Key Highlights
- Gasoline sold at stations in the U.S. must meet a minimum detergent standard.
- TOP TIER certification is endorsed by AAA and offers significantly more cleaning additives than federal minimums.
- Shell, Citgo, Costco, Mobil, Marathon, and Exxon are among brands that sell TOP TIER gasoline.
- Better-quality gas does not necessarily cost more; its benefits include cleaner engines and fewer repairs over time.
The Truth Behind Gas Quality: Why You Should Care
You might think all gas stations are the same, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Some brands have detergents in their fuel that clean your fuel injectors and other fuel system components. Once you find out which brands use the best gas, your car will last longer and run better than if you were using lesser quality fuel.
Understanding TOP TIER Certification
Gasoline sold at fuel stations in the United States is required to have a minimum amount of detergent due to a law set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1997. These detergents offer extra cleaning for components of the fuel system, such as the fuel injectors and intake valves.
Many gas station brands get their fuel reviewed and tested by TOP TIER, a company endorsed by AAA, which rates fuel quality for gasoline and diesel engines. The brands that meet the company’s standards will be recognized as a TOP TIER-approved gasoline brand.
Beyond the Minimum Standard
Bill Studzinski, program manager for TOP TIER, spoke to the Detroit Free Press about how a gas station gets to use the trademark for having the best quality gas. “If a fuel company wants to send us their data, according to our standard, and their fuel is known to keep the engine clean, they can then use the trademark globally,” Studzinski said.
“TOP TIER gives you at least two, but more likely almost three and four times the amount of additive that the federal minimum gets you.”
The Brands That Matter
Some brands are well known for having TOP TIER fuel with a lot of detergents. Brands such as Shell, Citgo, Costco, Mobil, Marathon, and Exxon have received the TOP TIER gasoline approval.
Is better-quality gas more expensive? There are many determining factors in gas prices.
Many people assume cheaper means lower quality. But when it comes to gas, the price doesn’t affect the quality. As long as the brand has a TOP TIER approval, then all the fuel that brand sells throughout the United States will be the same.
When Quality Matters
Is it OK to use non-TOP TIER gas? Nothing is stopping you from going to a gas station without the TOP TIER approval, but you get what you pay for. Their fuel has fewer detergents and won’t clean the fuel system as well.
The benefits of using high-quality gas will result in fewer potential engine issues down the line if lower-end fuel is constantly used.
If a TOP TIER-approved gas station is too far of a drive and your tank is running low, then go with whatever is closest to you.
Remember, your car’s health might depend on what goes into its fuel system. So, do some research and find out which brands are truly worth the extra cost for better quality.