How Is ARCO Gas So Cheap?
It seems that with ARCO, these large price savings can be attributed to many of its business practices. First of all, ARCO has no processing fees for credit cards because they do not accept them. This offers ARCO the savings of about $0.30 per credit card transaction fee which its competitors have to pay.
Conversely, ARCO charges its customers a $0.45 fee per debit card transaction (or they can save this by paying cash). Perhaps this debit card fee is the reason ARCO enjoys a higher gas purchases per customer than its competitors. If a customer is already paying a $0.45 debit card transaction fee, chances are the customer will in turn purchase more gas than they might if they were not paying the transaction fee. This allows ARCO to sell more gas per customer, thus granting them the ability to offer lower gas prices.
With Lower Price Does Not Come Lower Quality
Since the inexpensive gas offered at ARCO comes at a significantly lower price, it has consumers wondering whether or not it’s safe for their vehicles. The federal government has fairly strict guidelines on most things, and gasoline is no exception. There are certain standards for all gasoline sold in the United States, such as octane levels, and the general characteristics that gasoline must possess. Therefore, all gas sold in the United States is basically the same.
The differences in gasoline with the extra detergents and additives different companies add to their gas above and beyond what the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires. All gas must contain a certain amount of detergent additives, which are EPA approved. Many companies add even more to differentiate their brand for other gasoline. So the question becomes, is the branded gas from companies like Shell, 76, Exxon and Chevron better than ARCO gas?
Why ARCO Gas Is The Same Or Better
No. While the blend of detergents and additives is different for each company. ARCO gas is on par with other top gas brands in the US.
ARCO offers “Top Tier” gasoline. Top Tier gas is the standard which is recommended by seven of the top automakers in the world, and it a standard even higher than what the EPA requires.
To further ease customers’ minds, Edmunds conducted a study questioning experts in the automotive field. According to findings, consumers are putting their vehicles at no greater risk by putting “cheap” gas into them. Most vehicle owners will not notice any difference in performance by purchasing cheap gas. However, the best advice is to look at your car’s owner’s manual and follow the guidelines given about the best type of gasoline for your particular car.
Regardless of whether you think that ARCO gas isn’t as good as other brands, you can try a “gas hack” which should save you money. In lots of parts of the country you can tank up at the ARCO station, and add quality fuel injector cleaner
. Adding this fuel injector cleaner as recommended should address any quality concerns, while still allowing you to buy the cheaper ARCO gas. Just add the injector cleaner when you go to the gas station and you should be good to go.
Consumers today are always looking for a bargain. As prices on most things continue to rise, it is good to know that consumers are not putting their vehicles in jeopardy by taking advantage of savings at the gas pump.
For more places to buy gas and ways to save check out these articles.
Is Costco Gas Quality the Same as Exxon, Shell and Chevron?
Is Safeway Gas Good or Bad for Your Car?
Is It Better to Keep Your Gas Tank Full or Empty?
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