Okay, maybe there's something to this detergent thing?!?

[Master Blaster]

"Almost ALL gas is 'top tier'" is an easily verifiable (or debunkable) statement.

https://stationfinder.toptiergas.com/

Some of the high volume fuel providers are not toptier, like Walmart for example. Others like Shell and BP only just barely meet the minimum top tier specs. It won't matter very much for the intake valves in the 25-up ecoboosts or the hybrids, but it's a big issue for d-i engines. Then there are the problems associated with carbon on the injectors that mean that you want the highest detergency levels that you can get.

Sponsored

 

[BigClydeLittleTruck]

I have continued to dig into this as is my typical behavior when something catches my attention and I've found the AAA study that has been mentioned here and in other places. I'm including the link below for those interested. Following are the key findings. For my area, the final item does not hold true as of today but could have been accurate in 2016 at the time of the report.


1. The test engine operated on a TOP TIER gasoline averaged 19 times fewer intake valve
deposits than when it was operated on non- TOP TIER gasoline. (based on the ASTM D6201
test - TOP TIER gasoline averaged 34.1mg of deposits per intake valve versus non- TOP TIER
average of 660.6mg)

2. Based upon secondary research findings, long-term use of a gasoline without an enhanced
additive package can lead to reductions in fuel economy of 2-4%, drivability issues, and
increased emissions.

3. In most cases, carbon deposits can be reduced or removed from critical engine components1
by switching to a gasoline that meets TOP TIER standards.

4. Approximately six in ten drivers (63%) believe there is a difference in the quality of gasoline
sold by retailers, yet only (12%) of drivers purchase gasoline based upon its detergent
additive package. The primary motivation for choosing a particular gas station is location /
convenience (75%), followed closely by the price of the fuel (73%).

5. Most TOP TIER gasolines do not cost significantly more than non-TOP TIER gasoline. The
average price difference between the TOP TIER and non-TOP TIER brands surveyed was
three cents per gallon over a 12-month period.

https://www.aaa.com/AAA/common/AAR/files/Fuel-Quality-Full-Report.pdf

 

[Surly Old Bill]

Someone posted a year or two ago they bought one in Continental US. and shipped it to Hawaii and saved $$$.
ETA: Might have been due to "Dealer 'add on' ???".

typical shipping cost is about $2k from the West Coast. I haven't looked at the typical mark up at Hawai'i big island Ford dealer. Maybe I ship over the one I already have and get a new one for CA/OR/KS when the time comes.

 

[Surly Old Bill]

Not looking to argue but I can't help but wonder if this may be a slight overgeneralization - or maybe a difference in how you define "brand". I was running Walmart gas which I've run for several years since they added gas to the edge of their parking lots here. Maybe you're thinking of that as "no name" but it was this that I added the Techron to and experienced what I experienced. I know that Walmart is all about volume, but I now have to assume there's a difference beyond volume and perhaps them using it as a "lost leader" to account for the $0.25 - $0.40 per gallon difference seen regularly here between their gas and that of the brands you specifically mentioned. In my area, Sam's Club is the same price as the Walmart gas (I would assume that's the same gas) AND Costco is also the same price per gallon but there's the membership fee to factor into that cost as well.

as someone mentioned, Walmart isn't on the list. Costco IS on the list (not the Epstein one).

https://www.toptiergas.com/gasoline-brands/

 

[MakinDoForNow]

I have continued to dig into this as is my typical behavior when something catches my attention and I've found the AAA study that has been mentioned here and in other places. I'm including the link below for those interested. Following are the key findings. For my area, the final item does not hold true as of today but could have been accurate in 2016 at the time of the report.


1. The test engine operated on a TOP TIER gasoline averaged 19 times fewer intake valve
deposits than when it was operated on non- TOP TIER gasoline. (based on the ASTM D6201
test - TOP TIER gasoline averaged 34.1mg of deposits per intake valve versus non- TOP TIER
average of 660.6mg)

2. Based upon secondary research findings, long-term use of a gasoline without an enhanced
additive package can lead to reductions in fuel economy of 2-4%, drivability issues, and
increased emissions.

3. In most cases, carbon deposits can be reduced or removed from critical engine components1
by switching to a gasoline that meets TOP TIER standards.

4. Approximately six in ten drivers (63%) believe there is a difference in the quality of gasoline
sold by retailers, yet only (12%) of drivers purchase gasoline based upon its detergent
additive package. The primary motivation for choosing a particular gas station is location /
convenience (75%), followed closely by the price of the fuel (73%).

5. Most TOP TIER gasolines do not cost significantly more than non-TOP TIER gasoline. The
average price difference between the TOP TIER and non-TOP TIER brands surveyed was
three cents per gallon over a 12-month period.

https://www.aaa.com/AAA/common/AAR/files/Fuel-Quality-Full-Report.pdf

I don't buy much Costco gas because the nearest Costco pump is 39 miles from home. If you have regular membership you get whatever cash back on your visa card mine is 1.5% BUT if you have the Executive ($130/year) membership AND the Costco Visa (combined visa & membership) card you get 4% cash back on gas purchases in addition to the usually lower pump Price!

 

[BigClydeLittleTruck]

I don't buy much Costco gas because the nearest Costco pump is 39 miles from home. If you have regular membership you get whatever cash back on your visa card mine is 1.5% BUT if you have the Executive ($130/year) membership AND the Costco Visa (combined visa & membership) card you get 4% cash back on gas purchases in addition to the usually lower pump Price!

My issue with Costco isn't the location as I have one roughly 5 mins from my house. My issue is we don't need nor have anywhere to store the quantities their products come in and the membership cost likely wouldn't be worth it just to buy gas.

 

[Lone Star Proud]

Ok, I'm going to fess up and put it out there:

I've always been a "all gas is the same" kind of guy.

There, I said it. But wait, there's some Paul Harvey here! So, I've seen the "geek" tell us all about the detergents and the oil and all that. But it's likely my age as much as anything, that has contributed to my recent consideration of alternative ideas that might help make my vehicle last longer and be less troublesome in its aging process. So on my last fill up from near the bottom of the tank, I included one bottle of Techron. Keep in mind, that my Mav is less than a year old and still fairly low on the clock so this was entirely a preventative choice.

Well, Holy Internal Combustion, Batman! This little 4 banger is running smoother and quieter than it did the day I drove it home! I would NEVER have expected this, especially in what could still in many respects could be considered a new vehicle. I have been so blown away by this on each outing since the fill up that I'm seriously considering those Top Tier stations even though I know I'll pay more for the gas.

So this is not a commercial. If you already were a believer, this is old hat for you. If you think it's a scam, that's okay, it's no skin off my teeth. I'm just sharing this crazy thing that makes me rethink the idea of not being able to teach an old dog new tricks.

I use nothing but Top Tier.

 

[BigClydeLittleTruck]

I use nothing but Top Tier.

I believe I am on my way to that path as well.

 

[Surly Old Bill]

typical shipping cost is about $2k from the West Coast. I haven't looked at the typical mark up at Hawai'i big island Ford dealer. Maybe I ship over the one I already have and get a new one for CA/OR/KS when the time comes.

welp, they want $35k for a XL on the big island. Guess I'm buying one elsewhere and shipping it over. Or is $35k the new normal after the Trump Tariffs?

update: just checked AutoTrader nationwide, and $32k seem to be the new base and sales price for an XL hybrid. Glad I took advantage of that "employee pricing" thang last Spring, also before the tariffs hit. Total was about $27k out the door. $5k price increase in 8 months.

https://www.fordhawaii.com/searchnew.aspx?Make=Ford&Model=Maverick&Fueltype=Hybrid

 

[surfstar]

With 3k miles on the truck this is absolutely nothing more than placebo affect.

Feel free to show some evidence to prove me wrong though.

 

[BLUEOVALRACER]

I have no idea if I use Top Tier or not Circle K, Sheetz and very seldom Speedway?

 

[Surly Old Bill]

I have no idea if I use Top Tier or not Circle K, Sheetz and very seldom Speedway?

just google top tier list, or click the link I included above.

 

[BLUEOVALRACER]

just google top tier list, or click the link I included above.

I looked they weren't on the list but Marathon is and it's the closest to My house only a 1/4 mile away.

 

[Triangle6887]

Ever since I saw that thread about Top Tier gasoline a few weeks ago, I've been making an effort to only fill-up at stations with Top Tier. I've actually noticed a slight drop in MPG (~28 > ~26.5) but I attribute that to winter blend fuel and the cold weather leading to me idle my truck to warm it up and use the heater more. I primarily run mid-grade which is 89 octane here in Oregon. I haven't noticed much in terms of the engine sounding better or feeling smoother when I drive.

 

[BigClydeLittleTruck]

With 3k miles on the truck this is absolutely nothing more than placebo affect.

Feel free to show some evidence to prove me wrong though.

Fortunately I'm not looking to prove anything to anyone. As I've stated, I'm just reporting my experience which, for me, is the thing that makes the most difference. I start with that and then look for supporting data from outside my experience which is what this conversation is part of for me. I also acknowledge other people process things differently than I.

So this is just me trying my best to keep an open mind about the world and my experiences in it.

Thanks for your thoughts!

Sponsored