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Luxe Prestige Chronicle

top tier gas myth

Author

Andrew Walker

Updated on July 12, 2026

Most major automakers recommend using Top Tier gasoline, which is sold by most well-known fuel retailers. Top Tier gas contains detergent additives that go beyond federal standards to better protect today’s increasingly sophisticated engines.

Who has the best Top Tier gas?

5 Best Quality Gas Stations Of 2022 | [Full Guide] To Top Tier
#1. Editor’s Pick: Chevron.#2. Costco.#3. Shell.#4. Exxon.#5. Mobil.#6. Texaco.#7. BP.#8. Marathon.

Does Top Tier gas get better mileage?

The AAA study referenced in the beginning of this article found that Top Tier gasoline is on average just three cents a gallon more than non-certified gas. If the research is correct and you do get 5% better fuel economy with Top Tier gas, then at current gas prices, you are saving money just with the fuel.

Are all Top Tier gasolines the same?

Not all gasoline is the same. There is your plain regular gasoline, and then there is regular gasoline that meets higher quality standards, known as “Top Tier Gas.” Top Tier gas contains detergent additives that keep engines running more smoothly and increase engine performance and fuel economy.

Is Shell gas better?

Shell gas is an excellent option for your vehicle. As a member of “Top Tier Gasoline” Shell gas does offer significant engine health benefits over no-name generic brands. However, all brands of gas must meet at least the same minimum industry standards.

Does 7/11 sell Top Tier gas?

Unfortunately, 7 Eleven gas is not licensed by Top Tier, but that doesn’t imply it’s not good quality at all. Often, convenience store chains such as Circle K and 7 Eleven partners with oil/gas companies and have co-branded locations.

Is Costco gas lower quality?

Costco Gas Vs Shell, Mobil, Texaco, Chevron, & Exxon

According to some Reddit threads, Costco gas is essentially the same quality as many gas companies, including Shell, Mobil, Texaco, Chevron, and Exxon.

Does it matter what brand of gas you use?

Yes, it does matter, because some brands contain more detergent additives that can prevent carbon deposits from forming inside your engine. These are the so-called Top Tier brands that use considerably more detergent and/or additives than is required by the EPA.

Does gas quality vary by brand?

The only differences between fuel brands is the “secret sauce” of additives that are blended with the base fuel. These additives serve many purposes, but a major one is the prevention of carbon deposits inside the engine.

Does premium gas clean your engine?

Nope. Regular, plus, and premium gas all come with detergents to mitigate against carbon deposits in your engine. Plus and premium don’t come with special powers for cleaning out the engine. If you’re interested in cleaning out your engine, you’re better off taking it in for service.

Is Costco fuel Top Tier?

Costco is listed as a TOP TIER™ gasoline retailer. Find out more at Kirkland Signature™ Gasoline contains five times the EPA detergent requirement in both regular unleaded and premium grades, and is formulated to clean your engine and help your vehicle run like new.

Is Shell Top Tier gas?

Shell Gasoline is also certified TOP TIER™, a higher standard for engine cleanliness and performance set by auto manufacturers.

What gas stations sell TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline?

Retailers include 76, Aloha Petroleum, Arco, Beacon, Breakaway, Cenex, Chevron, Citgo, Conoco, Costco, CountryMark, Diamond Shamrock, Express Mart, Exxon, Fast Fuel, GetGo, HFN, Harmons Fuel Stop, Hele, Holiday, Kwik Star, Kwik Trip, Marathon, Meijer, Metro Petro, Mobil, Ohana Fuels, Phillips 66, QT/Quik Trip, Reeders,

Which gas station has the best 93 octane?

Costco 93, it’s top tier or BP.

Does pilot have top tier gas?

According to Wright, all of a company’s gas must meet the top-tier standards to receive top-tier designation or none of it can be certified. Wright said Pilot cannot guarantee that every gallon the company buys from its distribution network is top-tier.

Is Mobil the best gas?

Yes. Dating back to the mid-1980s, Mobil is one of the best-known names when it comes to quality gasoline.

What’s better Shell or Chevron?

In short, both Shell and Chevron are equally as good when it comes to quality, Given that both Shell and Chevron are branded as being Top Tier, there is only one conclusion that can be drawn which is that their gas has meet the required vehicle performance standard.

Is one brand of gas better than another?

There’s no such thing as “better gas.” Companies like Chevron try to tell you their gasoline is superior because it has Techron in it. However, all gas has detergents that prevent clogging in the fuel injector, and no brand of gas is better quality than any other for your vehicle.