This page has information about top tier fuel and the importance of using a Top Tier approved fuel.
TOP TIER FUEL
A new class of fuel called TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is appearing at retail stations of some fuel marketers. This gasoline has detergency standards developed by six automotive companies. 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 the use of TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline.
(1)Intake valve: 10,000 miles with TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline
(2)Intake valve: 10,000 miles with Legal Minimum additive
Gasoline Brands That Currently Meet TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Standards
As of November 15, 2006, all grades of the following gasoline brands meet the TOP TIER
Detergent Gasoline Standards:
UNITED STATES CANADA
76 STATIONS CHEVRON CANADA
ALOHA PETROLEUM ESSO
CHEVRON PETRO-CANADA
CONOCO SHELL CANADA
COUNTRY MARK
ENTEC STATIONS
EXXON
HAWAII FUELING NETWORK
HOLIDAY STATIONSTORES,INC.
KWIK TRIP
MFA OIL CO.
MILEAGE STATIONS
MOBIL
OHANA FUELS
PHILLIPS 66
QUIK TRIP
REBEL OIL
ROAD RANGER
SEVERSON OIL
SHELL
TEXACO
TRI-PAR OIL CO.
U.S.OIL
What is TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline?
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is a new class of gasoline with enhanced detergency. It meets new, voluntary deposit control standards developed by six automotive companies that exceed the detergent requirements imposed by the EPA.
Where Can TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Be Purchased?
The TOP TIER program began on May 3, 2004 and many fuel marketers have joined the program and have introduced TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline. This is a voluntary program and not all fuel marketers will offer this product. Once fuel marketers make public announcements, they will appear on a list of brands that meet the TOP TIER standards.
| Who developed TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline standards?TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline standards were developed by six automotive companies: Audi, BMW, General Motors, Honda, Toyota and Volkswagen.Why was TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline developed?TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline was developed to increase the level of detergent additive in gasoline. The EPA requires that all gasoline sold in the U.S. contain a detergent additive. However, the requirement is minimal and in many cases, is not sufficient to keep engines clean. In order to meet TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline standards, a higher level of detergent is needed than what is required by the EPA. Also, TOP TIER was developed to give fuel marketers the opportunity to differentiate their product.Why did the six automotive companies join together to develop TOP TIER?All six corporations recognized the benefits to both the vehicle and the consumer. Also, joining together emphasized that low detergency is an issue of concern to several automotive companies.What are the benefits of TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline?TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline will help keep engines cleaner than gasoline containing the “Lowest Additive Concentration” set by the EPA. Clean engines help provide optimimal fuel economy and performance and reduced emissions. Also, use of TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline will help reduce deposit related concerns.
Below are some examples of spark plugs removed from engines that have ran top tier fuel.  plugs that have used top tier fuel |
The above plugs have been in vehicle for 5 years with short runs, low mileage, Used Esso Premium .
The plugs above were in a vehicle 3 years 16,000 miles used Esso Premium.
Plugs that have not used top tier
Above are plugs that have not used top tier fuel in vehicle for 2 years 45,000 miles notice the dark color of the deposits on the porcelain.
Special Thanks to Jay D. for providing the spark plug images.