Premium Vs. Regular Gasoline - Smells Different?

[Captain Obvious]

Is it my imagination, or is it conceivable that I really tell the difference between regular and premium by the smell? Premium smells a lot "sweeter/smoother" while regular smells "sharper/harsher".

 

I'm no wine guy, but I think I got a pretty good nose... Is this my imagination?
 

[SteveJ]

I would expect different compositions of long-chain hydrocarbons & aromatics between regular and premium, so I wouldn't be surprised by differing smells.

[John Coffey]

The gasoline is the same.  Here in California its all the same base stock and all the fuel trucks (Chevron, Arco, Hector's Cheap Gas, etc.) fill up from the same pipe.  Each brand has its own additive package and octane booster that's added in the truck as its being filled.  So, what you're smelling is the additive package, at least if you're in CA.

[Captain Obvious]

Cool. I'm just happy to know that it's conceivable that I can tell the difference and I'm not just imagining it. Thanks guys!

[psdenno]

Now, get to work on telling one brand from another by smell. Is it Shell or Chevron with the fruity fragrance?

Dennis

[Captain Obvious]

Haha! I'll work on that!

 

What I know so far is that Hess Regular has a bouquet like an aborigine's armpit.

 

[rossiz]

wow cap'n - you are a well-traveled man

[psdenno]

Haha! I'll work on that!

 

What I know so far is that Hess Regular has a bouquet like an aborigine's armpit.

Haven't had the pleasure of sniffing Hess Regular or an aborigine's armpit, but I'll take your word for it.

Dennis

[Dr. 240Z]

Yes...there is a difference in smell between the low and high octane gas. Perhaps it's due to the additives that are only blended into the high octane fuel.

 

Here's another observation: Gas sold in New Brunswick, Canada smells different than that sold in Maine, USA. Yet, get this, they both are produced at the same refinery.

 

Happy Thanksgiving to those CZCC members south of the border. Hope old man weather doesn't adversely affect your travel plans.

 

George

[psdenno]

Yes...there is a difference in smell between the low and high octane gas. Perhaps it's due to the additives that are only blended into the high octane 

 

George

Next, someone is going to say they can tell the country of origin for the crude by smell or taste. Interesting topic and I've learned some good trivia.

Dennis

[Captain Obvious]

Here's another observation: Gas sold in New Brunswick, Canada smells different than that sold in Maine, USA. Yet, get this, they both are produced at the same refinery.

 

That's really odd. I guess every location and mfgr has their own additive package and some of them are different enough to notice. Wouldn't be surprised if there were also govt regulations and requirements in the mix as well.

 

And Thanks for the thanksgiving wishes.