Frequently Asked Questions
Why is ARCO gasoline usually less expensive than other brands?
For many years, ARCO has had a unique business approach. Among major gasoline brands we're known as a "high-volume, low-cost retailer." More simply stated, the more efficient the company is, the more our customers save. And since we sell nearly twice as much gas at the average ARCO station as the industry average, our customers usually save 5 to 10 cents per gallon on average compared to other major brands.** Savings based on July 2011 to August 2012 Lundberg Price Survey weighted average industry differential street price for all three gasoline grades in the following marketing areas: Los Angeles, San Diego, Bakersfield, San Francisco, Sacramento, Stockton, Fresno, Portland and Seattle.
Why is there a $0.35 convenience fee for the use PIN debit cards?
In an effort to balance the customer's need for convenience and value, PayQuick terminals are available on our islands. PayQuick is an easy way for customers to pay for their gas using cash, debit cards, PumpPass or GasPRO Plus Cards. There is a 35-cent processing fee for debit cards only, in addition to any fees your bank may charge for this service. For all other transactions there are no additional fees. This allows our customers the flexibility of using a debit card.*This 35¢ convenience fee is the amount ARCO® and ampm® charges for debit transactions. The amount of this convenience fee may change from time to time without prior notification.
Are there ARCO stations throughout the United States?
ARCO gasoline stations are only located in five western states—Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. If you are planning to visit any of these states or want to find the closest ARCO station in your area, check the Station Locator.Why don't ARCO stations accept credit cards?
We do not accept credit cards because in doing so, we would incur additional fees from the credit card companies on each gallon of fuel you buy. As most of our customers pay with cash, we do not accept credit cards as part of our strategy to sell good gas at a good price.We are currently piloting the acceptance of credit cards in the Seattle marketing area. Click here for more information.
Is ARCO gas good quality gas?
Yes. At ARCO gasoline stations, we sell only high-quality gas. To guarantee that, we regularly test our gasoline and conduct quality surveys in all our regions. In addition, we also subscribe to several independent gas surveys, which are taken in each district. Not surprisingly, in every test, ARCO gasoline rates just as high, if not higher, than all the other major brands on key performance specifications.What are some of ARCO's convenient payment card options?
The ARCO Discover® Debit card is no longer available, but there are other ARCO cards that could be a perfect fit for you. ARCO PumpPASS pre-paid cards are easy to get and easy to use -- plus they make great gifts! The ARCO Fleet card program provides a number of helpful tools for businesses.What do different octanes mean?
Octane rating is a measure of a gasoline's resistance to knock. The higher the rating, the greater the knock resistance. Today's engines have knock sensors to sense the onset of knock and a computerized engine management system that adjusts the spark timing. This computerized "detuning" of the engine can prevent knock in the first place. It's all well and good, except a detuned engine has less power, resulting in less efficient use of gasoline.The best way to avoid knock and keep your engine running its best? Use the recommended level of octane for your vehicle.
Which cars should use premium fuel?
As engine technology evolves, requirements for premium fuel may also evolve. Furthermore, as cars age, they can develop an increased octane requirement. ARCO offers a range of fuels for today's vehicles, so the best thing to do is to consult your owner's manual for its recommendation on fuel selection.Are over-the-counter fuel-additive treatments beneficial to my car's performance?
If you use ARCO gasoline, there’s no need to use additional additives in your vehicle. All ARCO gasoline contains an additive that works to help keep your car engine running smoothly.What is oxygenated fuel?
Oxygenated fuels are gasolines blended with either alcohols or ethers. The most common oxygenate is ethanol, which is an alcohol that can be blended up to 10 percent by volume in gasoline. Oxygenates offer some benefits because they can reduce VOCs and CO in older (20+ years), non-computer controlled vehicles and some smaller, non-computer controlled engines. In newer vehicles, oxygenates generally do not improve emissions. Oxygenates also tend to reduce mileage when blended into gasoline, since these chemicals have less energy per gallon compared to gasoline. More and more gasoline in the US will contain ethanol. The Federal Government passed a law called the Renewable Fuel Standard which mandates increasing amounts of renewable fuels such as ethanol into the US fuel supply.What about using ethanol-blended gasoline in smaller engines, motorcycles, snowmobiles and boats?
You should consult your owner's manual and/or the engine manufacturer. If the owner's manual prohibits the use of ethanol blends, consult with the manufacturer for the latest information.Can I use ARCO's ethanol-blended gasoline in my small aircraft?
No automotive gasoline can be used for refueling aircraft. However, some pilots and aircraft owners have obtained FAA certificates to use motor gasoline for their aircraft. Currently, the FAA prohibits the use of ethanol blends for this application.Can I use ARCO gasoline blended with ethanol in my antique car?
Most cars' fuel systems with either fuel injectors or carburetors manufactured since the early 1980s were made with materials designed to tolerate oxygenates including ethanol. Therefore, most modern cars should run just fine on ethanol-blended gasoline.For antique cars, owners should consult with the manufacturers for compatibility of ethanol blends with antique engine parts. If ethanol blends are used, regular inspection of the fuel-delivery system by trained mechanics should be undertaken.
I have more questions about ARCO gasoline. Where can I get more information?
Technical information on ARCO gasoline is available from ARCO customer relations at 1-800-322-ARCO (2726).How is ARCO affiliated with BP?
Both the ARCO and ampm brands are owned by BP West Coast Products. In recent years, BP has merged with companies such as Atlantic Richfield Company, Amoco and Burmah Castrol, making it the largest U.S. gasoline retailer. As an oil and gas producer, BP has also become one of the largest in the world.
* This 35¢ convenience fee is the amount ARCO and ampm charges for debit transactions. The amount of this convenience fee may change from time to time without prior notification. This offer is valid only at participating ARCO and ampm locations.
