I find that my truck is a 2 ton fuel quality detector. No kidding. I can tell between the brands too. Top Tier Premium is the way to go.

 

I know I prefer Canadian Shell vs. American Shell. Got over 17mpg vs. 13-15 in the states. Probably the lack of ethanol in the high-octane gas when I was there this past spring (Kelowna, BC and Banff, AB). Considering the truck costs me over $80 to fill up now, I am going to try Costco. This is after years of filling with Shell (or Chevron when Shell couldn't be had) in multiple vehicles. I'm a bit hesitant, but they are now Top Tier listed. The horror stories I've heard were from the days when they weren't.

 

The 92/93 octane base is the same. It's the additives each co has that makes the difference. Mine runs smoothest and best mileage with ExxonMobil, then Shell, then it doesn't matter much. Cheaper brands equal less smooth and lower mpg. True fact.

 

I tried Costco premium maybe a year ago and was not impressed. My guess is that Costco doesn't use additives at all which is how they can sell it cheaper.

 

 

When you use Arco or any 89 octane, you don't know how much better it can run. The sign on the gas tank lid is there for a good reason, the computer is programmed for 92 octane. Use lower octane gas and the computer will retard your timing to prevent pinging. That's why you think it runs great, no pinging, however you are driving around with retarded timing which decreases your mpg and delivers lower performance. You should use the Shell Supreme or comparable, like Chevron or 76. My preference in the Seattle area is Chevron first, Shell second, and then 76. I got scolded from my mechanic about using ARCO, and i was using their premium... He showed me the varnish and gunk build up in the engine from low quality low detergent fuel and I never went back. It's just not worth saving a few cents per gallon if you love your Rover. Low quality fuel will also gum up your injectors sooner.

When you do switch it will take a few tanks for the computer to adjust to the better fuel. I'd also run a can of Seafoam or Chevron Techron through your gas tank when you switch.

 

This is all i use. Can't beat the price, easily 30-40 cents cheaper than any other stations around me. Performance has been good thus far

 

Going cheap eventually has consequences,,, Just sayin'

One day you will pay the price.

As long as you don't mind driving around retarded all the time and you know going in what you are getting into...

Your truck, your choice but if you love it you may wish to pay attention to what many of us here have learned the hard way.

For me it's not worth saving a few bucks to keep the inside of my engine clean and running properly. And I totally understand the urge to go cheap, but this is not the place... Go cheap by doing your own maintenance, you'll save a whole lot more and your engine will last longer... Another thing, higher octane fuel burns cooler... you knowingly want to run hotter?