Saw a video on Scotty talking about Shell Gas. I happen to use Shell Gas since there are 5 stations within a 2 mile radius in my county. My 2005 Toyota Sienna says in the owners manual that it can take regular but the other higher grades of gas are recommended for better performance. What is it meant by better performance? Will my car run faster? If so, can the higher speed/performance wear out my engine? They say gas is gas because the Federal Government mandates detergents but is Shell gas better because they add better additives and detergents? It is said that one should use the gas recommended for their vehicle...since mine is recommended at all types of gas, what would the super unleaded do besides more performance? Will it clean the engine better or will the gas burn longer like a sportscar? Would you be able to explain this complex matter to me?
What is it meant by better performance?
More power
Will my car run faster?
Yes
If so, can the higher speed/performance wear out my engine?
If you drive like an idiot
They say gas is gas because the Federal Government mandates detergents but is Shell gas better because they add better additives and detergents?
Shell is perfectly fine
It is said that one should use the gas recommended for their vehicle...since mine is recommended at all types of gas, what would the super unleaded do besides more performance?
Nothing. Don't overthink it. You drive a minivan, not a Ferrari
Regarding the federally mandated detergency requirements, the following site claims their minimum requirement is too low:
https://www.toptiergas.com/licensed-brands/
According to the site, Toyota is one of the car manufacturers that recommends using top tier rated fuels:
https://www.toptiergas.com/why_top_tier/
I don't know about where you live but in my city Shell gas for example was $4.80 one day while at Costco gasoline was $3.65 (I'm comparing regular unleaded gasoline). Both of them are top tier gasoline and it's not like each of them have their own separate refinery. For example I saw the same company delivering gas to Costco, Arco, and couple other gas stations. So to some extent you're paying for the name of the gas station brand. So as long as it's top tier gas and it's not some unknown weird name gas station you should be fine going with the brand that's cheaper.
Ok, thank you for the information. I use Shell gas not only because Scotty mentions it, but I have been using it for years and the many stations in my area. As of Feb 3rd 2022, Shell Gas in Nassau County, NY is $3.25 a gallon and $3.45 a gallon in New York City. Thank again.