With gas prices still high across the country, it’s important to know what’s actually in your fuel so you get the best value for your money.
How do people choose where to fill up their tank? Money, distance, snack offerings at the convenience store — all important factors. But what about the quality of the fuel itself?
Whether a gas station has branded or unbranded fuel is a consideration many people don’t even know to make. Name-brand stations offer can offer more than just familiarity or reward points. The fuel that comes from their dispensers come with an additive package.
Ned Bowman, the executive director of the Florida Petroleum Marketers Association, explained what that means.
“They add an additive into their fuel. It’s like a detergent, and what it does is it washes the engine and keeps the engine running at a better performance,” said Bowman.
The additives in branded gas can clean deposits formed by the intake process, prolong an engine’s effective life, and even help reduce emission levels.
Some unbranded companies have additives in their fuel as well, but most do not. They buy the cheapest gas available that meet minimum state standards to be sold.
At the end of the day, though, experts say to choose the fuel your car manufacturer suggests.
Curtis Hixon Park turns into a winter wonderland for the holidays
The holiday season has officially begun in Tampa with the opening of Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park.
On November 18th, Winter Village returned to downtown Tampa for its sixth season. In addition to cafes and boutiques, Winter Village will also have an ice rink sponsored by the Tampa Bay Lightning and its first ever curling sheet.
Holiday themed food and drink options will be provided by the Icicles Craft Kitchen, Kahwa Coffee, and Whatever Pops. Gift ideas for friends and family can be found in The Shops of Winter Village, where numerous local businesses have been brought in.
Ice skating is undoubtedly one of the event’s main draws, though. For residents of Florida, having an ice rink downtown despite the sunshine state’s warm winters is a special treat.
“I love that it’s warm outside and I can go ice skating. We haven’t been ice skating, for me at least, maybe 20 years,” said Tampa tourist, Derik Davis.
There are numerous other special events for guests to enjoy as well. Watch a nightly 360-degree light show, take a trip to Ybor and back on the Winter Village Express, and much more. Little ones may even catch a glimpse of Santa when he makes a few surprise visits in December.
Admission into Winter Village is free and open to all ages every day until Jan. 4, but access to the ice rink requires an online ticket purchased in advanced.
Credits
Anchor: Antonio Delucca
Reporters: Haley Zarcone, Antonio Delucca
Video Editor: Antonio Delucca
Web Editor: Sarah Bennett
Web Managing Editor: Valadou Pantelis
Graduate Assistant: McKenzie Muskett
Faculty Adviser: Dr. Stephanie Anderson, Wayne Garcia
