Small pumps fuel quality?

I fuel at small truck stops all the time. So far have not had any fuel issues. Usually same save at least 25 cents per gallon doing so.

 

In my experience, generally speaking fuel quality is similar everywhere, BUT
1. Dont fuel when theres a tanker dumping fuel in
2. If the fuel stop is ancient AND the truck stop is run down, thats a red flag

That said, i've fueled at places like that without a problem. But of the 3 places ive had rough fuel, 1 was a crappy old run down pilot, 1 run down crappy mr fuel (smallish chain) and one was a crappy hole in the wall independent truck stop.

 

My understanding is the fuel pretty much all comes from the same places regardless of whose sign is on the pump. It's not like Love's has its own refinery or something.

 

All fuel in a area comes from one or two loading racks. Drivers swear they get better fuel from one chain TS than another.
There is a better chance of getting a little water because the move a small volume or poor maintenance at a small low volume TS.

 

Something to consider, while pretty much all fuel comes from one pipeline or another. Different “chains” use different additives before putting it into tankers and sending it to the pumps

 

What is the reasoning behind not fueling while a tanker is unloading ?

 

The theory is the tanker dumping the fuel in, at the fast rate they do, will stir up any dirt, grit, water, etc., and that could be sucked into the pump while you are fueling, thus, getting that dirt, grit, water into your fuel tank.

 

What lazer said, if i remember correctly, while most systems have filters and its probably not a problem, its cheap insurance if you can wait to fuel

 

I've only had 1 problem that was at a run down station and the isx threw a water in fuel code on the dash. Don't remember the exact code