Which Gas Stations Have The Best Quality Gas?

Most of us view stopping by the gas station as a regular part of life, just making our choice based on proximity or the cheapest price.

**But have you ever paused to think about which gas stations have the finest gas?**

**Many gas stations get their fuel from the same source, meaning the formula doesn’t vary significantly.**

Top Tier stations, though, such as Shell, Mobil, Chevron, Costco, and Sinclair, use additives in their distinctive mix. These include detergents, friction reducers, and corrosion inhibitors, which may prolong engine life.

Thankfully, I will first look at what a Premier Tier gas station means for you in this simple guide.

Then we will cover a few things you might like to know about gasoline, like what octane levels are and why they matter, what fuel additives are, and how they might benefit your vehicle.

I will commence the guide by explaining what premium gas is.

What Exactly Is Top Tier Gas?

If a station is branded as being Superior Quality, it means their gas has met a specific performance standard.

Here is what you can expect with a Premium Tier gas:

• All retail locations meet the standards of the Top Tier program
• All gas grades include a Top Tier approved detergent additive
• All gas is free from organometallic additives like Ferrocene or MMT

So far, 52 retail brands meet the Top Tier standard, meaning there’s probably one nearby you.

Is premium gas worth the extra cost?

A recent study was done where an engine ran continuously for 1000 hours, which is roughly equivalent to 4,000 miles.

The engine was then disassembled and examined. It revealed that Top Tier gas left 19 times fewer carbon deposits when compared to standard fuel. If you ask me, it definitely makes a compelling case for Top Tier fuel being worth the extra 3 to 4 cents or so.

What’s The Deal With Octane Levels?

Most everyone has been in a situation where they’re staring at a fuel pump, wondering whether to fill their vehicle with Standard or Premium. What’s the difference between the two?

In most instances, the Premium label means the fuel has a higher octane rating, which is a number that measures its efficiency.

This has to do with the amount of pressure gasoline can withstand before igniting. The higher the number, the more it can take, and therefore, the more power it produces. Superior octane-rating fuel is able to resist combustion from compression better than inferior octane-rating fuel.

High-grade fuel typically has an octane value of no less than 90, compared to roughly 87 for Regular.

Some automobiles require premium fuel to run efficiently and may suffer from performance issues running on anything less. Your best option is to review the owner manual to determine what the manufacturer recommends.

Can you put 90-octane fuel in a car designed for 87?

Yes, however, for some engines, the enhanced efficiency can actually cause harm. For this reason, your best bet is to stick with what your car was designed for.

Regardless of whether you are opting for premium gas, all Top Tier stations include additives in their regular fuel as well. Speaking of additives, let us examine what they are and how they might improve your engine.

What Should I Know About Fuel Additives?

If you’re buying from a well-known gas brand, their fuel will certainly contain additives. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have survived in the competitive landscape of today. These are compounds that aim to increase the durability of your engine while also enhancing power and economy.

Some examples of these are detergents, substances that reduce friction, and agents that prevent rust.

Detergents are designed to eliminate deposits and prevent them from forming throughout the system. Friction reducers work exactly as their name suggests, which reduces the wear and tear on the motor and helps it last further.

Corrosion inhibitors decrease the corrosion rate of any metal they come into contact with.

There are numerous types of additives, all designed to improve the health of your engine and extend its life.

The Top 5 Best Gas Stations

Shell – Top Tier? Yes

The Shell name has been around a substantial time, over 100 years, in fact. As you might have guessed, they’ve learned a lot about gas along the way.

The draw with Shell gas is its nitrogen-enriched formula. Which they assert helps remove deposit buildup and prevent additional growth.

Mobil – Top Tier? Yes

Dating back to the mid-1980s, Mobil is one of the most famous names when it comes to superior gasoline. In 1999, they merged with Exxon to form Exxon Mobile, making it one of the biggest oil companies in the entire world.

Their confidential secret is Mobile Synergy, a unique blend of 9 different additives. A few of these include three separate detergents, a friction modifier, and a corrosion inhibitor.

Costco Gasoline – Top Tier? Yes

Costco sells just about everything, and as of 1995, it began selling gas. Not only is Costco gas Top Tier certified, but it also carries the honor of being a Kirkland Signature product.

The selling point for Costco gas is that it is premium-quality, but it also costs less, as much as 21 cents per gallon less, actually.

Sinclair – Top Tier? Yes

In May of 1916, 11 minor petroleum companies merged to form Sinclair Oil and Refining Corp. 104 years later, and there are now more than 1,300 Sinclair stations across the country.

Sinclair gas contains Dinocare, which is a blend of several additives designed to enhance how well your engine functions. This includes reducing engine deposits, optimizing fuel economy, and lowering annual maintenance costs.

Chevron – Top Tier? Yes

1879 – that is the year the world got Chevron gas. They are also the brand behind the entertaining talking car commercials.

Techron is the name given to their exclusive blend of fuel additives, which is designed to break down, eliminate, and prevent carbon accumulation.

Which Gas Station Have The Best Quality Gas?

If it has the Top Tier logo, then it is undoubtedly a brand you can trust. Using Top Tier gas also ensures that you reduce wear on essential parts such as the cylinder walls and piston rings.

Deciding whether to put Regular or Premium fuel in your tank, however, is completely up to you. But we do suggest consulting your owner’s manual to see what your engine is designed for.