Ask any food truck owner and they’ll tell you that gasoline is expensive and they’re always looking for every way possible to save money at the pump. Many already shy away from premium fuel, knowing that their food truck and generators don’t require it. They may even try to save a few pennies per gallon more by going to an off-brand gas station. But most we speak with can’t get rid of the nagging fear. Is the cheap gas going to damage their food truck’s engine?

Is Cheap Gas Bad For Your Food Truck?

Mobile Cuisine has researched this question and in the most basic terms. Food truck owners can stop worrying about using cheap gas. You’re unlikely to hurt the engine of your truck by using it.

Because of advances in engine technology, a truck’s on-board computer is able to adjust for the inevitable variations in fuel, so most vendors won’t notice a drop off in performance between different brands of fuel, from the most additive-rich gas sold by the major brands to the bare-bones stuff at your corner convenience store.

Still, spending a few extra pennies per gallon might provide peace of mind to someone who just purchased a $50,000 truck and wants to keep it on the street as often and as long as possible.

All Gas Is Not The Same

Food truck owners with older trucks might be more concerned about their engine’s longevity. The good news is that they too can buy the less expensive gas and still be OK. While this doesn’t mean that all gas is the same, even though it starts out that way.

The fuel from different filling stations comes from a common source: the “base gas” from a refinery. Workers there mix additives mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency into the base gas in order to clean a car or truck’s engine and reduce emissions. Then, the different gas companies (off-brand and major brands) put their own additive packages in the gas to further boost both cleaning and performance.

A key difference is that the major brands put more additives in their gas and claim to have some secret ingredients. This extra shot of additives provides an additional level of cleaning and protection for your engine.

RELATED: Tips For Choosing Food Truck Antifreeze / Engine Coolant

The Bottom Line

Food truck owners should look in their truck’s owner’s manual to see what the vehicle maker recommends. When possible, follow that guideline. Vendors who are still concerned about cheap gas and gasoline quality can ask a specific oil company if it has performed independent testing to substantiate its claims.

Have you had issues with putting cheap gas into your food truck? We’d love to here your stories. Share your thoughts on this topic in the comment section, our food truck forum or social media. Facebook | Twitter