'That’s Not Good For Cars’: Man Goes To Murphy USA Gas Station At Walmart. Then He Tests The Gas

'Gas doesn't even smell strong anymore.'

Man Goes To Murphy USA Gas Station At Walmart

Photo by: Unsplash.com

Nina Hernandez

By: Nina Hernandez

Apr 14, at 6:00pm ET

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A consumer advocate visits Murphy USA to test the gas and confirm that it contains less than 10% ethanol. Here are the results of his study.

TikTok creator James Wrigg (@james_wrigg) posted a video with this edition of his ongoing study on April 2.

"Alright, we’re testing more gas at Murphy’s for 15% ethanol," he says to start the video. "I know it seems that I’m always picking on them, but out of all four platforms that I’m on, … you guys almost unanimously said I need to check out Murphy’s."

Man Tests Murphy USA Gas For Ethanol

Wrigg explains, "Alright, we’re checking to make sure there is no more than 10% ethanol in this gas. Each of these should be definitely under 10%."

He first fills a container with about a quarter tank of gas, which he says is to ensure the proper amount is coming out of the pump. "First let’s make sure we’re getting what we should be getting," he says. "We’re not getting ripped off at the pump."

Then, Wrigg fills the test tube to the gas fill line and gives it a shake. "I’ve heard the government has authorized 15% ethanol to be in the gas at gas stations," he says while he waits for the test to process. "Have you?"

Wrigg says, "So they’re watering it down with corn, so it’s going to be less per gallon, but it’s going to be less efficient. So what is that doing? Also it’s going to burn hotter in the summer. That’s not good for cars."

He goes back to the pump and points at the buttons. "They say it might be coming in May," he says. "And if it does, it’s gonna have to have some sort of signage on here, because it’ll kill small engines. Like lawn equipment, boats, generators, even your motorcycle."

Finally, the test is complete, and Wrigg returns to his vehicle to check. "And it’s been five minutes," he says. "And they’re on. We’ll definitely be back in May."

Viewers React To Murphy USA Gas Passing Ethanol Test

In the video's comments section, viewers reacted to Murphy USA gas passing Wrigg’s ethanol test.

"I’m more worried about [gas stations] dispensing less than one gallon because the pump is stealing," said one viewer. Wrigg replied, "I’m gonna continue to measure a quart out every time I go. Then I think I need to do a long test [of] three or four gallons."

A second viewer posted a photo of the E15 stickers that Wrigg mentioned in the video. "That’s what we’re looking for," Wrigg wrote in response.

A third viewer wrote, "I tell everyone after years of selling mowers and other small engines to never ever use regular gasoline. It doesn’t matter what the manufacturer says. That ethanol fuel tears up those small engines and chokes those carburetors."

Testing For Ethanol Content in Gas, And Other Facts

Drivers can get their own reusable ethanol testing kits from online retailers like Amazon for about $10-$15. As Wrigg demonstrated, buyers pour gasoline and water into the bottle, shake it, and wait for five minutes. After that, the bottle will display the percentages of gasohol, ethanol, or E85 levels in the fuel.

Wrigg is correct that the Trump administration recently moved to temporarily allow the sale of gas with 15% ethanol starting in May. This is an effort to lower gas prices during the upcoming summer months. While E15 gas is sold in parts of the U.S., most gas stations currently sell E10.

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And Wrigg is also correct that E15 gas can be bad for small engines that aren’t designed to accept it because the water in it can damage certain engine components.

Motor1 contacted Wrigg via TikTok comment and direct message for comment. We also contacted Murphy USA via website contact form for comment. We will update this story if either party responds.

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