In 1961 Harold “Greg’ Gregory started working at a local gas station called Ray’s Pratts in Delano, California. There he serviced the automobiles of the day. Eventually, he joined up with Standard Oil Distributorship as a partner in 1961 and bought it in 1963. By 1984 Greg’s Petroleum Service was established as a California Fuels and Lubricant distributor. Our history has a lot to do with our business. We’ve grown up in the region and have seen every change that has affected the local community.
We’ve watched the modern gasoline engine’s evolution and adjusted our business model to partner with suppliers like Chevron to provide superior bulk fuels, wholesale lubricants, and gasoline supply to our customers.
Over the years, the types of product we offer have changed, as engine and fuel technology has evolved. What are some of these changes?
Direct injection technology: Combustion engines operate by sucking a mixture of fuel and air into the engine where it is ignited and produces power. This reaction was achieved by mixing the fuel and air in the intake manifold before injecting it into the engine, where the pistons compressed it and then ignited by a spark. However, this method could be inefficient, which is why older cars got such terrible mileage.
Only 12-30% of the potential chemical energy could be converted into power, while the rest was lost to friction and heat loss. Direct injection technology bypasses this problem by injecting the fuel straight into the engine cylinders, increasing efficiency by 12%. This technology is managed by the vehicle computer and allows more control over fuel metering and where the fuel enters the cylinder. The fuel is more evenly broken up into smaller droplets, increasing combustion and increasing fuel efficiency and power.
So what’s the drawback? Many newer vehicles have direct injection technology, but there are some issues. The high heat burns the fuel faster, leading to increased black carbon emissions and engine damage. Luckily, some products can help. We recommend Chevron’s Techron® Complete Fuel System Cleaner. When used every 3,000 miles, it helps break up carbon deposits to increase fuel efficiency and protect your engine. It was named the 2019 Best Fuel Additive in the Autoweek Reader’s Choice Awards.
High-speed transmissions: In recent years, high-speed transmissions have become very popular. The eight-speed automatic transmission was introduced on the 2011 Chrysler 300. Since then, it has been widely adopted by several automakers and consumers. The eight-speed transmission can help improve fuel efficiency by 11% and decreases transmission wear. Transmission repairs are one of the highest mechanical expenses, so it’s a welcome change. Modern fuel transmission technology offers smoother shifting and increased power capacity. To service your transmission, we recommend Valvoline™’s line of transmission fluid products. They have a wide range of superior fluids for your transmission needs.
Increased power in a smaller engine: Old muscle cars may look cool, but smaller, lighter engines are consistently more powerful. Smarter engine technology has improved the power of the gasoline engine while cutting back on size. Modern technology like higher compression ratios, variable valve timing, and computerization make the smaller, lighter engines of today more powerful. This increased sophistication requires more intensive mechanical service and superior fluid and lubricant use. We offer a wide range of products from Chevron’s Valvoline® and Havoline® lines for various engine needs. Let us know your vehicle’s specifications, and we can find the right lubricant for your needs.
Increased reliability: Modern gasoline engines have become more sophisticated. Consumers used to do most engine repairs themselves if they were mechanically inclined. In newer vehicles, many mechanical parts have been replaced with electrical components operated by computer control. Engines are more reliable and can go longer between service intervals. New synthetic oils and engine fluids have been developed to keep these sophisticated engines running longer. We offer a wide variety of Chevron lubricants and other products designed to keep your vehicle in good condition between service appointments.
Better fuel: One of the most critical changes for modern engines is the fuel we put into the vehicle. Today’s gasoline is more highly refined with higher octane ratings and increased additives for fuel-efficiency. Chevron has been a leader in developing Techron. This additive helps to maximize engine power, increase fuel efficiency, and reduce carbon deposit build-up while decreasing fuel emissions. Additives such as Techron have helped improve modern car engines’ efficiency so vehicles can last longer and go further than ever before.
Vehicle technology will always be changing to meet consumer needs. We drive further and farther than our parents ever did. Our vehicles are now designed for increased fuel efficiency and power, as are the fluids we use to keep our cars running. Greg’s Petroleum Service has seen all of the changes that have come and gone. We’ve come a long way since that little gas station in the sixties, and we are prepared for whatever new changes may come in the future.
We proudly offer bulk fuel delivery, wholesale lubricants, wholesale diesel, and card lock fuel systems for all our fuel and lubricant oil customers. Just as the modern engine has changed over the years to become more efficient, we’ve grown and developed to offer a wide range of products and services for our local community. We will continue to grow and develop to serve companies in Bakersfield, CA, and our local community. If you require fuel or lubricant supplies, get in touch with us to access premium gasoline and Chevron lubricants.