When you pull up to the pump, you might not think twice about where your gas is coming from. But trust me, not all gas is created equal. The quality of the fuel you feed your car can really make or break how well it runs and for how long. Opting for high-quality gas means fewer trips to the mechanic and a happier, healthier car.
We’ve rounded up 13 gas brands that might not be doing your vehicle any favors. These brands have a reputation for being on the lower end of the quality scale, and regularly filling up with their fuel could lead you to more frequent and frustrating visits to the repair shop.
KwikTrip
KwikTrip might tell you they meet top-tier gas standards, but a quick check of the official list might tell you otherwise. Recently, they’ve even started peeling those top-tier certification stickers right off their pumps. The reason? They’ve been hitting a snag with getting enough of the right additives from their suppliers.
This shortage affects the quality of the gasoline they offer. While KwikTrip is working hard to get back on track, they haven’t made it back to the top-tier list yet.
No-Name Brand Gas Stations
If you’ve ever pulled into a no-name brand gas station, maybe because it’s conveniently located or just off the beaten path, here’s something to think about. These independent stations often don’t disclose where they source their gasoline.
This lack of transparency can lead to inconsistent fuel quality, with potentially minimal additives that are crucial for your engine’s health. Supporting local businesses is great, but when it comes to fueling your car, this might be a gamble.
Pilot Flying J
You might not have come across many Pilot Flying J stations unless you’re hitting the long road often or driving a truck. Specializing primarily in truck stops, this brand isn’t really aiming for the average car owner.
For regular drivers, the gasoline offered at Pilot Flying J might not meet the higher standards your vehicle requires. The focus here is more on fueling big rigs than your family sedan or hatchback.
Sheetz
Sheetz, with its eye-catching red canopies, might be a familiar sight if you’re traveling through states like Pennsylvania or Ohio. Known for competitive pricing, Sheetz tries to balance cost with quality by adding detergents to its gasoline.
However, despite these efforts, Sheetz hasn’t managed to clinch that coveted top-tier gasoline certification. This means while they’re doing their best to elevate their fuel, it might not yet be the best choice for your car’s long-term health.
Sam’s Club
If you’re a bargain hunter, you’ve probably filled up at Sam’s Club before, drawn in by the low prices at the pump. But let’s get real—cheap doesn’t always mean good, especially when it comes to what you’re putting into your car.
Sam’s Club gas lacks the high-quality additives your engine needs to run smoothly over time. This can lead to engine troubles down the road.
Murphy USA
Convenience is king at Murphy USA, especially with most of their stations conveniently located next to Walmart stores, making it super easy to gas up after a shopping trip. However, convenience doesn’t equate to quality.
Murphy USA falls short in the additive department, much like other grocery-adjacent gas stations, which can spell trouble for your car’s engine. Despite its plans for expansion and a spot on the Fortune 500 list, the quality of Murphy USA’s gasoline doesn’t stack up.
Speedway
Have you ever filled up at Speedway? If you have, it’s worth noting that despite its affiliation with 7-Eleven Inc. since 2021, Speedway hasn’t exactly sped up in quality. It’s still lagging in the race for top-tier gas status.
According to reports from 24/7 Wall St, Speedway struggles with maintaining the needed levels of additives in its gasoline. This deficiency could lead to less efficient fuel consumption and more frequent maintenance issues. While it’s not the absolute worst out there, you’re probably better off skipping Speedway if you have other options.
Safeway
Safeway might catch your eye with its dual convenience—gas pumps right next to grocery aisles. Super handy, right? However, just because it’s convenient doesn’t mean it’s the best choice for your car.
The reality is, grocery store gas like Safeway’s often falls short on quality. Frequent use of their gas can lead to carbon buildup in your engine, potentially leading to serious performance issues and unexpected trips to the mechanic.
Circle K
You might know Circle K as one of the big names in gas stations and convenience stores across the U.S., having been around since the 1950s. However, it’s time to rethink using them for your gas needs. Over the years, the quality of Circle K’s fuel has taken a nosedive.
Using Circle K can lead to unwanted deposits in your fuel system, which could mean more trips to the mechanic and less efficient fuel consumption. They’ve dropped from their previous “top tier” status because their fuel lacks sufficient additives to keep your engine running smoothly.
BP
BP, along with its sibling brand Amoco, might ring a bell as household names in the fuel industry. But don’t let that fame fool you, they’re not doing your car any favors. Both brands have fallen behind in maintaining the additive levels needed to meet top-tier fuel standards.
What this means for you is a greater likelihood of finding carbon build-up in your engine. This can lead to poorer engine performance and a noticeable drop in efficiency. If you stick with BP or Amoco, you might find yourself filling up more often as your car struggles to perform at its best.
