re losing it on your mileage. Costco also gives you a 5% rebate when you have their Citibank card and their gas is priced just as good as BJ’s and Sam’s.

I don’t need a bunch of trash talk that I’m wrong. Just do a mileage check yourself and see the results.

If your not sure if the gas is Top Tier just look at the gas pump your buying from and it will say Top Tier on the pump. And as I said earlier you can goggle this to see.
I am a huge proponent of top-tier gas. Top Gear gas contains great detergent additives which in the long run will help you get marginally better gas mileage, while keeping your engine and components clean and running smooth. But to get the kind of increased gas mileage you’re talking about you would’ve had to use a non-ethanol gas. BTW,for others reading this post, higher octane has nothing to do with better gas mileage, it simply retards ignition and is helpful for high compression engines.

[Meyerro]

My issue with Costco gas is that they don't sell a mid-grade. I use any brand of gas but use mid-grade. To get to that octane level at Costco I'm forced to use premium which costs more than any other mid-grade.

[Cliff Fr]

I heard many criticisms on the new Costco and why you shouldn’t join the club.

Just something to think about.

Vehicle fuel has ratings called Top Tier. Top tier fuel has special additives that make the fuel better for your car. Most car manufacturers say not to use Non Top Tier fuel in your vehicle.

Sam’s club and BJ’s does not use Top Tier gasoline. However Costco and most other name brand gas stations do. You can goggle this and see who does and who doesn’t.

I have found my gas mileage is significantly reduced when filling up at BJ’s and Sam’s.

We took a trip to Miami this past winter and I filled up at BJ’s the night before. When we got to our destination my tank was just about empty. We filled up with Mobil for our return trip and we had just over a quarter of a tank upon return.
I was driving a Chevy Equinox and my normal mileage is about 31MPG. On that trip it dropped to 27MPG.

I have had other friends check their gas mileage and they also experience a 3-5 mile per gallon reduction in their fuel mileage.

So if you think you’re getting a better deal using the BJ’s credit card and getting an extra 10 cent discount you’re losing it on your mileage. Costco also gives you a 5% rebate when you have their Citibank card and their gas is priced just as good as BJ’s and Sam’s.

I don’t need a bunch of trash talk that I’m wrong. Just do a mileage check yourself and see the results.

If your not sure if the gas is Top Tier just look at the gas pump your buying from and it will say Top Tier on the pump. And as I said earlier you can goggle this to see.

That's really not a valid comparison. It's not possible that the traffic coming back was exactly the same or that you're driving was exactly the same. If you really want to do something that's good for your engine add a bottle of techron (black bottle), to a tank of gas every so often.

[HJBeck]

I would have to wonder if wind speed and its direction played any impact on the mpg difference you saw. A 10 mph headwind is going to have a significantly different affect then a 10 mph tail wind, thus a fair amount of impact on mpg. JUST SAYING! It’s a matter of physics!

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Blah blah blah ……..

The trash talk is mostly coming from people whose game / ego is not dependent upon the annual mpg race nor the cleanest combustion chamber in their car's life marathon. Many individuals bring their professional hills to die on into their personal life, as a non specific example, CPAs handling their check book like a monthly audit.

With professional opinions and consumer reports proving that top tier gas is definitely better for the longevity, cleanliness (invisible to all in the normal course of car ownership) and mpg of their car's engine, we can agree that that gas is better than club gas.

However, not everyone cares about the money saved, nor the invisible condition of their car's combustion chamber when they dispose of it, nor about the gas they purchased when a non engine part of the car causes the final sale.

The quality of both gas and car engines have improved sufficiently that untreated gas seldom causes the ultimate demise of most cars, accidents and body age and other parts like braking systems can cause the owner to sell. . . so issues that once were very important to the cost of transportation, now are much less significant to cost and longevity, and other daily issues have taken its place. .

tis the evolution of the economy and capitalistic products. .

everyone has their own opinion, and seldom can everyone agree on any one topic.

good luck to us. .

[Cliff Fr]

Especially true for the the latest direct injection turbo engines. The shop I use reports excessive carbon causing issues as early as 30K mi on those cars.
The reason for carbon buildup in direct injection engines is the fact that the fuel doesn't wash the valves anymore. It's injected directly into the combustion chamber.