Most of us view stopping by the gas station as a customary part of life, just making our choice based on proximity or the cheapest price.
But have you ever halted 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 change significantly.
Top Tier stations, though, such as Shell, Mobil, Chevron, Costco, and Sinclair, use additives in their unique mix. These include detergents, friction reducers, and corrosion inhibitors, which may extend engine life.
Thankfully, I will first look at what a Premier Tier gas station means for you in this uncomplicated 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.
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What Exactly Is Top Tier Gas?
If a station is branded as being Premium 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 likely one close to you.
Is premium gas worth the extra cost?
A current study was done where an engine ran ceaselessly 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 regular fuel. If you ask me, it definitely makes a persuasive 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 car with Regular 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 figure that measures its effectiveness.
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 generates. Higher octane-rating fuel is able to resist combustion from compression better than lower octane-rating fuel.
High-grade fuel typically has an octane value of no less than 90, compared to approximately 87 for Regular.
Some vehicles require premium fuel to run efficiently and may suffer from performance problems running on anything less. Your best option is to review the owner manual to determine what the manufacturer suggests.
Can you put 90-octane fuel in a car designed for 87?
Yes, however, for some engines, the improved 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 longevity of your engine while also boosting power and economy.
Some examples of these are detergents, substances that decrease friction, and agents that prevent corrosion.
Detergents are designed to eliminate deposits and prevent them from forming throughout the system. Friction reducers work precisely as their name suggests, which lowers the wear and tear on the engine and helps it last longer.
Corrosion inhibitors decrease the corrosion rate of any metal they come into contact with.
There are countless 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 considerable time, over 100 years, in fact. As you might have guessed, they’ve learned a lot about gas along the journey.
The draw with Shell gas is its nitrogen-enriched formula. Which they claim helps remove deposit accumulation and prevent further growth.
Mobil – Top Tier? Yes
Dating back to the mid-1980s, Mobil is one of the most recognizable names when it comes to quality gasoline. In 1999, they merged with Exxon to form Exxon Mobile, making it one of the biggest oil companies in the entire world.
Their secret is Mobile Synergy, a unique blend of 9 different additives. A few of these include three distinct 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 distinction 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 small petroleum companies merged to form Sinclair Oil and Refining Corp. 104 years later, and there are now more than 1,300 Sinclair stations nationwide.
Sinclair gas contains Dinocare, which is a blend of several additives designed to enhance how well your engine performs. This includes reducing engine deposits, optimizing fuel economy, and lowering yearly maintenance costs.
Chevron – Top Tier? Yes
1879 – that is the year the world got Chevron gas. They are also the brand behind the amusing talking car commercials.
Techron is the name given to their exclusive blend of fuel additives, which is designed to break down, clear out, and prevent carbon accumulation.
Which Gas Station Have The Best Quality Gas?
If it has the Top Tier logo, then it is unquestionably a brand you can trust. Using Top Tier gas also ensures that you reduce wear on vital parts such as the cylinder walls and piston rings.
Deciding whether to put Regular or Premium fuel in your tank, however, is entirely up to you. But we do recommend consulting your owner’s manual to see what your engine is intended for.