In response to high gas prices, some are seeking ways to extend the lifespan of the fuel in their gas tank. One of the stranger consumer methods involves buying gas at certain stations. A man claimed that Costco gas gave him less mileage than what he’s used to.
Why Is Gas So Dang Expensive Right Now?
Fuel prices in the United States are out of control. Owing in large part to the conflict with Iran and the Iranian government’s subsequent closing of the Strait of Hormuz, gas prices across the country have skyrocketed.
As noted by NBC News, the price of gas is currently 40% higher than it was before the war started. In six states—Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Nevada, and Washington—the average price of gas is more than $5 per gallon. Diesel prices are even higher. In some areas, the price of diesel exceeded $10 per gallon.
According to drivers online, some gas stations provide gas that will last for ages, while others will have you refueling in a matter of days.
TikTok user @senseofjuniorgaming thinks Costco falls into that latter camp.
But is there truth to this claim?
Do Costco, Other Gas Stations Have ‘Bad’ Gas?
In a video with over 38,000 views, TikTok user @senseofjuniorgaming shows the gas gauge on his car.
“This is super strange,” he starts. “Every time I get gas, I fill it up all the way, and it gets me 340 miles.”
“This time around, I filled up at Costco. It was $4.44, and it only got me to 280 miles,” he continues. “Like, what is going on?”
In the text overlaying the video, he adds, “What are they doing to our gasoline?!”
Why Is Gas Mileage Inconsistent?
There are a few reasons why a car’s mileage estimate may vary considerably.
The first is a combination of driving behavior and driving conditions. After refueling, a car does not do an analysis of the gas in the tank and estimate how far the car will go with the current gas. Instead, it looks at the gas consumption over recently driven miles, then makes an estimate about how many more miles the car will last given this behavior.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, there are actions that can reduce your miles per gallon:
- Quick acceleration
- Hard braking
- Carrying extra weight
- Using a roof rack
- Making excessive use of A/C and car accessories
- Not maintaining your vehicle
There are also environmental factors that can contribute to poor mileage:
- Driving on hills
- Navigating in the cold
- Going on bumpy or poorly maintained roads
These can all cause your estimated mileage to noticeably dip.
Does The Fuel Play A Role?
The kind of gasoline you put in your car does affect how many miles you get. However, the variance is lower than the dramatic drop that the TikToker claims to have seen.
For example, some gas stations use fuel that adds in ethanol. A standard ethanol/gasoline blend is called E10 and contains around 10% ethanol, though there are other blends with more ethanol.
Most modern cars are designed to handle these fuels. However, ethanol does not burn as efficiently as gasoline. This means that a car driving with fuel that includes a substantial amount of ethanol may have a lower mileage estimate than one driving with pure gasoline.
This should not be a concern with Costco fuel. The chain’s gasoline is TOP TIER-approved, meaning that it meets “rigorous fuel detergency performance requirements.”
Given all of this, it’s unlikely that the TikToker’s issue comes from the fuel itself. Instead, it’s likely driving performance, environmental conditions, and other factors that caused the reduced estimate.
‘I Have Been Getting Less Gas For My Money’
Even though there’s no substantial evidence that gas quality is being reduced, many drivers in the comments section insisted that something was up with their gasoline.
“Have always filled the 87 and always got 300 miles now only getting 230 miles,” claimed a user.
“I don’t care what they say, I have been getting less gas for my money,” alleged another. “Maybe it’s more ethanol or something but it costs me more and I don’t go as far anymore. So sick of it!”
“It’s definitely different stations. Some stations my truck will show 440, and then others 380. They are definitely doing something,” declared a third.
Motor1 reached out to the TikToker via TikTok direct message and comment and to Costco via media relations contact form.
