Understanding gasoline quality and octane levels is key to choosing the best gas for cars and ensuring proper car maintenance. TOP TIER gasoline is the highest quality, with superior additives that prevent carbon deposits and enhance engine performance.
If your car's manufacturer recommends regular gasoline, you may wonder if premium offers extra benefits. Alternatively, if premium is required, you might consider using regular gasoline to save money. However, using the wrong fuel can affect performance and cause long-term damage. Let's explore different types of gasoline and why TOP TIER may be the best choice for you.
What is the Best Gas for Your Car?
The best gasoline for your car depends on the vehicle manufacturer's recommendation. However, TOP TIER gasoline is considered the highest quality.
While all regular-grade gasoline in an area uses the same base fuel, the difference is in the آ€آœsecret sauceآ€آ of additives that help prevent carbon deposits. These deposits can reduce performance and fuel economy.
Since 1995, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has required minimum deposit control additives, but in 2004, eight automakers introduced the TOP TIER gasoline standard, requiring better additives for superior deposit control.
TOP TIER certification mandates these additives are used in all fuel grades at all retail locations in the U.S. and Canada. TOP TIER gas is the best choice for long-term engine health and performance.
Gasoline Types Explained
Gasoline comes in several types, each with specific use cases and benefits. Understanding the differences can help you choose the right fuel for your car, optimizing performance and engine health.
Regular Unleaded Gasoline
Regular unleaded gasoline is the most commonly used fuel, designed for cars with engines optimized for lower octane ratings. If your vehicle's manufacturer recommends regular gasoline, paying more for premium is a waste of money. This type of gasoline is favored by most vehicles, as it is more affordable than premium and diesel fuels and is widely available.
Midgrade Gasoline
Midgrade gasoline offers a balance between regular and premium fuel. If you drive a car whose manufacturer says premium gasoline is "recommended," you may be able to use regular gasoline with no problems other than small losses in power and fuel economy. You can use mid-grade gasoline to balance the tradeoffs between premium and regular.
TOP TIER Gasoline
Whether your car calls for regular or premium gasoline, the best choice for ongoing performance and economy is TOP TIER gasoline. TOP TIERgasoline is the highest quality, with superior additives that prevent carbon deposits and enhance engine performance. Using TOP TIER gasoline can improve gas mileage and maintain optimal fuel delivery, ensuring engine smoothness.
Octane Ratings
Octane ratings measure a fuel's ability to resist engine knocking, a phenomenon that can reduce performance and harm the engine over time.
If you drive a car whose manufacturer says premium gasoline is "required," particularly if it is a high-performance car often operated at high RPM and high loads, the greater anti-knock capability of premium gas is essential. It can prevent knocking and provide the maximum rated power output. This is particularly true of engines fitted with turbochargers or superchargers.
For vehicles where premium is "recommended," you may be able to use regular gasoline with no problems other than small losses in power and fuel economy.
Is TOP Tier Gas the Highest Quality Gas?
AAA's research demonstrates that TOP TIER gasoline stands out as the best quality gasoline available.
Research by AAA shows that TOP TIER gasoline is of higher quality than standard fuel. While AAA's testing found no significant increase in power, fuel economy or reduction in emissions when using premium gasoline in vehicles designed for regular fuel, the importance of additives cannot be overlooked.
Based on secondary research findings, using bad gas or gasoline without an enhanced additive package over the long term can result in a 2%-4% reduction in fuel economy, drivability issues and increased emissions.
TOP TIER gas, however, helps keep internal engine components up to 19 times cleaner than gasoline that only meets the minimum EPA standards.
While the TOP TIER requirements are voluntary, 68 fuel brands in the U.S. have committed to them, ensuring higher-quality gasoline for consumers.
Where to Buy TOP TIER Gas
Interested in filling up your car with TOP TIER gasoline? Below are a few major gasoline retailers that offer TOP TIER gasoline:
- 76
- ARCO
- Aloha
- Cenex
- Chevron
- Costco Wholesale
- Exxon
- Mobil
- Phillips 66
- QuikTrip
- Shell
- Sinclair
- Texaco
- Valero
You can find all the gasoline retailers that offer TOP TIER on the TOP TIER Approved Gasoline Brands list.
Finding Quality Auto Repair
AAA recommends finding a trusted auto repair shop before you need one. AAA Auto Repair lists nearly 7,000 Approved facilities that meet high standards for appearance, technician certification, insurance and customer satisfaction.
AAA regularly inspects these facilities and surveys customers to ensure ongoing performance. Members enjoy benefits like repair discounts, 24-month/24,000-mile parts and labor and assistance with repair issues.