Although gasoline is regulated by several agencies in the US, there are a number of ways that gasoline can differ from one supplier to another. The main difference between different types of gasoline is the type and amount of additives they mix with the gasoline they produce.
The main additive in most gasoline is detergent. This keeps your vehicle from getting clogged up by carbon residues, resulting in lower fuel efficiency. After decades of experimentation with fuel detergent, major automobile companies began developing designations for high quality fuel additives.
Costco gas qualifies for the “Top Tier” designation. Top Tier gasoline is endorsed as a detergent and additive standard by major auto manufacturers such as BMW, GM, FFord, and more. Chevron gas, as well, qualifies as Top Tier. There isn’t too much difference between gasoline from Costco versus Chevron.
Costco Gas vs Chevron
Since both Costco and Chevron gas are considered top tier gasoline, there isn’t much difference in the quality. Costco gas is more budget-friendly because of their membership program, but it doesn’t cut corners on quality.
If you have a Costco membership, it is smart to take advantage of their gas prices as you are getting more bang for your buck.
Is Costco Gas Lower Quality?
In many areas, Costco gas is often cheaper than gas offered by other stations. Some people may conclude that Costco gas is lower quality, thus allowing a lower price. However, Costco gas is generally the same or better than gasoline from other stations.
Costco gas is not lower quality. The gasoline sold by Costco qualifies for Top Tier fuel designation, and is often cheaper than gasoline sold by other stations.
If you’re looking to gas up at a nearby Costco location, it’s a good idea to go when the warehouse itself is not open. Typically, the gas stations at Costco will open earlier and close later than the warehouse, so you can beat the crowds by going early or late depending on what is convenient for you.
Read: Can You Use Someone Else’s Costco Card?
Does Chevron Really Have Better Gas?
Like many gasoline suppliers, Chevron claims that their gas is higher quality and cleaner than other types of gasoline. Their claim is that their specially formulated additive (known as “Techron”) is cleaner and better for your car than the additives in other gasoline brands.
Chevron doesn’t really have better gas than other suppliers. Although they have a higher customer satisfaction rating than other brands, gasoline composition is highly regulated, making gas pretty much the same no matter where you go.
In short, as long as you’re not buying bootleg gasoline out of a stolen truck on the side of the road, different brands of gasoline will not make much of a difference for either the efficiency or cleanliness of your vehicle.
What Is the Difference Between Costco Gas and Regular Gas?
Most gas stations receive fuel supplies from commonly shared sources. This is typically through logistics and fuel supply companies either by truck or through a pipeline. The differences in fuel quality between different brands depends mostly on the additives mixed in with the gasoline.
The difference between Costco gas and regular gas is that Costco sells Kirkland Signature gasoline. Kirkland signature gasoline contains five times the detergent requirement for both regular and premium grade gasoline.
Like other gasoline brands, Kirkland Signature gasoline sold by Costco has been certified to meet Top Tier fuel additive standards. This is in line with offerings from other gasoline suppliers, such as Chevron.
Why Is Costco Gas Cheaper Than Chevron?
Warehouse stores like Costco often have lower prices than regular gas stations. The cost in many places is low enough that even with the added expense of a Costco membership, it works out to be cheaper in the long run to go with Costco gas.
Costco gas is cheaper than Chevron because Costco’s membership fees and loyal customers allow them to sell their gas for lower prices. Regular gas stations have smaller profit margins, and must charge higher prices for gas as a result.
Does Costco Use Chevron Gas?
Like regular gas stations, Costco sources its fuel from major refineries or distribution centers depending on the area in which they operate. However, the brand of gasoline sold at Costco pumps is consistent between all Costco Locations.
Costco does not use Chevron gas. Costco sells Kirkland Signature gasoline at their pumps, and the fuel is 100% guaranteed, just like the merchandise they sell in their warehouses.
Want to learn more about Costco? Check out these related posts to learn when does Costco restock, does Costco accept coupons and does Costco take EBT?
Final Thoughts
Gasoline composition in the US is highly regulated. Gas suppliers must add a certain amount of detergent to the fuel in order to regulate carbon buildup and other problems that can arise over time in vehicle engines. Both Costco and Chevron meet or exceed these requirements with their gasoline.
Furthermore, major automobile manufacturers also certify certain types of gasoline as “Top Tier” gasoline. This designation is for fuels that are recommended by these manufacturers for use in their vehicles. The gas at both Costco and Chevron qualifies for the “Top Tier” designation.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to ask away in the comments section.