Is Murphy Gas Top Tier? An In-Depth Look at Fuel Quality and Performance
If you‘re a savvy shopper looking to save money on gas, you‘ve probably noticed the eye-catchingly low prices at Murphy USA stations, conveniently located in many Walmart parking lots. With the current national average for regular gas hovering around $3.50 per gallon according to AAA, filling up at Murphy USA for $2.89 – $3.39 can be seriously tempting.
But as a discerning consumer, you also care about the quality of the fuel you‘re putting in your precious vehicle. Many wonder if the rock-bottom prices at Murphy USA mean the gas is lower quality or if it will harm their engine in the long run. One key question is: Is Murphy gas considered "Top Tier" by the auto industry?
What exactly does Top Tier gas mean and why does it matter? Let‘s take a closer look.
Understanding Top Tier Gas Standards
Top Tier is a trademarked gasoline standard established by a group of automakers in 2004, including BMW, General Motors, Honda, Toyota, and more. These companies set higher requirements for detergent additives in gasoline that go above and beyond the minimum standards required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The goal is for these increased detergents to more effectively clean your engine and prevent the buildup of harmful deposits on intake valves, fuel injectors, and other combustion chamber areas. In doing so, Top Tier gas aims to provide the following benefits for your vehicle:
- Maintaining peak engine performance and fuel economy
- Reducing emissions
- Preventing damage to expensive engine parts over time
- Allowing vehicles to properly perform as designed
Currently, 52 retail gas station brands in the U.S. participate in the Top Tier program and meet the stringent standards for detergent additives. Some of the most well-known Top Tier brands include Shell, Chevron, ExxonMobil, BP, Costco, and QuikTrip.
So how does Murphy USA stack up? Is their gas also considered Top Tier? The short answer is no – Murphy gas does not meet the higher Top Tier detergent requirements. Let‘s dig into the details of Murphy‘s gas quality.
Inside Look at Murphy USA‘s Gas
To assess the quality of Murphy USA‘s gasoline, we need to examine the types of additives and detergents they use. According to documentation on Murphy‘s website, their gas contains two main additives:
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BASF (Keropur AP 205-15): A corrosion inhibitor and demulsifier additive. It aims to prevent corrosion in fuel systems and storage tanks.
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Lubrizol (ULTRAZOL 8219CA): A detergent additive that claims to clean fuel injectors and reduce engine deposits, helping maintain performance.
However, the levels of these additives in Murphy gas are only enough to meet the minimum EPA requirements – not the higher concentrations required for Top Tier certification. This means you may not get the full engine cleaning and protection benefits compared to using a Top Tier gasoline over the life of your vehicle.
It‘s important to note that most Murphy USA locations do not sell gasoline containing ethanol, which some drivers prefer to avoid. A small number of sites offer E10 fuel, which is 90% gasoline and 10% ethanol.
So while Murphy gas isn‘t terrible by any means, it‘s a few notches below the quality of certified Top Tier brands. Drivers may save money upfront but could pay for it down the road in reduced performance and engine lifespan.
Murphy USA Gas Reviews and Experiences
To get a sense of real-world results, it‘s helpful to see what other drivers have to say about their experience using Murphy USA gasoline in their vehicles. Online reviews and forums show mixed opinions:
On the positive side, many customers rave about the unbeatable low prices and convenience of Murphy USA stations. With most locations right in Walmart parking lots, it‘s easy to fill up during your regular shopping trips. Members of Murphy‘s rewards program also enjoy extra savings and perks. From a cost perspective, Murphy is often the cheapest option in town.
However, when it comes to performance, the reviews take a dip. Some drivers complain of reduced fuel economy, sluggish acceleration, and rough idling after switching to Murphy gas. A few even needed repairs for clogged fuel injectors and other engine issues they attribute to the lack of detergents.
Of course, many factors can affect a vehicle‘s performance and Murphy gas may not be directly to blame in all cases. But the pattern of lackluster results and engine problems is still concerning.
On the popular gas station review site GasBuddy, Murphy USA currently has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from over 4,000 reviews. Not terrible, but noticeably lower than top-rated brands like Costco (4.5 stars), QuikTrip (4.6 stars), and Kwik Trip (4.7 stars) – all of which sell Top Tier certified gas.
Recommendations for Choosing Gas
So what‘s the verdict – should you fill up with Murphy USA gas to save money or skip it to protect your vehicle‘s longevity? As with many decisions, the right choice depends on your priorities and situation.
If cost is your primary concern and you need to pinch pennies on gas, Murphy USA may be a good option, especially for a short-term fix. Chances are using their gas occasionally won‘t cause major harm to your vehicle. However, it‘s wise to use a fuel injector cleaner additive every few thousand miles to prevent deposit buildup if you go this route.
For drivers more focused on long-term vehicle health and performance, sticking with a Top Tier certified gasoline is the smarter path. Yes, you‘ll pay a bit more at the pump, but the savings in prevented engine wear and repairs down the road is often worth it. Your car will thank you for the higher quality fuel.
If you have a luxury or high-performance vehicle, definitely use Top Tier gas as recommended by your manufacturer to maintain peak performance and protect your investment. It‘s also best for newer cars still under warranty to avoid any potential issues.
No matter where you get gas, always follow your owner‘s manual recommendations for octane rating and any other specifications. Don‘t waste money on premium gas if your car doesn‘t require it – it won‘t give you better mileage or performance in standard engines.
The Bottom Line on Murphy USA Gas
To sum up, Murphy USA offers some of the lowest prices on gas but doesn‘t quite live up to top tier standards for additive detergents. While filling up at Murphy can be a good way to save money, especially with their rewards program, it may contribute to reduced performance and fuel economy in some vehicles.
Ultimately, which gas you choose depends on your budget and priorities. Just remember that cheaping out on gas could cost you more in the long run if it leads to expensive repairs. For most drivers, using a Top Tier gasoline like Chevron or Shell as much as possible is the best way to protect your vehicle‘s engine and maintain performance over time.
If you do opt for Murphy USA gas, consider using an aftermarket fuel injector cleaner periodically and monitor your vehicle‘s behavior. At the first sign of problems, get your car checked out and switch to a higher quality Top Tier gasoline if needed. With proper maintenance and care, you can enjoy the cost-savings of Murphy USA while still keeping your vehicle running smoothly for years to come.
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