You might be familiar with the expression “Speedway brand.” Whether it’s a pickup truck or a sports car, if you see it on the road, you know exactly what it is. While some people might consider Ford’s and Maserati’s sponsorship of the Indianapolis 500 race to be unusual, others might see it as completely normal. After all, the brand is named after the speedway, a racetrack where cars and trucks can compete.
As the owner of a service station, you might wonder if the expression speedsway brand extends to you as well. When it comes to gas brands, however, you have a wide variety of options. While some companies are well-known for their gas stations, others are just as proud to call themselves gas providers. Do you know which category you fall into? Let’s take a look.
The Big Three
When it comes to filling up your tank at the pump, the name itself—“The Big Three”—might ring a faint bell. If you’re fortunate enough to live in an area where these three companies have a significant presence, you’ll certainly know which one to choose. These are Shell, Chevron, and ExxonMobil, the three largest oil companies in the world. Each of these brands is responsible for a massive network of gas stations across North America. On average, a Big Three gas station will contain thousands of barrels of oil, enough fuel to keep an entire tank of a typical car (or truck) filled for many miles.
These gas stations are extremely consistent in terms of quality and product, which gives the brand a significant leg up on the competition. You’ll see a lot of ads for The Big Three, and most people will choose them without thinking because the quality is always solid and the stations are easy to find. If you live in an area where these companies operate, it would be a shame to pay more than you have to for gas because you don’t know how good these brands are.
The Rest
What if you live in an area where one of these companies doesn’t exist, or what if you’ve decided to go with a smaller, independent gas station? In that case, you’re left with a variety of options, most of which aren’t worth your time or money. These are the brands that you might see at a fraction of the large stations, typically found at the least convenient locations. For example, the 7-Eleven brand is popular because it tends to be much cheaper than other options, even though the quality might be questionable.
In rare cases, you might find a station that uses high-quality lubricants and fuels but is otherwise poorly maintained. In some areas, 7-Eleven is the cheapest and sometimes the only option available. While other gas stations will be out of business before you know it, leaving you with nowhere to go when your tank is on empty and the weather gets nasty. If you live in an area where quality is an issue, it would be smart to avoid these smaller, independent stations. You’ll never know what kind of fuel they are using and the last thing you want is to end up with a broken down vehicle on a cold night.
Even when you do find a good location, the prices are usually so high that it doesn’t make financial sense to go there. There are just so many variables that can affect the cost of gas that it’s not practical to rely on this option. In some places, gas will be so expensive that it would be cheaper to walk or ride a bike.
The Verdict
When you’re in the middle of nowhere with nowhere to go and your tank is on empty, the last thing you want to do is spend a long time looking for a gas station. If you want to get home, you’ll have to find some way to fill up, which in most cases means paying way too much. This is why it’s always best to know what kind of fuel the station you’re about to visit uses before you go there. If you’re not sure, ask the staff or look it up online. There are many different ways to find out, and if you do your research, you’ll have no problems at all.
Even though the options above are the most popular ones, it’s important to remember that not all gas is created equal. If you’re in a highly populated area or driving during peak hours, the prices will be extremely high and most stations will jack up the price of gas for whatever reason. These are the areas where you might see Shell stations, for example, because they have the cheapest gas. As a general rule, it’s always cheaper to travel during off-peak hours, which for most people is afternoon and early evening. If you’re stuck in traffic or otherwise unable to leave your location, it might be worth paying a little more at this time to ensure you get where you’re going without any issues. In some places, the price can vary by as much as 30%. Always check online or ask the staff at the station before you make a purchase because the prices can change without notice.
Some people might argue that it’s better to purchase generic gas because it costs less and you have no idea what kind of additives are in it. While this might be true in some cases, you can never be too careful when it comes to your automobile. You don’t know what kind of damage the fuel might cause, which is why it’s always best to know what kind of gas the station you’re about to visit uses before you go there. In most cases, it’s better to purchase the branded gas because at least you know what kind of additives are in it and can determine whether or not it’s safe for your car.