WARNING: That 'premium' gas from a sketchy station cost me a tow truck bill outside Phoenix

I filled up at a tiny station off I-10 near Gila Bend last Tuesday because I was running on fumes. My truck started knocking five miles down the road and I had to pay $220 for a tow to a dealer in Buckeye. Has anyone else gotten burned by off-brand gas stations in the middle of nowhere?

2 comments

2 Comments

sethr116d agoMost Upvoted

Did you check if that station was even licensed by the state? I always look for the little sticker on the pump before I fill up out there. @kelly.emma is right that water in the gas is common, but sometimes it's just old gas that's been sitting too long, not necessarily bad tanks.

kelly.emma7d ago

And that water in the gas is exactly what gets you. Same thing happened to my buddy down near Wikieup. He filled up at one of those places that looks like it's been there since the 70s, with the faded signs and the one pump that looks like it might fall over. Truck died about 20 miles later, and it was a full tank of contaminated fuel. Cost him a flush and new filters plus a tow. Those little stations cut corners because they know they're the only option for miles. They probably don't even test their tanks for water buildup.