With gasoline stations on just about every corner these days, many Americans don’t give much thought to what they put in their car’s gas tank. Convenience and price often play a large part in determining where to fill up, but there is much more motorists should consider before pulling up to the gas pump. To begin, not all gasolines are the same, and the level of detergency – which can mean the difference between clean or dirty engine parts – can vary greatly from one gasoline brand to another. To help separate fuel fact from fiction, following are some guidelines to consider when selecting a gasoline for your car:

Consider the Cleaning Power

In the mid 1990s, the Environmental Protection Agency established minimum standards for cleaning agents that must be added to auto fuel, and most gasolines today contain just that minimum amount.  Unfortunately, for some vehicles, this minimum level of detergency can leave carbon deposits on important engine parts.  This is particularly true of low-detergent gasolines typically sold at discount gasoline stations, grocery stores and wholesale club stores.  The deposits that low-detergent gasolines leave behind in some cars can cause hesitation during an engine’s initial warm-up phase.  Removal and prevention of these deposits may help reduce incidence of hesitation. To avoid the build-up of engine deposits, consumers should look for high-quality gasolines with added cleaning power.

“Using a quality fuel with additional cleaning agents, such as Shell V-Power, the new premium-grade gasoline from Shell, can help ensure the cleanliness of critical engine parts by removing carbon deposits from the engine’s intake valves and fuel injectors each time the vehicle is driven,” explained Mark Henry, manager of fuels for Shell Oil Products US.  “You can think of carbon deposits on an engine similar to the “gunk” that can build up and coat your oven.  But, like an oven cleaner, Shell V-Power helps remove those deposits when used regularly.”

Don’t Overlook Octane

Different cars require different levels of octane, which is the measurement of a gasoline’s ability to resist engine knock – a rattling or pinging sound that results from uncontrolled combustion in the engine.  The right level of octane will prevent engine knock and help ensure optimum performance.  To determine the appropriate octane level, be sure to check your car’s owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommendation.

The most common levels of octane are 87 (regular), 89 (mid-grade) and 93 (premium), and these are indicated right on the pump at the station.  Higher octane gasoline can be particularly helpful for car engines that are experiencing knocking or pinging.  However, octane is only one component to consider when shopping for fuel.  Consumers also should look for gasolines that provide added benefits.

Factor in Other Factors

There are a variety of options at the pump, and no single type of gasoline is right for everyone.  Concerning octane, the American Petroleum Institute recommends consulting your owner's manual first.  Ordinarily, it provides the correct guidance.  However, if your engine knocks or pings at the recommended level, you may need to try a higher octane level.  The requirements for your vehicle can be influenced by your driving habits, your vehicle’s mileage, as well as by the climate and geography where you live.

In addition, look for ways to get improved value out of your gasoline purchases, such as paying with a credit card that provides a rebate of some kind with every purchase.  The Shell MasterCard (877-MY-SHELL) offers one of the best rebate programs in the industry with a 5 percent rebate on Shell quality gasoline and a 1 percent rebate on retail purchases anywhere the card is used.

For most consumers, a car, truck or SUV represents the second-largest purchase they will make after their homes, so it’s important to protect that investment.  Selecting a high-quality fuel and servicing your car regularly are important steps to maintaining your vehicle properly. 

For nearly 100 years, Shell has been focused on developing high-quality fuels and lubricants to meet the needs of the different vehicles on the road today.  The company’s newly introduced premium fuel, Shell V-Power, actively cleans engines as consumers drive their cars by removing deposits from critical engine parts, specifically intake valves and fuel injectors.  Shell V-Power has more than five times the cleaning agents required by government standards and it is formulated to clean up deposits left by low-detergency gasolines. To learn more about Shell V-Power premium gasoline and the benefits of using quality fuels, visit www.shellus.com.

QUESTIONS:

Fleishman-Hillard

Brooke Barrett:  214/665-1304

Shell Oil Products US

Shell Media Line:  713/241-4544

Anne Peebles: 281/874-8290

or 713/241-1584