I no longer own a car, but in the late stages of ownership, after an engine replacement and other fun repair experiences, I learned my lesson and ceased to look for cheap gas.
Cheap gas is not worth the pennies that are negated by dirty injectors or the repair of a clogged fuel pump of the kind that requires you to drop the gas tank. Or knock sensors going off and a mechanic telling you that they have to do a whole number to replace them. Or your car running on adjusted timing or worse, limp mode, because you ignored the knock sensors. Plus tow trucks. Plus lost time. Plus headaches. Plus plus plus.
Get the right octane for your car and buy good gas. I think AAA and/or CR published a list of good gas brands some time ago. Maybe it’s been refreshed. Around this part of the country it’s Chevron, Shell, Exxon/Mobil… yeah, all the evil ones. Evil makes good gas. What else: Valero, Phillips 66… I’m sure they’re evil too because my truck ran great with those.
Anyway—#1 saving strategy is to prevent damage. Buy good gas. Prevent damage.
Ah! Found the refreshed list. If you don’t believe me, believe these guys:
https://www.consumerreports.org/car-maintenance/study-shows-top-tier-gasoline-worth-extra-price/
