How To Choose The Best Gas Station: 3 Tips From Capitol Subaru In Salem

August 13, 2019

In just one other state in the union, New Jersey, will you find similar gas station filling laws to the ones we have in Oregon. Everywhere else in the country, folks have been putting their own gas in their vehicles for years. But, in Oregon, you'll be waiting for the help of a station attendant in most cases. But how do you know what kind of gas to ask for in your car? How can you be sure the gas station you've visited has quality fuel? The experts at Capitol Subaru will answer these questions and more below! Find out how to select the best gas station for filling your car up here in Oregon.

3. Getting Gas In Oregon: Self-Service Filling Laws

As of August 2019, when this article was put together, most filling stations in the state of Oregon are not self-service. That means, when it's time to put some gas in your tank, an attendant will come meet you at the pump and begin pumping the gas for you. With a few exceptions, it's illegal for a filling station in Oregon to let you fill your own tank.

The exceptions come courtesy of an amendment to the law that was recently passed. Now, rural area filling stations may not need an attendant on duty at all times, and may allow self-service refueling -- but only in the least-populous counties in Oregon. Here in Salem, nothing's really changed. You'll still be getting help filling your tank.

Technically, you can't be fined or cited or anything for pumping your own gas, but the filling station can, and they'll stop anyone who puts them at risk of a fine. So, find a filling station with a nice mini-mart and friendly attendants if you want to make your weekly routine just that much nicer.

2. Top Tier Gas Has More Additives

At virtually every major chain filling station, including all 76, Arco, Chevron, Costco and Shell locations, you'll find they use Top Tier Gas. You can look for the Top Tier Gas logo at independent filling stations as well. Top Tier Gas is specially formulated to protect your engine better than ordinary gas.

While all gasoline sold in America must include a package of additives to help it burn cleanly in your engine, Top Tier Gas features even more additives and detergents so your engine runs even cleaner! To prevent carbon build-up and keep your engine performing its best, we always recommend filling up with Top Tier Gas whenever possible.

Other than that, though, gas is gas. If your car is designed to run on regular unleaded, paying more for premium, high-octane gas doesn't help your engine run better, burn cleaner or make more power. And just because one gas station tells you their gasoline has a special brand additive doesn't mean their gas is any better for your engine than the ones you might find at any other Top Tier gas station. As long as you use Top Tier Gas whenever possible, your vehicle will be getting the best gas for long engine life.

1. Save On Quality Gas With Rewards Programs

Now that you know it's not hard to find the right gas for your car, here's one more practical tip: Find a gas station with Top Tier Gas and speedy attendants that's conveniently located to be part of your daily life and consider signing up for a rewards program. At places like Shell and 76, you'll be able to earn points and save money at every fuel up -- or sign up for membership clubs at places like Sam's Club and Costco where gas is frequently cheaper than average by 25 cents or more per gallon! Once you find a gas station where the price is right, the quality is good and the location is convenient, you'll always have a reliable source of fine gasoline nearby.