ARCO (part of BP) gas - your thoughts?
 

I use ARCO in my 8 and have never really noticed that it runs poorly with it. I know some 8 owners hate ARCO with a vengeance.

However, ARCO is owned by BP, which is one of three largest oil corporations in the world. I would assume that gas sold under their moniker would be decent? ARCO (BP) is a vertical operation so its not like the stations are buying on the spot market. The stations are getting their gas from their own refineries.

To me it seems that some knock ARCO because its so cheap with the belief that cheap=bad. I think its ARCO/BP executing a pricing scheme and marketing strategy by hoping to sell in larger volumes due to lower pricing, not taking credit cards, and ATM cards with a fee?

Just my thoughts.

I don't use ARCO and I know some people think their gas is watered down. However, someone I know who works for the state of California as a chemical engineer says that their gas is fine.

I believe they aren't part of the group of gasoline companies that are considered "top tier" unlike Chevron or Conoco

I used to be a contractor at BP. I no longer work there. "Top Tier" is a marketing organization in which companies pay to have their product tested and when it meets certain standards, it is certified as being "Top Tier". I serviced the personal computers of BP and talked to the scientists that tested the quality of BP's products. During this time I learned much about raw gasoline stock, ways to improve octane and detergents. I believe BP and Arco (not available in my area) are quality products and I would use them in my car. But, I only do this intermittently because other quality gas stations are more convenient and BP is usually several cents a gallon more expensive.

kinda different here. BP usually cost LESS than other stations. and theres a BP and mobil around my home, and its funny to see them complete with each other the whole time.

Its all good, I get cheaper gas :D

but I for some reason *feels* that Shell has better gas. dunno why, car seems to be able to pull faster with it. but Shell gas will burn faster (than other 2) for some reason .... maybe I floor too much :D

I have no problems with the quality of Arco gas, but the fact that they don't take credit cards is an inconvenience for me, and they are not that much cheaper that this would bring me to an Arco station instead of one taking the cards.

I will NOT buy Citco gas for political reasons. Since political discussion isn't allowed on this site, I won't elaborate.

First, I agree with alnielsen on the Shitgo gas. Boycott Venezuela.

I learned something very interesting here in Arizona a few years back when a gas main caved in there in Tucson and ALL gas stations were void of gas. Long story short ... at least here in AZ: All gas comes from the same main line. Each company then adds its "additives" to make it Chevron or Mobil or Exxon or whatever. The idea that gas is watered down (something we used to think about Citgo when I was young) is probably not true for any gas. Seems to me that water would make any engine ping pretty bad so I just think this probably doesn't happen.

It all boils down to the additives that an individual company applies to the raw product which probably gets bought from the very same sources. And frankly, I have a feeling it doesn't matter what gas you put in your car ... and the octane level probably doesn't matter either.

One big marketing assault on the consumer.

Maybe someone can explain this:

In the DC area for example, almost all gasoline is delivered by underground pipe to one of two fuel terminals. Every tanker gets their gas from one of these these terminals and (I think) differentiates "their" gas by tossing in a bucket of additives into their truck. So it seems the base gasoline stock is identical for everyone in the area. Just the additive package is different. Yes, oil companies have refineries but the refined product they produce is mostly put into a pipeline and distributed along with with everyone else's stuff. The difference in price at the pump amounts to how efficiently you manage your retail gas station. Poorly managed ones charge more. I suppose if you lived close to a refinery your gas station could get their stuff direct.

Danhilde beat me. Gasoline and water do not mix so you can't water it down. The water would just collect in the bottom of your gas tank. It seems to me putting more additives in like cleaners "waters" down gas.

Except for the fact that the detergents (or cleaners as you call it) are more expencive than the gasoline stock. Octain boosters also add to the price. A quality brand gasoline has more detergents (cheap ones none at all?) to help keep the fuel system on your car (e.g. fuel injectors) clean.

Octane level does matter. Octane is is boosted by adding certain chemicals to the raw gasoline stock. Octane reduces the speed of the gasoline burning in the combustion chamber. This will help eliminate pre-detenation. It doesn't add any power/btu's to the gasoline. Higher octane gasolines are only need for cars designed for their use. Some believe that lower octane fuels make a rotary engine run better.

In addition, ARCO/BP claims their gas has passed the strictest BMW deposit test and I went and read about the test online.

this is a misunderstanding

http://www.faqs.org/faqs/autos/gasoline-faq/part3/

read 6.2 and 6.3 especially

it is only a measure of the unburned end gases' ability to resist autoignition before the flame front arrives. it has nothing to do with how the fuel burns(faster or slower etc) or the flame front propogates.

I used to put ARCO in my cars when I was younger (and a broke college student) but now I avoid them because of the fact that I can't use my Discover card there.
I don't have a problem using my DEBIT card their BUT I have to input my PIN which means I get charged $.35 from them which no longer makes it cost effective to go to ARCO.

I tend to use Shell because they're very well priced and I can use my Cash Bonus Credit Card and my Cash Bonus Debit card there as well...

Well it doesn't sound like you had any bad experiences with the gas product though.

I use cash there so I don't get dinged. I think most people who go there pay cash.