Is Costco Premium Gas Good in 2024? (All You Need to Know)
As fuel prices continue rising across the US, many drivers are wondering if Costco‘s cheaper gasoline is a safe bet compared to premium brands. The short answer is yes – Costco premium gas meets top industry standards for quality and cleans engines effectively while costing far less.
Read on for a detailed analysis of why Costco premium gas is considered high value fuel.
Huge Savings at the Pump
Costco members saved an average of $0.55 per gallon on premium gas over other major brands in 2022, according to recent Consumer Reports analysis:
| Brand | Average Premium Price |
|---|---|
| Costco | $3.79 |
| Chevron | $4.16 |
| Exxon | $4.25 |
| Shell | $4.34 |
These savings quickly add up – a driver buying 500 gallons of premium fuel over the year would save $275. Consumer Reports found Costco‘s gas pricing advantage over major brands has increased in recent years.
Top Tier Certified Quality
Costco’s Kirkland Signature gas meets the industry‘s “Top Tier” standards, meaning it contains 4-6 times more fuel-cleaning detergent additives than government minimum requirements. Specific Top Tier tests verify fuels prevent buildup on intake valves and combustion chambers leading to better engine performance.
Both automakers and leading mechanics recommend using Top Tier gas like Costco‘s for the engine maintenance benefits.
Independent lab testing also shows Costco’s detergency and contamination prevention capabilities perform very similarly to premium brands like Shell, Chevron, and Exxon. So while the price is drastically lower, the fuel quality itself does not significantly differ from major competitors.
Ideal Octane for Most Vehicles
The 91 octane rating of Costco’s premium gas is ideal for the majority of vehicles recommending high-grade fuel. Consumer Reports estimates over 90% vehicles today only require 87 or 91 octane gas.
Higher-performance luxury vehicles often specify 93+ octane to maximize power and efficiency. Check your owner’s manual to know for sure which octane grade is recommended.
Engine Cleaning and Protection
The Top Tier detergent levels in Costco premium gas offer substantial engine cleaning and corrosion resistance benefits over time, including:
- 61% cleaner intake valves
- 16% cleaner combustion chambers
- 13% cleaner fuel injectors
This significantly reduces harmful performance-robbing buildup and helps engines run near factory-new condition. Consumer Reports and AAA testing proves Top Tier fuels make tangible improvements – though difficult for drivers to notice right away.
Ethanol Blend Transparency
Costco blends standard 10% ethanol into their gasoline as federally mandated. The exact percentage is clearly displayed on all pumps for transparency. 10% ethanol does not harm engine components or void new car warranties despite some consumer confusion.
The Department of Energy found no damage from using 10% ethanol blends after extensively testing a range of new vehicles. So Costco‘s ethanol levels are very standard and OK for all vehicles.
In total, Costco premium gasoline delivers outstanding value and quality using industry metrics. For savvy drivers and shoppers looking to save money without sacrificing performance, Costco represents an excellent fuel purchasing choice in 2024.
