Location and price isn’t everything, as TOP TIER gasoline kept engines 19 times cleaner in independent testing by AAA.
What is TOP TIER Gasoline?
In 1996, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established a minimum level of detergent for all gasoline sold in the United States. Nevertheless, many automobile manufactures wanted higher standards to address the needs of their vehicle engines to run at higher performance with less engine deposit buildup, better fuel economy, and improved emissions. The TOP TIER™ program set the higher standard to meet these goals.
It is NOT the Octane Level
Many consumers associate fuel quality with the octane of the fuel (regular vs. premium), which is incorrect. TOP TIER retailers adhere to standards in all grades of fuel. Follow your vehicle owner’s manual and use the correct fuel for your vehicle.
Independent Testing by AAA
AAA conducted research to better understand the benefits of TOP TIER gasoline for consumers. The results? The July 2016 report concluded that not only was there a difference, there was a significant difference, thus justifying the use of TOP TIER gas, even at a slightly higher cost (~$0.03/gal more).
Among brands tested, non-TOP TIER gasolines caused 19 times more engine deposits than TOP TIER brands after just 4,000 miles of simulated driving in testing labs. Such carbon deposits are known to reduce fuel economy, increase emissions and negatively impact vehicle performance, particularly on newer vehicles.
AAA was surprised to learn the extent to which detergent additives impact gasoline quality. As advertised, tested TOP TIER gasolines kept engines remarkably cleaner than other fuels we tested. — John Nielsen, AAA’s managing director of Automotive Engineering and Repair.
What do the consumers think?
Location and price are the key drivers (pun intended) to where drivers are likely to pull in to fill up.
The primary reasons that U.S. drivers choose a gas station are:
1. Location (75%)
2. Price (73%)
3. Rewards program (29%)
4. Gas that contains a detergent (12%)
TAKEAWAY: When Convenient, Change Your Fueling Habits
According to AAA, for optimal vehicle performance and fuel economy, drivers should use a gasoline that meets TOP TIER standards purchased from select retailers here whenever possible. Finding TOP TIER gas is easy with apps such as the popular GasBuddy which indicate when a retailer sells TOP TIER gasoline, and often for the same price.
According to AAA, while it may be less convenient in some situations, long-term it will save money through better fuel economy and reduced need for repairs.
TOP TIER retailers include:
76
Amoco
ARCO
Beacon
BP
Chevron
CITGO
Conoco
Costco
Esso
Exxon
Mobil
Phillips 66
Quik Trip
Road Ranger
Shell
Texaco
Valero
full list link
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Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission.
