I'm sure all of us want the best gas for our cars to minimize deposits and clogged fuel injectors. Check out this website for more info:http://www.toptiergas.com/index.html

I've always used Texaco or Shell gas but they are not on the Top Tier list. I'm switching to Chevron.

TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Retailers

Gasoline retailers must meet the high TOP TIER standards with all grades of gasoline to be approved by the automakers as providing TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline.

In addition, all gasoline outlets carrying the brand of the approved retailer must meet the TOP TIER standards.

Additional gasoline retailers are added to the TOP TIER list as they meet the standards. The retailers known to be on the TOP TIER list are shown below.

TOP TIER Gasoline Retailers:

QuikTrip
Chevron
Conoco
Phillips
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Top Tier Detergent Gasoline

TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is a recently established new standard for gasoline performance. Four of the world's top automakers, BMW, General Motors, Honda, and Toyota recognize that the current EPA minimum detergent requirements do not go far enough to ensure optimal engine performance.

Since the minimum additive performance standards were first established by EPA in 1995, most gasoline marketers have actually reduced the concentration level of detergent additive in their gasoline by up to 50%. As a result, the ability of a vehicle to maintain stringent Tier 2 emission standards have been hampered, leading to engine deposits which can have a big impact on in-use emissions and driver satisfaction.

These automakers have raised the bar. TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline help drivers avoid lower quality gasoline which can leave deposits on critical engine parts, which reduces engine performance. That’s something both drivers and automakers want to avoid.

 

pay

 

very odd... I see no mention of who they are, where they are, what authority they have.... any identifying or authenticating information whatsoever. No "contact us" , no nothing... If I were a gasoline retailer i couldn't even find out how to get on their list!

ok - (thank you google! ) more info on the GM website

http://www.gm.com/company/gmability/...nt_092704.html

 

Good info from the general


Who should use Top Tier Detergent Gasoline?
All vehicles will benefit from using Top Tier Detergent Gasoline over gasoline containing the "Lowest Additive Concentration" set by the EPA. Those vehicles that have experienced deposit related concerns may especially benefit from use of Top Tier Detergent Gasoline.


I kept telling everyone that Walmart gas was crap!

 

Chevron and Texaco are the same company.....

 

So are Conoco and Phillips...

 

I used to think Chevron was great.

But, recently I've switched to Shell and think it is better.

This example is my truck, not my 'vette (although I use the 93 octane in it). But with the Chevron there would some pinging with the 89 octane and with the Shell no pinging (at least not that I could still here). Same octane, 89.

Just my .02$

Mark

 

None of those stations are anywhere near here. All we have is Exxon, Citgo, Sunoco and maybe Shell. Joe

 

You must either be in marketing yourself, or believe every snake oil salesman that comes along.

Show us hard proof of the difference on a 30 year old Corvette between 'good gas' and 'bad gas', not a string of emotional intangible touchy-feely buzz words.

 

Take this one to the bank from someone who has been in the refining business for 27+ years. Gasoline is a generic product. Every major oil company manufactures the very same product. In fact, depending upon where you live, it is possible that if, for example, you buy Exxon, it is very possible that you're actually buying a gasoline manufactureed by Marathon or BP or who knows. The big oil companies do a lot of exchanges in areas where transportation costs prohibit them from moving their own products into them. What I'm saying is that 87 octane is 87 octane regardless of who's you buy. The only exception I'm aware of is Sonoco. They may use someone else's base product but they mix in there own additives. If you're not a believer, then find the nearest bulk gasoline terminal in your area and watch the trucks leaving. You'll be surprised of the names on the sides of the trucks.

 

I will only say that my truck (2001) pings with the local "discount" brands and not with the name brands. That is the truth and has been proven (to myself) over and over again.

I won't argue that many discounters use the generic suppliers as they have to, but I would be surprised if a name brand was using the generic stuff. My experience proves otherwise.

Thanks, Mark

 

look, I am a skeptical kind of person, and especially the top tier website did not impress me because there was NO authentication whatsover. But what about the info on the GM website? Supposedly these standards were created by four auto manufacturers, NOT the oil comapanies. Have they joined in a conspiracy with the oil comapanies to foist snakeoil on the American consumer? They are saying it's the detergent additives that make the difference. So rather than make the age old canned (and somewhat hostile) arguments "All gas is the same if you believe otherwise you are an idiot" please read the info on the GM website and explain to me that it is total BS. I am not ready to accept it as gospel, just asking you to give a measured response. (Thanks!)

 

Day 1 of marketing school they'll teach you:

1) Invent a problem
2) create a need for a product to solve the 'problem'
3) introduce a miraculous product that solves that very same problem
4) convince people that their life will be worthless without it

In this case, they're making a big deal about engine deposits that supposedly cause poor running and emission problems. Magically, salvation is at hand because a new product is at hand that saves the day and life can return to normal.

Don't know about you but I've never seen an engine that had of any these prioblems caused by 'low quality' gas. Note that they aren't talking about octane levels, or stale gas or blended gas, just gas in general that has 'insufficient detergents'.

I still say

 

I can tell you that I have used exclusivly Amoco 93 in our 1990 Lumina APV. I have NEVER touched the TBI (or the engine for that matter) or added a can of anything to the gas.... 196K and it runs perfect. As smooth as when we got it new. I know several people that have had injection problems... They always llook for the cheapest gas around.

 

I know for a fact that those trucks leaving the terminal are getting different items. Sad to say but our Sunoco station was owned by a cheapskate crook. He would send his trucks over to the refill plant last. To get the leftovers. He got a discount for this and pocketed the change. All your major brands have certian additive packages that they add to the base gas. Some better than others. THe more additives you put in however the less GAS you have left over for the engine. Depending on the additive package your engine may or may not ping.

I go to Quick Trip because they are right down the street and all my cars seem to like thier gas. Who knows if this top tier stuff will make a difference, I've never had problems passing emissions in any of my cars with the old formula so yeah its probably a bunch of hopla to get people to run to certain brand stations. But I can say this. Phillips isn't bragging about getting Top Tier Gas while Quick Trip is pretty much sticking it in everyones face.

I also hear rumors that Quick Trip is going to start their own crude oil refinery in all of its major markets. How true this is I don't know but the guy that told me this also mentioned that Quick Trips gas prices will probably be higher than everyone elses because of it. But Like I said this is rumor from a very unreliable soruce and he works for QT!

 

I am in marketing actually, I'm a sales engineer for a composites company. I don’t have a vested interest in any gas companies and don’t give a rip what you put in your tank.

I don't profess to know everything about gasoline but I do wonder why GM with apparently nothing to gain would recommend a higher standard. I would think, like oil, there are gasolines that only meet the minimums and there are advanced blends.

I do know that the Detroit automakers actually truck in Chevron gasoline, it’s not sold in Detroit, for their new vehicle emissions testing. They must believe there is a difference.

I also know people that always buy the cheapest gas have more problems with injectors and O2 sensors than I do. Not scientific, just anecdotal evidence.

I have an open mind and am willing to evaluate new info. I'll continue to spend a few extra pennies for high detergent gas even if it just makes me feel good. You do what ever floats your boat.

 

MarshRat,
Does this Top Tier additive package extend the tank life of gas before it "goes bad"? Or do I still need to add StaBil to the tank of my seldom driven 71?