Well, maybe not quite yet. While it is true that many gas stations offer fuel discounts if you run there, it is not actually sponsored by the gas company. Rather, it’s often a sign that you’re near a 7-Eleven or Circle K, which are companies that specialize in selling convenience goods including snacks, soft drinks, and motor fuel.
But is there anything particularly special about the fuel that they sell? Is it better than what other gas stations may offer? While none of this may actually be true, it is definitely popular to believe it. Especially since most gas stations don’t offer any additional perks or incentives for running or driving there.
So, let’s explore the claims. Are any of these really valid, and should you believe them when advertising gas stations near you?
It Has A High Octane Rating.
This is one of the most popular myths regarding Marathon gas, and it’s pretty easy to disprove. If you’ve ever seen the TV show Pawn Stars, you’ll know that high-octane fuels are generally found in older cars since newer cars can’t handle the tremendous power of high-octane fuels very well. However, this does not mean that all high-octane fuels are created equal. While many standard motor fuels have an octane rating of 87, the average gas station Marathon fuel has an octane rating of 95. This is mainly because it is blended with other petroleum products to increase its octane rating. So, while it is true that every once in a while you’ll come across a 95 octane gas station, it is not commonly found.
Has A Safer Chemical Composition.
It’s always good to try and keep safer chemicals out of your home, but is it truly safer to buy gasoline that is loaded with ethanol, which can be a carcinogen, and potentially contaminate the water table? While this is a valid question, there is currently no scientific evidence that links ethanol and cancer. Plus, many experts believe that the ethanol used in fuel is not as bad for the environment as some of the other fossil fuels. It’s still a highly disputed topic.
It Is More Expensive.
This is one of the most popular claims that fuel vendors make, but it is also one of the most easily disproven. If you live within a 30-mile radius of a gas station, it is usually the case that the cost for a single gallon of gas is the same as it would be at another station. This is mainly because gas prices are set by supply and demand. When there’s a lot of demand and not much supply, the price goes up. When there’s plenty of supply and high demand, the price tends to come down. So while it may be more expensive at one gas station than another, the difference is relatively minimal.
It’s always great to look for deals and discounts whenever possible, but to believe that one form of fuel is inherently better than another is almost certainly a false claim. If you live in an area where gas prices are fluctuating and you are seeking an environmentally friendly form of fuel, look for a pump that uses a green light to signal that it is operating on solar power. This reduces your carbon footprint and helps keep our planet earth green.
It Has A Better Ethanol Content.
This is a bit of a tricky one to sort through, as there is no universally accepted definition of what constitutes “better ethanol content”. However, many fuel vendors will tell you that their fuel is better because it contains more ethanol. While this may seem like a good idea at first, it can actually have serious consequences. The first being that as the demand for fuel increases, so does the demand for ethanol. This can potentially cause severe shortages, especially during peak hours. Second, as ethanol has a much higher ratio of energy to volume compared to other fossil fuels, there is a serious risk of overheating if you fill up your car with it. This can cause engine damage and even possibly a fire.
As you can see, there are a lot of falsehoods and misconceptions surrounding gas. While it is true that many gas stations offer fuel discounts if you run there, it is not actually sponsored by the gas company. This allows them to put its logo on the pumps but does not necessarily mean that the fuel is any good or safe. Plus, many of the same claims can be made about most convenience stores. So keep your eyes open when filling up at a gas station. Look for alternative fueling options or use websites to compare gas prices across multiple stations.