Are there any studies or data to suggest one Top Tier fuel is better than another?

[Tdbo]

It depends on the area. Costco gets the fuels from the nearest gas terminal. So, if the gas the terminal is owned by Exxon, then you'll get their Synergy additives. There is a Kroger gas station nearing my area and always sells the cheapest gas within that perimeter. I talked to the cashier where they get their fuel deliveries and I was told it's Shell unbranded. So, the fuel they sell contains V Power additives.

They may get the base fuel from Shell/Exxon, but the detergent package for each of those vendors are added at the terminal.
The Kroger fuel will get a generic detergent package , designed to meet government standards.
Doesn't necessarily mean it is a bad fuel, but why would Shell/Exxon (or any other TT provider) spend the money for TT branding, spend the money for marketing, spend the money for developing a detergent cocktail, to sell it no-name at a supermarket chain station?

 

[Tdbo]

The 64 million dollar question is what non top tier stations may also meet "the standard", given the number of stations that come and go to the program.

Also, the "standard" is mostly a reference to other standards - ASTM, CARB, etc.

I prefer top tier, but I would rather have gas from a high turn station, than top tier station gas thats 60 days old.

I'm sure that there are a # of other stations that utilize best practices, without being a member of "The Club."
BP is one of the most vocal. They have stated that they meet the standard. They have stated that they withdrew from TT because of the cost. They found the external validation to be costly.
Sunoco has dropped in and out of TT at times. They also noted cost as an issue.
I have three guidelines that I look for when buying fuel: clean, well lit, high volume stations.
My "list" is the Gas Buddy list. Like my fuel to be as low bid as possible.
If the choice is TT. Great. It is not the end of the free world if it isn't.

 

[loneryder]

It absolutely is true.
Where does TT rank any provider in regard to % of detergents?
TT sets a base for a detergent package.
They test and provide a roster for those that meet the mark.
Some providers may go beyond that minimum, probably for marketing purposes.
However, they simply meet the TT standard, or they don't.
However the group of auto manufacturers that developed the consortium seem to think that the base they set is adequate for the present.
I'm sure that bar is highly fluid as technology advances, however.

Some providers may go beyond that minimum, probably for marketing purposes.
Yes and provide their customers with extra benefits.

 

[loneryder]

They may get the base fuel from Shell/Exxon, but the detergent package for each of those vendors are added at the terminal.
The Kroger fuel will get a generic detergent package , designed to meet government standards.
Doesn't necessarily mean it is a bad fuel, but why would Shell/Exxon (or any other TT provider) spend the money for TT branding, spend the money for marketing, spend the money for developing a detergent cocktail, to sell it no-name at a supermarket chain station?

Costco gets raw fuel from those terminals and adds their own detergent pkg on site as the tanker is dumping the fuel. Ask one of those guys if you don't believe me.

 

[loneryder]

Costco injects its unique additive package onsite from a standalone tank into somewhat generic gasoline. I’m fairly confident most other brands do something similar.

Other brands get their additive pkgs added at the terminal.

 

[4WD]

Other brands get their additive pkgs added at the terminal.

I always figured with Costco it’s a supply chain choice plus letting folks know their additives are a robust formula …
But, don’t know how anyone can say better or worse …

 

[oilstained]

I’m interested in this topic too.

TTT, top of the Top Tier list.

 

[y_p_w]

Costco injects its unique additive package onsite from a standalone tank into somewhat generic gasoline. I’m fairly confident most other brands do something similar.

There’s a requirement to meet the minimum EPA requirement at the fuel depot. Costco likely takes a generic minimum at the depot, then add their branded additive on delivery. Most others have their branded additives in tanks at the fuel depot, where dispensing is automated.

 

[Tdbo]

Costco gets raw fuel from those terminals and adds their own detergent pkg on site as the tanker is dumping the fuel. Ask one of those guys if you don't believe me.

I know what they do at Costco.
I'm a member and I have watched them do it.
Since not every vendor has the equipment to do it on site, they do it at the depot.

 

[y_p_w]

It is.
If you go to the site and read about Top Tier, you understand that it is a standard for fuel.
Companies pay to belong and go through the process.
It's not a ranked roster.
Either they meet the mark or they don't.

Standards can be exceeded. Conoco/Phillips/76 claims that they have maybe 20% higher concentration than needed to meet TT requirements. Others imply that they far exceed TT requirements.

 

[Tdbo]

Standards can be exceeded. Conoco/Phillips/76 claims that they have maybe 20% higher concentration than needed to meet TT requirements. Others imply that they far exceed TT requirements.

My point is that Top Tier has established a standard.
Simply, those that submit for evaluation meet the standard or they don't.
Of course if one wishes to exceed the standard, it is their option to do so.
However, TT does not rank beyond the standard to determine who has the "Sudziest" fuel of them all.
They simply produce an alphabetical roster of who meets the standard.
Beyond a certain point, it is merely marketing.

 

[Patman]

Not true. Costco has about 20% more cleaning additives than the rest of the TT brands. I've had it clean up and smooth out rough running engines without me adding anything.

In Canada the Kirkland gas has 5x the amount of detergents as required by law

 

[y_p_w]

My point is that Top Tier has established a standard.
Simply, those that submit for evaluation meet the standard or they don't.
Of course if one wishes to exceed the standard, it is their option to do so.
However, TT does not rank beyond the standard to determine who has the "Sudziest" fuel of them all.
They simply produce an alphabetical roster of who meets the standard.
Beyond a certain point, it is merely marketing.

But many fuel marketers do advertise that they exceed the standard. Some don’t say it outright, but it’s universally assumed that Chevron, XOM, and Costco far exceed it. These are big companies, and they’ve got a lot to lose if it’s discovered that their marketing claims are bogus.

 

[tired]

But many fuel marketers do advertise that they exceed the standard. Some don’t say it outright, but it’s universally assumed that Chevron, XOM, and Costco far exceed it. These are big companies, and they’ve got a lot to lose if it’s discovered that their marketing claims are bogus.

Yeah this sounds exactly like "there's no reason to use any oil that's API SP except the cheapest!"

 

[GI_GRIFF]

I'm trying to search the forums and can't find any suggestions that this is the case.

I'm lucky that most stations in my area are Top Tier. But I also have access to Costco, about 10-12 minutes away. I'm wondering if it's better to go to a Chevron vs Sinclair vs Costco. Just wondering if anyone has actually studied this, or if it's all dogma.

Yes, there is a difference, other than the higher price. There is a reason many automobile owner's manuals recommend "Top Tier Gasoline".
https://stationfinder.toptiergas.com/

 

[GI_GRIFF]

Yes, there is a difference, other than the higher price. There is a reason many automobile owner's manuals recommend "Top Tier Gasoline".
https://stationfinder.toptiergas.com/

If the gasoline you are buying is the official "Top Tier Gas", there will be an official sticker on the pump you are using.

 

[tired]

Yes, there is a difference, other than the higher price. There is a reason many automobile owner's manuals recommend "Top Tier Gasoline".
https://stationfinder.toptiergas.com/

Yes, I was asking among TT stations, is there any difference? How anyone done any kind of controlled study on whether the different stations' additive packages is better than another.

 

[GI_GRIFF]

Yes, I was asking among TT stations, is there any difference? How anyone done any kind of controlled study on whether the different stations' additive packages is better than another.

I don't know if there is a notable difference between Top Tier Gasolines amongst the different oil companies selling it, sorry.

 

[y_p_w]

If the gasoline you are buying is the official "Top Tier Gas", there will be an official sticker on the pump you are using.

Not always. Their requirement is that it should be met simply with the brand name. Every gas station representing a brand with a Top Tier license is required to meet the additive requirement.

 

[loneryder]

I always figured with Costco it’s a supply chain choice plus letting folks know their additives are a robust formula …
But, don’t know how anyone can say better or worse …

They want to make sure of what's in their gasoline.