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

[tired]

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.

 

[Hall]

I'm sure the Top Tier organization has paid for some and have them

 

[Zee09]

Yes the cheapest TT is the best

 

[Tdbo]

It is a standard.
If a fuel provider is blessed by the Top Tier Overlords. they are good to go.
The least expensive TT station/vendor met the same standard as the most overpriced TT station/vendor.
Such drama.

 

[tired]

...

It is a standard.
If a fuel provider is blessed by the Top Tier Overlords. they are good to go.
The least expensive TT station/vendor met the same standard as the most overpriced TT station/vendor.
Such drama.

It's not drama. It's curiosity.

Just like API SP is a spec, but there is a lot of variability within oils that meet that spec.

No need to be dismissive of an earnest question.

Edit: and I was able to to find this about Techron. So it does seem there is some difference.

 

[Escape08]

None. It all comes down to the brand's fuel additives.

 

[Tdbo]

It's not drama. It's curiosity.

Just like API SP is a spec, but there is a lot of variability within oils that meet that spec.

No need to be dismissive of an earnest question.

Edit: and I was able to to find this about Techron. So it does seem there is some difference.

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.

 

[Nessism1]

I thought non branded fuel was a commodity, so pretty much all interchangeable.

 

[SC Maintenance]

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.

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.

 

[Olds394]

I’ve looked for info on friction modified gasoline and found very little info.
So I just run Shell V power because I thought LSJ said it had FM.

 

[SC Maintenance]

I’ve looked for info on friction modified gasoline and found very little info.
So I just run Shell V power because I thought LSJ said it had FM.

The gas stations in an area generally all get their gas from the same distribution terminal. For example there are only 7 in the entire state of South Carolina - and one doesn't even normally do gasoline - its more for marine stuff.

The difference station to station is the add pack. If it was in the add pack I would think Shell would brag about it?

 

[SubieRubyRoo]

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.

If you’re ever in the area by HPL, pick up a case of their Fuel System Cleaner. It’s got loads of PEA, PIBA, and several other targeted additives that you simply can’t get in a single fuel system cleaner from another company. It checks every single box on all known fuel system cleaning agents, not just the PEA that Techron has (but there may be some other additives I’m not aware of).

Maybe @HPL Plant Manager can add some insight, but I know Dave W said the FSC is in line with the quality of their oils; you can’t find a better product for your fuel system maintenance. The catch is, something in it qualifies for HAZMAT shipping, so that basically doubles the price of the cleaner and therefore is not feasible for most. Pickup @ HPL, however, does not incur HAZMAT fees

I’ve used about a dozen bottles over the past 3 years; in my F150, Impreza, Ascent, Ariens ZT, chainsaw fuel, and even my generator. I usually buy Marathon or Casey’s gas but only 87 (or E85 blend in the F150), and the HPL FSC has kept all my vehicles starting on the first crank and idling amoothly. Even the ZT which sat all winter with gas in it fired on about the 3rd revolution. I use one bottle in the cars about every 10k, and premix the OPE at about 0.3-0.5oz per gallon.

Is it solely responsible for my great results? Probably not, but it has certainly been a factor in consistent performance, and is supporting a great company that caters to our niche.

 

[4WD]

I’ve looked for info on friction modified gasoline and found very little info.
So I just run Shell V power because I thought LSJ said it had FM.

I think Shell and XOM hit the premium hard - but mid grade is blending two tanks, so getting more than regular has …

https://www.exxon.com/en/unleaded-gasoline

 

[loneryder]

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.

Costco's gas is one of the best you can buy. They have more cleaning additive than other TT's. They recently started using a new additive package formulated for DI engines. Plus they receive several tankers a day so the gas is fresh. They add their additives on site so they can control what goes in. These things are what gives me the opinion that one can't buy better gas. Not to mention price.

 

[loneryder]

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.

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.

 

[Escape08]

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.

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.

 

[tired]

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.

I dunno man. I'm no expert but I'm pretty sure I'm not going to trust the minimum wage gas station clerk at a Kroger gas station on what amounts to just their opinion on the gas. Don't think you can take it to bank you're getting a deal on Shell V Power additives.

 

[Burt]

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.

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.

 

[4WD]

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.

Many of the others get the additive injection where the trucks are loaded ...

 

[Tdbo]

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.

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.