Fuel brand vs. MPG??

MRausch82 · **Posted:** Fri Nov 09, 2012 6:37 pm

Alright, before I begin, let me say that I watch and check my MPG on EVERY single vehicle I own, at every fill up. I use the same non-EPA approved method, which is to top it off, meaning I fill it to the tip top, where fuel is visible and nearly pouring out of the filler neck when done. My MPG calculations ARE accurate as a result.

Lately I have noticed a substantial difference between fuel brands. I usually fill the CRD at Sheetz (a PA/MD thing), but have been using Kwik Fill fuel lately due to the fact that I am getting 5-10mpg better under the EXACT same fill up method and driving method/roads/terrain, etc, and using the trip odometer to calculate (yes, I realize that is not perfectly accurate, but it does not change the facts regardless). I usually get 24-25mpg on Sheetz fuel, but with Kwik Fill I have been getting a consistent 31-35mpg. How can this be? If I switch back to Sheetz, or even Sunoco fuel, I am back to the low-to-mid twenties. I have been experimenting with this over the last few thousand miles/month plus and the results are the same. Any idea why?

ATXKJ · **Posted:** Fri Nov 09, 2012 9:14 pm

The can be a significant difference - refinery to refinery in terms of what Cetane you get - which effects the mileage.

there can also be a issue with how clean the tanks are and if someone dumps used motor oil in the tank.

however depending on the dealership contracts - it's not unusual for different sellers to get the same incoming diesel.....
which confuses anyone trying to make a general statement about companies

MRausch82 · **Posted:** Fri Nov 09, 2012 9:17 pm

ATXKJ wrote:

The can be a significant difference - refinery to refinery in terms of what Cetane you get - which effects the mileage.

there can also be a issue with how clean the tanks are and if someone dumps used motor oil in the tank.

however depending on the dealership contracts - it's not unusual for different sellers to get the same incoming diesel.....
which confuses anyone trying to make a general statement about companies

True. I used to work in refineries and terminals where fuel was stored. But wow, this is a huge difference! Either way, I am sticking with Kwik Fill fuel for now...

buddy357 · **Posted:** Sat Nov 10, 2012 12:06 am

I have found the best mileage at BP stations with my CRD and Excursion. The Navy Exchange on the other hand I see 4-6 mpg lower than BP. So I never fuel up on base unless I forgot and let it get way low.

jws84_02 · **Posted:** Sat Nov 10, 2012 1:04 pm

I'm about as anal as u at checking my mileage. Around where I live(Illinois) my best place is bp. My local Casey's is about 2mpg down and the tank at my house is about 4mpg down from bp. However, the price I get at home is much better and is still more economical than any station

papaindigo · **Posted:** Sat Nov 10, 2012 1:30 pm

Another factor is when stations switch from summer to winter fuel as winter fuel cuts into mpg. If different stations switch at different times you would definitely see mgp variations depending on which one you used.

Also but doubtful if one station is selling unmarked B-20 or higher I'd expect lower mpg from that station.

Cowpie1 · **Posted:** Thu Nov 22, 2012 1:37 pm

I have tanked fuel in the past, and all the stations in a general geographic location get their fuel from one or two terminals in the area. The primary differences, if any, are usually due to storage tank quality at the station or the change over from summer to winter fuel blends. For those getting bio, it gets a little more complicated, in that there are usually several bio producers that are supplying to the terminals.

Fuel brand vs. MPG??

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