Q: Back in the '70s, we were often told it was best for a car's engine to always use the same brand of gas. Some people even said to always use the same gas station or even the same pump. Have engines evolved to the point where this doesn't matter anymore? Is this still true? Was it ever true?
A: No and never. It is not true now, and it was never true. Your car's engine was designed to run on any brand of EPA-approved gasoline, and the idea that it "got used to" a certain brand, station or even pump is an old father's tale. So we're here to set you free. More or less.
Here's the more or less part: Modern fuel-injected cars run best (over a long period) on what are called Top Tier gasolines. Those are gasolines that have a higher level of detergent additives than the EPA requires, reducing deposits in the fuel system and helping keep fuel injectors clean.
The whole Top Tier thing was started by a group of carmakers who felt that gasolines weren't doing enough to keep their advanced engines clean. These days, the vast majority of major brand gasolines sell only Top Tier gas. Those include the well-known brands, plus some you may not see advertising, like Kirkland Signature Gas from Costco. To see a full list of all the brands that sell only Top Tier gas — or to print out the list and stick it in your glove box — go to toptiergas.com/licensed-brands.
It doesn't matter which of the Top Tier gasolines you buy or if you mix them. It doesn't matter what grade you use (use the grade recommended in your owner's manual). It doesn't matter which particular station you buy from or which pump you use. We recommend you buy from the station with the lowest prices and the cleanest restrooms, and use the pump that no car is currently parked in front of.
Buyer beware
Q: I take my two vehicles to a local car repair shop. They are "family-owned" and have been in business a long time. Twice now, I have caught them trying to cheat me. Their attitude is very lackadaisical, not apologetic, and very unconcerned that they got caught. No conscience whatsoever.
I called the famous automobile association and found that they mostly just check the mechanics' credentials. The BBB will not disclose anything or do anything. Is there any way to tell the good guys from the bad guys?
A: Stories like this are painful for us to hear. But this has been a problem since the Model T. And it's not limited to auto repair. Whenever people require an "expert" to do something that they themselves don't understand, there's always an opportunity for unscrupulous people to take advantage of them.
