So called "top tier" gas more a gimmick??
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I have been keeping very accurate gas mileage records for my car, truck and motorcycle and I have found that I get better gas mileage with the top tier gas. I will stay with one gas for 5 or 6 tank fulls if it does not cause a ping, and then switch brands. Shell has consistently given me 1 mpg better in the truck and 2 to 3 mpg in the car and bike. I also found that I can pull a long hill near my home in 5th on shell and always have to downshift near the top on the no name brands. Thats all the proof I need.
On a recent 2500 mile road trip up to Eastern Washington I was using nothing but Shell or 76 and averaging around 18mpg. One town in Oregon only had a mom and pop station and a casino with their own brand of fuel. Filled up at the casino station and ended up averaging under 13mpg on that tankful. And I had to pump my own gas!
funny enough, i started using sams gas when I got my membership (primary advantage really...lol) and yea, my mpg seems to have gone up a couple points...which is odd, due to all the bad reviews we hear about "grocery store gas"....given, this is a newer built complex...built on it's own land, right off 95...so it's very high traffic, and always 20cent or so cheaper than the gas down my street...
Originally Posted By: bvance554
I can't say that top tier is marketing hype, but either way I'm not buying it. I use non top tier 99% of the time with no detrimental affects, and no fuel additives either.
Unless you took the heads off to see if deposits are present you have really no idea. You just don't feel the very gradual loss of performance,and over time accept it as "no problems".
Top tier is a detergent spec that is higher than gubment spec. Period. The gas still comes from the same places ,just additive levels lessened.
So you may have a problem you don't know is a problem until it becomes a problem.
The extra pennies I spend buying better gas saves me a potential expensive expenditure for longer.
Sound like simple preventative maintenance to me.
I can't say that top tier is marketing hype, but either way I'm not buying it. I use non top tier 99% of the time with no detrimental affects, and no fuel additives either.
Unless you took the heads off to see if deposits are present you have really no idea. You just don't feel the very gradual loss of performance,and over time accept it as "no problems".
Top tier is a detergent spec that is higher than gubment spec. Period. The gas still comes from the same places ,just additive levels lessened.
So you may have a problem you don't know is a problem until it becomes a problem.
The extra pennies I spend buying better gas saves me a potential expensive expenditure for longer.
Sound like simple preventative maintenance to me.
Originally Posted By: gaijinnv
The Owner's Manual for my 2013 Toyota stipulates the usage of Top Tier gasoline.
I've heard of it being mentioned in manuals; I've just never had the chance to see the mention in print yet.
The Owner's Manual for my 2013 Toyota stipulates the usage of Top Tier gasoline.
I've heard of it being mentioned in manuals; I've just never had the chance to see the mention in print yet.
TT gas prices vary. Around here it can be the same, more, or even less than non TT. Even when it is more though it is seldom more than about 2-3 cents more. Makes no sense NOT to run it if it is available as it will contain more detergents.
Around here we have Phillips66 stations. P66 is not only TT but the company actually claims to have even higher standards( stickers everywhere ). P66 gas is cheaper here than the other brands. I fill up there 99% of the time.
TT gas it not a scam. Just not something you will notice instantly. Long term it does provide benefits.
Around here we have Phillips66 stations. P66 is not only TT but the company actually claims to have even higher standards( stickers everywhere ). P66 gas is cheaper here than the other brands. I fill up there 99% of the time.
TT gas it not a scam. Just not something you will notice instantly. Long term it does provide benefits.
Originally Posted By: NHHEMI
Long term it does provide benefits.
Some links to double-blind studies that confirm this little tidbit would add some credibility to the statement.
Long term it does provide benefits.
Some links to double-blind studies that confirm this little tidbit would add some credibility to the statement.
Again, if you want a quality "detergent" in your tank, and be SURE it is there:
Go top tier AND add 1oz. per 5 USGal. of a quality TC-W3.
If a 2T engine didn't have a quality lube and detergent in the fuel, it would seize in 1 minute flat.
Just don't use TC-W3 in DI engines, combustion temps are lower and may cause soot.
Go top tier AND add 1oz. per 5 USGal. of a quality TC-W3.
If a 2T engine didn't have a quality lube and detergent in the fuel, it would seize in 1 minute flat.
Just don't use TC-W3 in DI engines, combustion temps are lower and may cause soot.
I have been hearing of this since the 80's. Back then it was fuels that passed the "BMW Unlimited Mileage Test." BMW and GM were the proponents and the fuels that passed were tested to see that they kept the injectors and intake valves clean. This was back when port fuel injection was starting to become the norm. Top Tier is an offshoot of that program. If you look at the Top Tier site you can see the manufacturers that recommend this fuel type. It's a list of good manufacturers. I do not think it is bogus.
There is plenty of history of companies, both large and small, mislabeling, cheating, and lying outright. With TT gas you have little choice but to buy from a retailer on the list and trust the system. (Any chemists here?)
I personally buy consistently from QT. There are a lot of stations in my area. They are clean and well maintained and their fuel prices are always competitive, if not the best. I don't worry over a few cents per gallon either way.
I can't tell you that using fuel that is not TT is bad. I have no idea. I just figure it makes the decision, for me, easier.
There is plenty of history of companies, both large and small, mislabeling, cheating, and lying outright. With TT gas you have little choice but to buy from a retailer on the list and trust the system. (Any chemists here?)
I personally buy consistently from QT. There are a lot of stations in my area. They are clean and well maintained and their fuel prices are always competitive, if not the best. I don't worry over a few cents per gallon either way.
I can't tell you that using fuel that is not TT is bad. I have no idea. I just figure it makes the decision, for me, easier.
Costco. They have their new high detergent gas. Called Clean Power.
No scientific evidence but it is the only gas that my Explorer actually runs better on. I used Shell 87 in it for years. some times it would sputter when I started it. Not with Costco clean Power. For me it's an easy choice Costco gas is cheaper and the car runs better.
No scientific evidence but it is the only gas that my Explorer actually runs better on. I used Shell 87 in it for years. some times it would sputter when I started it. Not with Costco clean Power. For me it's an easy choice Costco gas is cheaper and the car runs better.
Originally Posted By: Maximus1966
Originally Posted By: NHHEMI
Long term it does provide benefits.
Some links to double-blind studies that confirm this little tidbit would add some credibility to the statement.
How about you and those who doubt provide links showing studies disproving it.
Originally Posted By: NHHEMI
Long term it does provide benefits.
Some links to double-blind studies that confirm this little tidbit would add some credibility to the statement.
How about you and those who doubt provide links showing studies disproving it.
Originally Posted By: NHHEMI
How about you and those who doubt provide links showing studies disproving it.
Okay. You get to go first.
How about you and those who doubt provide links showing studies disproving it.
Okay. You get to go first.
Originally Posted By: spackard
Yet nobody puts top-tier in the cars they rent.
I do (generally)!
Yet nobody puts top-tier in the cars they rent.
I do (generally)!
i use to use Arco gas before Costco came along with gas. I have put many a gas tank of both in and Costco consistantly gets about 2-3mpg better. I noticed this with Chevron also, but rarely fill u with it unless i have to due to the cost.
So in my experience, there is a difference.
So in my experience, there is a difference.
1 of my car's manufacturer RECOMMEND top tier gas (Lexus), and if they recommend it on their manual, I think they know that it is not a farce. I don't think I have seen a top tier that is not a major brand, and I trust that major brand wouldn't risk a class action lawsuit so they would enforce their franchisee with checks to make sure they do not cheat.
Yes, gas is gas, but detergent is not the same (amount or potency) between brands. I use whatever is cheapest for my 95 and 97 beaters, but my 08 with carbon build up issue? I'm using only top tier.
Yes, gas is gas, but detergent is not the same (amount or potency) between brands. I use whatever is cheapest for my 95 and 97 beaters, but my 08 with carbon build up issue? I'm using only top tier.
No such thing, it all comes from the same pipe.
The key is to buy from a high volume station with good filters and tanks.
The key is to buy from a high volume station with good filters and tanks.
Originally Posted By: hattaresguy
No such thing, it all comes from the same pipe.
The key is to buy from a high volume station with good filters and tanks.
Apparently the Costco additive is added at the gas station. Here the pipeline is out on I95. The tanker truck brings the gas to Costco and they add their super duper detergents on site. My cars love it. 87 or 93.
No such thing, it all comes from the same pipe.
The key is to buy from a high volume station with good filters and tanks.
Apparently the Costco additive is added at the gas station. Here the pipeline is out on I95. The tanker truck brings the gas to Costco and they add their super duper detergents on site. My cars love it. 87 or 93.
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