On any given day, some 40 million Americans stop at gas stations to fill their tanks. For many, it’s a weekly routine, one they don’t spend much time analyzing, but are there things you think you know about your fill-up that just aren’t true?
Let’s set the record straight and dispel three common gas station myths.
Myth #1 – It’s best to buy gas early in the day.
The theory is that gasoline is denser at cooler temperatures, so you’ll get more fuel per gallon early in the morning. While the basic science is correct, the experts at Consumer Reports point out two practical reasons why this is a myth.
First, most gas stations store fuel in double-walled underground tanks that keep gas at steady temperatures. Second, even if there were variations in the fuel temperature, the volume difference between gasoline at 75 versus 60 degrees Fahrenheit is just 1 percent – not enough to be noticeable at the pump.
Myth #2 – It’s dangerous to use a cell phone near gas pumps.
According to the Federal Communications Commission, there is no documented incident of a wireless phone causing a gas station fire or explosion.
It’s true that many fuel companies post stickers on pumps warning motorists to turn off phones while refueling as cell phones could be a distraction. But the Petroleum Equipment Institute (PEI) reports that the most likely cause of fire at the pumps is static electricity created by drivers sliding in and out of vehicles. For safe refueling, PEI recommends you turn off the car engine, refrain from smoking and stay outside the vehicle. We also recommend staying close to your vehicle to monitor and manage the fuel nozzle.
Myth #3 – All brands of gas are the same.
More than two-thirds of Americans buy their gas primarily based on price and convenience. While all gasoline sold in the U.S. must meet federal requirements for performance, not all gas is the same.
The auto industry has a certification system for fuel. Top Tier™ certified gasoline includes additional detergents and fuel additives to remove engine deposits that can hurt fuel economy and result in greater emissions. A study by the AAA found that after just 4,000 miles, conventional gasoline left 19 times more deposits than fuel that met TOP TIER standards. It doesn’t matter if you’re driving a new car or the old pick-up truck you got back in high school, vehicles need a higher quality fuel to operate at peak performance.
Cenex® TOP TIER™ Detergent Gasoline includes a special detergent package that exceeds EPA standards. When used consistently, Cenex TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline has been proven to help prevent deposits from forming, essentially cleaning your engine as it runs. This ongoing maintenance helps reduce your chances for expensive and inconvenient vehicle repairs, while improving fuel economy and performance.
Cenex has more than 1,500 locations in 19 states that all carry TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline. Check out the Cenex store locator to find a location near you.