Are you getting what you pay for at the pump? You shouldn't assume you are

Today with gas prices being what they are, complaining seems to fall on deaf ears. We don't like it but since we need gas we should be aware of some of the problems local gas pumps could have; which will cost you more money at the pump.

We all have our favorite stations AKA brands to buy gas from (Shell, Marathon, BP etc.) where is it cheaper, by how much - some places are only a penny cheaper sealing the deal and getting the business. The question though, is it only a penny or is the pump charging you more without you knowing it?

Whatever the method you choose to buy your gas, vendor or money, gas is believed or argued all gas is the same no matter what station you buy it from.  

Swifty is one I will not shop at because I believe they spike their gas with something that evaporates while in your tank - why do I think this...

Too often I would fill my tank at Swifty then head home, by morning my "FULL" tank was now well below the "F" symbol in my car. Since it was FULL when I parked it, and the next day it wasn't lead me to think this was sabotage or a way to steal my money.

So I put it to the test and my theory was to fill my tank 5 times at Swifty, and 5 times at Circle K - each time with Swifty my gauge reported below full the next day, but Circle K did not move.  This simple test sealed the fate of shopping at Swifty.

Is there is a difference between 87, 89, 93 octane and how does it affect an engine?

You betcha, Higher-end cars, Mercedes, Audi, BMW etc. seem to require the higher octane (93) because their engines have a higher compression ratio and if you use a lower grade you will notice spark knock or pinging.

A fuels octane rating comes from the fuels ability to not ignite (burn) prematurely under compression and heat. The lower the octane (87) lowers the fuels ability to withstand pre-ignition. Whereas a higher compression ratio engine needs a higher octane so the fuel doesn't ignite prior to the time for the ignition.

We've all heard that dreaded "spark knock" or "pinging" coming from our engine when we press the pedal, many reasons can cause the sound, but carbon buildup on the tops of the pistons increases the compression ratio which is where the sound comes from. In other words - the "spark knock" happens when fuel detonates (burns) before the piston (up and down thingy) is in the right spot (inside the engine). The temperature and pressure in the cylinder (holds the piston, AKA up and down thingy) cause the fuel-air mixture to detonate prior to the spark.

To solve this problem many think using a higher octane will fix the problem "spark knock", but a simple fuel system cleaning does the trick.

Gas is rated by the Tier 1, 2, 3, 4 - it is the number of detergents in the gas that cause the problem for some cars. While all gas is the same manufactures of the gas add the detergents . I'm not getting into that. One note premium gas does contain special or extra detergents, but in my  opinion they're of no additional benefit to your car.

With that all said - shopping at your local quickie store that sells gas - try to avoid them at all cost, they probably don't have the quality of gas you're looking for and use old pumps which may not be serviced correctly costing you more money.

Make sure you visit a major supplier of gas - Circle K is a quickie store but they have a name brand (SHELL).

Meter jumping = The pump ticks like it is dispensing fuel but it isn't, but you're getting charged. Watch the pump when you go to fill up. Double check the number of gallons to the price per gallon to see if it matches.

Old pumps can cause issues - the pumps are mechanical and need servicing to stay in optimal shape. That is why we have a "weights and measure" representative in Columbus who is to inspect the pumps and make sure we are receiving what we're paying for and they also inspect for damages, leaks to the pump.

That doesn't seem to be the case at Swifty pumps, yep back to them, back in 2011 a woman made a report online about Swifty.

11-18-2011 "Swifty gas station on National rd Columbus Indiana has not been inspected and has a weights and measures sticker dated 2010. my car now is ruined because of bad gas... they claim the inspector was there on Wednesday. how convenient. Not!!! this is unlawful, I am very angry with this station. It took forever to get service and this is the service I receive?? from an unhappy young mom that needs her car. Swifty, fix my car or see you in court. you cannot do this to people. your pathetic. No one thinks can think this is ok."

We received an email the other day about Swifty on State Street having the same sticker this woman said was at the National road location. Coincidence I don't think so and now 2 years later they still haven't been inspected - should you be shopping there, are you being charged correctly? The State hasn't checked their equipment in years so you're taking a gamble they are selling good gas at the price posted.

As I mentioned earlier, I won't shop at Swifty and I recommend you not either.

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