"Gas from ARCO is bad"

Antranik1 · 26th September 2007, 02:40 PM

This absolutely drives me up the wall!

Everybody and their mother seem to think that Arco sells gas that is not only inferior to other gas stations, but is simply not good for your car. Doesn't all gasoline come from the same refineries?! I have an image of a refinery and chevron, 76, exxon, arco trucks are all loading up there. Sure the chevron truck might add some additives to make it "better" but that doesn't mean Arco is bad!

I've heard from countless people that after they switch from Arco to something else that their car runs better/faster. That is such a crock. I own a buick that runs better with a full tank of gas versus a tank that's near empty, regardless of the type of gasoline. Why this is, I don't know, but too many people think that Arco has inexpensive gasoline because there's something wrong with their gas.

I mean come on, if they were selling gas that makes your car go bad, I don't think they'd be in business anymore considering the millions of customers they have. What is true is that Arco doesn't accept credit cards. They only accept cash or atm/debit cards. I'm guessing that Arco, as a merchant, doesn't have to pay the CC companies the extra 2-3% in fees and their gas is coincidentally 2-3% cheaper! Maybe that is one of the reasons why they can sell gas for a lower price, not because it's "bad!"

Ugh.. end rant.

Drs_Res · 26th September 2007, 03:00 PM

I use ARCO all the time. No problems.

Fnord · 26th September 2007, 03:10 PM

I dunno...

I fill the 10 gallon tank of my Prius with ARCO gas and get 47.3 mpg (473 miles on 10 gallons).

I fill the same tank with SHELL gas and get 53.2 mpg (532 miles on 10 gallons).

Same vehicle, same driver, same route, same week ... if it isn't the quality of the gasoline, then maybe it's the phase of the moon?

Lisa Simpson · 26th September 2007, 03:11 PM

I think people associate inexpensive with bad. Arco is cheaper because they don't accept credit cards. BTW, the next time someone says that to you, ask them if they think British Petroleum makes bad gas, because BP owns Arco.

DGM · 26th September 2007, 03:17 PM

Originally Posted by Fnord

I dunno...

I fill the 10 gallon tank of my Prius with ARCO gas and get 47.3 mpg (473 miles on 10 gallons).

I fill the same tank with SHELL gas and get 53.2 mpg (532 miles on 10 gallons).

Same vehicle, same driver, same route, same week ... if it isn't the quality of the gasoline, then maybe it's the phase of the moon?

I'm not say this is defiantly the issue but, some stations add alcohol to the gas to "stretch" the profits. It doesn't really hurt today's cars they just lose some milage.

Lisa Simpson · 26th September 2007, 03:19 PM

I buy my gas from Costco. The mileage is exactly the same as with more expensive gas.

Drudgewire · 26th September 2007, 03:27 PM

FWIW, neither Arco nor BP make the "Top Tier" list:

http://www.toptiergas.com/index.html

Drs_Res · 26th September 2007, 03:54 PM

Does Toptiergas take into account where you are in the country? Because I'm in California and we have different gas regulations out here.

Disbelief · 26th September 2007, 04:02 PM

Originally Posted by Drs_Res

Does Toptiergas take into account where you are in the country? Because I'm in California and we have different gas regulations out here.

No, because the top tier gases are above EPA standards and better for your car.

Originally Posted by Drudgewire

FWIW, neither Arco nor BP make the "Top Tier" list:

http://www.toptiergas.com/index.html

BP is not on the list because it is a voluntary program and BP does not work with the automakers listed. They have a deal with Ford, who promotes the use of BP gasoline.

Anyway, short term you will see little difference in performance, but long term you will see a degradation.

GT/CS · 26th September 2007, 04:11 PM

Originally Posted by Fnord

I dunno...

I fill the 10 gallon tank of my Prius with ARCO gas and get 47.3 mpg (473 miles on 10 gallons).

I fill the same tank with SHELL gas and get 53.2 mpg (532 miles on 10 gallons).

Same vehicle, same driver, same route, same week ... if it isn't the quality of the gasoline, then maybe it's the phase of the moon?

You drive your car until the tank is dry????

Fnord · 26th September 2007, 05:02 PM

Originally Posted by GT/CS

You drive your car until the tank is dry????

Only once, just to see how far the car would go on batteries alone (4.1 miles at 25 mph). Otherwise, only until that annoying low fuel chime sounds. Even after it does, I can still go another 25 miles on the fuel tank.

I like my Prius.

GT/CS · 26th September 2007, 05:08 PM

Originally Posted by Fnord

Only once, just to see how far the car would go on batteries alone (4.1 miles at 25 mph). Otherwise, only until that annoying low fuel chime sounds. Even after it does, I can still go another 25 miles on the fuel tank.

I like my Prius.

Sorry, I thought you were saying you fill your 10 gallon tank with 10 gallons of gas. I assume what you mean instead is that you are calculating your mileage then projecting how far you would go on 10 gallons.

Fnord · 26th September 2007, 05:22 PM

Well ... let's say 9.8 gallons then. 473 miles per 9.8 gallons is still 48.3 miles per gallon (instead of 473mi / 10gal = 47.3mpg), which is still impressive.

I really like my Prius!

Gravy · 26th September 2007, 05:27 PM

I would think that if there were widespread complaints about ARCO, or any gasoline, that there would be widespread testing to see if it meets regs. Fnord, have you tried ARCO at different stations?

technoextreme · 26th September 2007, 05:38 PM

Quote:

I mean come on, if they were selling gas that makes your car go bad, I don't think they'd be in business anymore considering the millions of customers they have. What is true is that Arco doesn't accept credit cards. They only accept cash or atm/debit cards. I'm guessing that Arco, as a merchant, doesn't have to pay the CC companies the extra 2-3% in fees and their gas is coincidentally 2-3% cheaper! Maybe that is one of the reasons why they can sell gas for a lower price, not because it's "bad!"

My dad's story is that he doesn't trust the cheap gas stations to even maintain their equipment correctly. Though that's his opinion of using a mom and pop gas station.

Fnord · 26th September 2007, 05:40 PM

Originally Posted by Gravy

I would think that if there were widespread complaints about ARCO, or any gasoline, that there would be widespread testing to see if it meets regs. Fnord, have you tried ARCO at different stations?

Only the three nearest my home. Also the two Shell stations nearest my home.

Gravy · 26th September 2007, 06:31 PM

Originally Posted by Fnord

Only the three nearest my home. Also the two Shell stations nearest my home.

Interesting. That's a big difference. If you think all other things are basically equal, and assuming you're using the octane that's recommended for your Prius, you might consider reporting the discrepancy to your state Bureau of Weights and Measures.

PhantomWolf · 26th September 2007, 07:05 PM

Originally Posted by Fnord

I dunno...

I fill the 10 gallon tank of my Prius with ARCO gas and get 47.3 mpg (473 miles on 10 gallons).

I fill the same tank with SHELL gas and get 53.2 mpg (532 miles on 10 gallons).

Same vehicle, same driver, same route, same week ... if it isn't the quality of the gasoline, then maybe it's the phase of the moon?

Not to plug them or anything^*, but Shell uses an aditive that gives you better fuel efficency. This has been tested in consumer trials over here and has been shown to in fact work. It gives about 5-10km per tank in a normal car (a Prius would likely extend that much further)

Disclaimer: I may or may not be a contractor for this particular company.....

GT/CS · 26th September 2007, 07:10 PM

Is the Arco selling blended gas (Ethanol)?

jberryhill · 26th September 2007, 09:12 PM

Don't sweat it.

In a few months we'll convert to water engines, since "that guy" has once again invented the car that runs on water.

You know... "that guy" who invents the car that runs on water, every couple of months.

Math Maniac · 26th September 2007, 09:18 PM

I think it's fairly standard industry practice for some areas to use gas from one refinery for distribution because it's impossible to have a refinery from every company in every area of the country. The difference, though, is the additive package that's unique to each brand.

This is what I've been told in the past by a refinery firefighter...but I realize that it could be wrong as I have not studied this for myself.

PhantomWolf · 26th September 2007, 09:24 PM

Originally Posted by Math Maniac

I think its fairly standard industry practice for some areas to use gas from one refinery for distribution because it's impossible to have a refinery from every company in every area of the country. The difference, though, is the additive package that's unique to each brand.

This is what I've been told in the past by a refinery firefighter...but I realize that it could be wrong as I have not studied this for myself.

That's pretty much correct, there are exceptions, like over here one of the stations, Gull, imports their mix rather then getting it from the refinery everyone else does, but for the most part they get the basic product and add their own additives to it.

TjW · 26th September 2007, 09:58 PM

Originally Posted by jberryhill

Don't sweat it.

In a few months we'll convert to water engines, since "that guy" has once again invented the car that runs on water.

You know... "that guy" who invents the car that runs on water, every couple of months.

It won't matter. It will be suppressed again by "them". You know, "them".

SpaceMonkeyZero · 27th September 2007, 05:57 AM

Originally Posted by Fnord

Well ... let's say 9.8 gallons then. 473 miles per 9.8 gallons is still 48.3 miles per gallon (instead of 473mi / 10gal = 47.3mpg), which is still impressive.

I really like my Prius!

How does the Prius drive in 2 feet of snow, uphill?

I really like the idea of hybrids... I'm just waiting for one that can handle the horrible weather I get during the winter, and have room for a family... and haul stuff, and let my dog run around inside.

A neighbor of mine has a Ford Escape hybrid and he curses it during the winter. Funny thing is, on the escape, when the batteries are charging (as he puts it) the gas mileage is worse than the plain gasoline Escape.

Anyways. I remember the Sunoco's in my area used to sell 86 octane gas, and that would always cause weird noises from my engine.

Rolfe · 27th September 2007, 06:18 AM

I find my car's petrol consumption varies a lot depending on my driving patterns. A lot of stop-start, or going FAST on a motorway gets much less mileage than steady 50-60 driving. The first time I really noticed this was when I was on holiday in Germany. I was doing a lot of motorway driving, but possibly going slower than I realised because of the traffic, and being careful among all these maniacs driving on the right. Anyway, I really thought there was something about either the petrol or the roads in Germany that was improving my mileage.

Now I've moved to Scotland I'm doing a lot more steady 50-60 driving and getting great mileage routinely. But even so, sometimes I think it's better with the petrol bought at Lothianburn. Almost certainly not, though. I think where I buy the petrol, and how fuel-efficient my journey happens to be, are not independent variables.

Rolfe.

Fnord · 27th September 2007, 12:17 PM

Originally Posted by SpaceMonkeyZero

How does the Prius drive in 2 feet of snow, uphill?

With snow? Dunno. I live in Anaheim.

Without snow and uphill? It easily passes any Ram, Tundra, or other monster-wannabe truck going uphill. Going downhill, I've often seen the MPG gauge register 99.9mpg.

Of course, this is on Hwy 15 between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. If you've driven this route, then you know the "hill" I'm talking about.

26th September 2007, 02:40 PM	#1
Antranik1 Scholar Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 113	"Gas from ARCO is bad" This absolutely drives me up the wall! Everybody and their mother seem to think that Arco sells gas that is not only inferior to other gas stations, but is simply not good for your car. Doesn't all gasoline come from the same refineries?! I have an image of a refinery and chevron, 76, exxon, arco trucks are all loading up there. Sure the chevron truck might add some additives to make it "better" but that doesn't mean Arco is bad! I've heard from countless people that after they switch from Arco to something else that their car runs better/faster. That is such a crock. I own a buick that runs better with a full tank of gas versus a tank that's near empty, regardless of the type of gasoline. Why this is, I don't know, but too many people think that Arco has inexpensive gasoline because there's something wrong with their gas. I mean come on, if they were selling gas that makes your car go bad, I don't think they'd be in business anymore considering the millions of customers they have. What is true is that Arco doesn't accept credit cards. They only accept cash or atm/debit cards. I'm guessing that Arco, as a merchant, doesn't have to pay the CC companies the extra 2-3% in fees and their gas is coincidentally 2-3% cheaper! Maybe that is one of the reasons why they can sell gas for a lower price, not because it's "bad!" Ugh.. end rant.

26th September 2007, 03:00 PM	#2
Drs_Res NWO Acorn Hoarder Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: N 34 3 8 / W 118 14 33 Posts: 1,831	I use ARCO all the time. No problems.
	__________________ Vote Bunk and vote often. If you can't be a good example, then you'll just have to be a horrible warning. "Yes, well, I'm polymerized tree sap and you're an inorganic adhesive, so whatever verbal projectile you launch in my direction is reflected off of me, returns on its original trajectory and adheres to you." - Sheldon - TBBT

26th September 2007, 03:10 PM	#3
Fnord Metasyntactic Variable Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 6,633	I dunno... I fill the 10 gallon tank of my Prius with ARCO gas and get 47.3 mpg (473 miles on 10 gallons). I fill the same tank with SHELL gas and get 53.2 mpg (532 miles on 10 gallons). Same vehicle, same driver, same route, same week ... if it isn't the quality of the gasoline, then maybe it's the phase of the moon?
	__________________ Belief is the subjective acceptance of a (valid or invalid) concept, opinion, or theory; Faith is the unreasoned belief in improvable things; *and Knowledge* is the reasoned belief in provable things. Belief itself proves nothing.**

26th September 2007, 03:11 PM	#4
Lisa Simpson THE Lisa Simpson Administrator Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: 123 Fake Street Posts: 20,067	I think people associate inexpensive with bad. Arco is cheaper because they don't accept credit cards. BTW, the next time someone says that to you, ask them if they think British Petroleum makes bad gas, because BP owns Arco.
	__________________ That's what the Internet does -- you get a free bonus prize of Stupid Lies with every box of Delicious Facts. - cracked.com Facts are satanic litter on the heavenly highway to blind faith! - Betty Bowers

26th September 2007, 03:17 PM	#5
DGM #4 Join Date: May 2007 Location: West of Northshore MA Posts: 14,350	Originally Posted by Fnord I dunno... I fill the 10 gallon tank of my Prius with ARCO gas and get 47.3 mpg (473 miles on 10 gallons). I fill the same tank with SHELL gas and get 53.2 mpg (532 miles on 10 gallons). Same vehicle, same driver, same route, same week ... if it isn't the quality of the gasoline, then maybe it's the phase of the moon? I'm not say this is defiantly the issue but, some stations add alcohol to the gas to "stretch" the profits. It doesn't really hurt today's cars they just lose some milage.
	__________________ Join the team, Show us what your machine can do (or just contribute to a good cause)Join the JREF Folders ! Team 13232 "Remember that the goal of conspiracy rhetoric is to bog down the discussion, not to make progress toward a solution" Jay Windley

26th September 2007, 03:19 PM	#6
Lisa Simpson THE Lisa Simpson Administrator Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: 123 Fake Street Posts: 20,067	I buy my gas from Costco. The mileage is exactly the same as with more expensive gas.
	__________________ That's what the Internet does -- you get a free bonus prize of Stupid Lies with every box of Delicious Facts. - cracked.com Facts are satanic litter on the heavenly highway to blind faith! - Betty Bowers

26th September 2007, 03:27 PM	#7
Drudgewire Critical Doofus Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 9,434	FWIW, neither Arco nor BP make the "Top Tier" list: http://www.toptiergas.com/index.html
	__________________ "You post a lie, it is proven 100% false, you move the goalposts and post yet another lie and it continues on around till we're back to the original lie as if it will somehow become true if it's re-iterated again. The same misquotes over and over again. The same hindsight bias, appeals to authority, etc." -lapman describing every twoofer on the internet

26th September 2007, 03:54 PM	#8
Drs_Res NWO Acorn Hoarder Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: N 34 3 8 / W 118 14 33 Posts: 1,831	Does Toptiergas take into account where you are in the country? Because I'm in California and we have different gas regulations out here.
	__________________ Vote Bunk and vote often. If you can't be a good example, then you'll just have to be a horrible warning. "Yes, well, I'm polymerized tree sap and you're an inorganic adhesive, so whatever verbal projectile you launch in my direction is reflected off of me, returns on its original trajectory and adheres to you." - Sheldon - TBBT

26th September 2007, 04:02 PM	#9
Disbelief Master Poster Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 2,272	Originally Posted by Drs_Res Does Toptiergas take into account where you are in the country? Because I'm in California and we have different gas regulations out here. No, because the top tier gases are above EPA standards and better for your car. Originally Posted by Drudgewire FWIW, neither Arco nor BP make the "Top Tier" list: http://www.toptiergas.com/index.html BP is not on the list because it is a voluntary program and BP does not work with the automakers listed. They have a deal with Ford, who promotes the use of BP gasoline. Anyway, short term you will see little difference in performance, but long term you will see a degradation.
Disbelief Master Poster Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 2,272

26th September 2007, 04:11 PM	#10
GT/CS Illuminator Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3,592	Originally Posted by Fnord I dunno... I fill the 10 gallon tank of my Prius with ARCO gas and get 47.3 mpg (473 miles on 10 gallons). I fill the same tank with SHELL gas and get 53.2 mpg (532 miles on 10 gallons). Same vehicle, same driver, same route, same week ... if it isn't the quality of the gasoline, then maybe it's the phase of the moon? You drive your car until the tank is dry????
GT/CS Illuminator Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3,592	__________________ SweatyYeti or Bill Munns would be my vote for looking at this - BFSleuth @ BFF I've got plenty of common sense! I just choose to ignore it. - Calvin; October 15, 1986

26th September 2007, 05:02 PM	#11
Fnord Metasyntactic Variable Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 6,633	Originally Posted by GT/CS You drive your car until the tank is dry???? Only once, just to see how far the car would go on batteries alone (4.1 miles at 25 mph). Otherwise, only until that annoying low fuel chime sounds. Even after it does, I can still go another 25 miles on the fuel tank. I like my Prius.
	__________________ Belief is the subjective acceptance of a (valid or invalid) concept, opinion, or theory; Faith is the unreasoned belief in improvable things; *and Knowledge* is the reasoned belief in provable things. Belief itself proves nothing.**

26th September 2007, 05:08 PM	#12
GT/CS Illuminator Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3,592	Originally Posted by Fnord Only once, just to see how far the car would go on batteries alone (4.1 miles at 25 mph). Otherwise, only until that annoying low fuel chime sounds. Even after it does, I can still go another 25 miles on the fuel tank. I like my Prius. Sorry, I thought you were saying you fill your 10 gallon tank with 10 gallons of gas. I assume what you mean instead is that you are calculating your mileage then projecting how far you would go on 10 gallons.
GT/CS Illuminator Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3,592	__________________ SweatyYeti or Bill Munns would be my vote for looking at this - BFSleuth @ BFF I've got plenty of common sense! I just choose to ignore it. - Calvin; October 15, 1986

26th September 2007, 05:22 PM	#13
Fnord Metasyntactic Variable Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 6,633	Well ... let's say 9.8 gallons then. 473 miles per 9.8 gallons is still 48.3 miles per gallon (instead of 473mi / 10gal = 47.3mpg), which is still impressive. I really like my Prius!
	__________________ Belief is the subjective acceptance of a (valid or invalid) concept, opinion, or theory; Faith is the unreasoned belief in improvable things; *and Knowledge* is the reasoned belief in provable things. Belief itself proves nothing.**

26th September 2007, 05:27 PM	#14
Gravy Downsitting Citizen Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: In the argyle Posts: 17,136	I would think that if there were widespread complaints about ARCO, or any gasoline, that there would be widespread testing to see if it meets regs. Fnord, have you tried ARCO at different stations?
	__________________ "Please, keep your chops cool and don’t overblow.” –Freddie Hubbard What's the Harm?........Stop Sylvia Browne........My 9/11 links

26th September 2007, 05:38 PM	#15
technoextreme Illuminator Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 3,786	Quote: I mean come on, if they were selling gas that makes your car go bad, I don't think they'd be in business anymore considering the millions of customers they have. What is true is that Arco doesn't accept credit cards. They only accept cash or atm/debit cards. I'm guessing that Arco, as a merchant, doesn't have to pay the CC companies the extra 2-3% in fees and their gas is coincidentally 2-3% cheaper! Maybe that is one of the reasons why they can sell gas for a lower price, not because it's "bad!" My dad's story is that he doesn't trust the cheap gas stations to even maintain their equipment correctly. Though that's his opinion of using a mom and pop gas station.

26th September 2007, 05:40 PM	#16
Fnord Metasyntactic Variable Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 6,633	Originally Posted by Gravy I would think that if there were widespread complaints about ARCO, or any gasoline, that there would be widespread testing to see if it meets regs. Fnord, have you tried ARCO at different stations? Only the three nearest my home. Also the two Shell stations nearest my home.
	__________________ Belief is the subjective acceptance of a (valid or invalid) concept, opinion, or theory; Faith is the unreasoned belief in improvable things; *and Knowledge* is the reasoned belief in provable things. Belief itself proves nothing.**

26th September 2007, 06:31 PM	#17
Gravy Downsitting Citizen Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: In the argyle Posts: 17,136	Originally Posted by Fnord Only the three nearest my home. Also the two Shell stations nearest my home. Interesting. That's a big difference. If you think all other things are basically equal, and assuming you're using the octane that's recommended for your Prius, you might consider reporting the discrepancy to your state Bureau of Weights and Measures.
	__________________ "Please, keep your chops cool and don’t overblow.” –Freddie Hubbard What's the Harm?........Stop Sylvia Browne........My 9/11 links

26th September 2007, 07:05 PM	#18
PhantomWolf Philosopher Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Lost Deimos Moon Base Posts: 9,967	Originally Posted by Fnord I dunno... I fill the 10 gallon tank of my Prius with ARCO gas and get 47.3 mpg (473 miles on 10 gallons). I fill the same tank with SHELL gas and get 53.2 mpg (532 miles on 10 gallons). Same vehicle, same driver, same route, same week ... if it isn't the quality of the gasoline, then maybe it's the phase of the moon? Not to plug them or anything^, but Shell uses an aditive that gives you better fuel efficency. This has been tested in consumer trials over here and has been shown to in fact work. It gives about 5-10km per tank in a normal car (a Prius would likely extend that much further) Disclaimer:* I may or may not be a contractor for this particular company.....
	__________________ It must be fun to lead a life completely unburdened by reality. -- JayUtah I am not able to rightly apprehend the kind of confusion of ideas that could provoke such a question. -- Charles Babbage (1791-1871) My Apollo Page. 1 on 1 Debating Forum for Skeptics and sceptics.

26th September 2007, 07:10 PM	#19
GT/CS Illuminator Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3,592	Is the Arco selling blended gas (Ethanol)?
GT/CS Illuminator Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3,592	__________________ SweatyYeti or Bill Munns would be my vote for looking at this - BFSleuth @ BFF I've got plenty of common sense! I just choose to ignore it. - Calvin; October 15, 1986

26th September 2007, 09:12 PM	#20
jberryhill Critical Thinker Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 258	Don't sweat it. In a few months we'll convert to water engines, since "that guy" has once again invented the car that runs on water. You know... "that guy" who invents the car that runs on water, every couple of months.

26th September 2007, 09:18 PM	#21
Math Maniac Thinker Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Vermont Posts: 161	I think it's fairly standard industry practice for some areas to use gas from one refinery for distribution because it's impossible to have a refinery from every company in every area of the country. The difference, though, is the additive package that's unique to each brand. This is what I've been told in the past by a refinery firefighter...but I realize that it could be wrong as I have not studied this for myself.
	Last edited by Math Maniac; 26th September 2007 at 09:30 PM.

26th September 2007, 09:24 PM	#22
PhantomWolf Philosopher Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Lost Deimos Moon Base Posts: 9,967	Originally Posted by Math Maniac I think its fairly standard industry practice for some areas to use gas from one refinery for distribution because it's impossible to have a refinery from every company in every area of the country. The difference, though, is the additive package that's unique to each brand. This is what I've been told in the past by a refinery firefighter...but I realize that it could be wrong as I have not studied this for myself. That's pretty much correct, there are exceptions, like over here one of the stations, Gull, imports their mix rather then getting it from the refinery everyone else does, but for the most part they get the basic product and add their own additives to it.
	__________________ It must be fun to lead a life completely unburdened by reality. -- JayUtah I am not able to rightly apprehend the kind of confusion of ideas that could provoke such a question. -- Charles Babbage (1791-1871) My Apollo Page. 1 on 1 Debating Forum for Skeptics and sceptics.

26th September 2007, 09:58 PM	#23
TjW Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: up in the air Posts: 10,004	Originally Posted by jberryhill Don't sweat it. In a few months we'll convert to water engines, since "that guy" has once again invented the car that runs on water. You know... "that guy" who invents the car that runs on water, every couple of months. It won't matter. It will be suppressed again by "them". You know, "them".
	__________________ TjW People like TjW -- Kelly

27th September 2007, 05:57 AM	#24
SpaceMonkeyZero Graduate Poster Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: hi Barb!!!!! Posts: 1,287	Originally Posted by Fnord Well ... let's say 9.8 gallons then. 473 miles per 9.8 gallons is still 48.3 miles per gallon (instead of 473mi / 10gal = 47.3mpg), which is still impressive. I really like my Prius! How does the Prius drive in 2 feet of snow, uphill? I really like the idea of hybrids... I'm just waiting for one that can handle the horrible weather I get during the winter, and have room for a family... and haul stuff, and let my dog run around inside. A neighbor of mine has a Ford Escape hybrid and he curses it during the winter. Funny thing is, on the escape, when the batteries are charging (as he puts it) the gas mileage is worse than the plain gasoline Escape. Anyways. I remember the Sunoco's in my area used to sell 86 octane gas, and that would always cause weird noises from my engine.

27th September 2007, 06:18 AM	#25
Rolfe Anti-homeopathy illuminati member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: NT 150 511 Posts: 34,340	I find my car's petrol consumption varies a lot depending on my driving patterns. A lot of stop-start, or going FAST on a motorway gets much less mileage than steady 50-60 driving. The first time I really noticed this was when I was on holiday in Germany. I was doing a lot of motorway driving, but possibly going slower than I realised because of the traffic, and being careful among all these maniacs driving on the right. Anyway, I really thought there was something about either the petrol or the roads in Germany that was improving my mileage. Now I've moved to Scotland I'm doing a lot more steady 50-60 driving and getting great mileage routinely. But even so, sometimes I think it's better with the petrol bought at Lothianburn. Almost certainly not, though. I think where I buy the petrol, and how fuel-efficient my journey happens to be, are not independent variables. Rolfe.
	__________________ "The way we vote will depend, ultimately, on whether we are persuaded to hope or to fear." - Aonghas MacNeacail, June 2012.

27th September 2007, 12:17 PM	#26
Fnord Metasyntactic Variable Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 6,633	Originally Posted by SpaceMonkeyZero How does the Prius drive in 2 feet of snow, uphill? With snow? Dunno. I live in Anaheim. Without snow and uphill? It easily passes any Ram, Tundra, or other monster-wannabe truck going uphill. Going downhill, I've often seen the MPG gauge register 99.9mpg. Of course, this is on Hwy 15 between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. If you've driven this route, then you know the "hill" I'm talking about.
	__________________ Belief is the subjective acceptance of a (valid or invalid) concept, opinion, or theory; Faith is the unreasoned belief in improvable things; *and Knowledge* is the reasoned belief in provable things. Belief itself proves nothing.**