Shell V-Power Premium Gas, Issue?

[benpineapple]

Alright, I think I experienced some issues with Shell's V-Power premium gas. I know how stupid this sounds, but please read my observations first, then feel free to be dismissive if you still feel so inclined.

I almost always get my fuel from BP or a local mutual gas station, always premium, always. Was running low the other day and filled up at a Shell, getting their V-Power premium (the only 93 fuel they sell here in MI). Next day the power was significantly decreased, like the compression had all of the suddenly tanked; it was also idling a little rough. All fluid levels were nominal. I figured it must just be the temperature drop or something (hasn't gotten over 15F for the past couple days). I filled up again a couple days later at the normal station, and the car's power is back. Just like that.

As far as I know Shell's V-Power premium fuel is objectively better than other fuels; is it possible that some of the additives in their fuel could cause issues? My '98 V70 AWD has 201K miles on it, perhaps it just can't handle anything more than "normal" premium fuel.

Anyone else experienced issues like this at all?

[Sommerfeldt]

I used to use V-Power a lot, but I stopped using it since the 95 (93 is 98 here) octane here has been proven to be just as good, especially the newer blends. I don't remember experiencing any issues with it - if anything, the T5-R I used to have seemed to enjoy it a lot. Your V70 shouldn't have any issues with premium fuels, but it's very possible that the gas station you got it from has contaminated fuels in their tanks.

If you want to score some karma points, go tell them about it - they may even already have gotten other complaints or inquiries.

- S

[mecheng]

I agree, you could have some water in your tank from the gas station tank or maybe condensation at the top of the tank which you are now sucking in. Shell makes very good gas, it is a top tier gas like many others. All winter blends I find make the car down on power slightly.

I use Shell and Petro Canada because they invest in renewable energy, no other reason really as they are all similar.

http://www.toptiergas.com/retailers/

[j-dawg]

Gasoline is largely gasoline from one station to the next. The habits of a particular station's manager will be far more important to the quality of fuel than which franchise has its logo on the stick outside.

Each chain has its proprietary blend of additives and detergents, but they're not very different. If you have a preference for a detergent - not sure how one would come to such a preference, but if you do - you can probably buy a bottle of it from the gas station that mixes it into their fuel and dump it in the tank every few thousand. Otherwise, the EPA mandates minimum levels of additives and detergents in fuels sold at gas stations, and it seems unlikely that any brand does much more than it's required to do.

[rspi]

I have not had any issues with the Shell V-Power blend. I use it sometimes. I try to stay with Top Tier branded companies. My guess is that there was a little water in it or something. I had a 960 that would NOT run right if I pumped Valero.

[Jellobmw]

+1 on toptiergas and double +1 on ethanol free!

[abscate]

You shouldn't mix Shell gas and Mobil gas.

[Ozark Lee]

You shouldn't mix Shell gas and Mobil gas.

ROTFL.

...Lee

[benpineapple]

Haha, thanks all for the feedback. Fuel choice is kind of an endless spitball. It's probably my fault for not adding a bit of Heet to my tank when the temp shifted so much (from 40s to low teens).

I think I'm going to try V-Power again some time, just to see if that reproduces the symptoms. Classic s***s and giggles type situation.

[RussB]

All the cool kids run on Sunoco