Does buying "Top Teir" gas REALLY matter?
01-09-2015, 08:00 PM
#1
Advanced
Thread Starter
Does buying "Top Teir" gas REALLY matter?
A buddy of mine were having a discussion about this the other day on whether or not buying the big name brand gas (I.E. Mobil, Shell, Sunoco.. etc.). Personally, I try to always fill up with one or the other.
First question, what are you putting in your tank when you fill up?
And second, does it actually matter what you're putting in there?
First question, what are you putting in your tank when you fill up?
And second, does it actually matter what you're putting in there?
01-09-2015, 08:09 PM
#3
Registered Bunny
-91 octane or up, what's available no more than 10% ethanol.
-Yes/No...Depends on a few factors. I've had some gas from certain stations that felt terrible in my cars and the station is part of a big brand and once you know you just never go back. Not sure what's wrong with it but your car just doesn't like it. I try to stay clear from shaddy stations, usually because their pricing is similar to the big ones anyway.
-Yes/No...Depends on a few factors. I've had some gas from certain stations that felt terrible in my cars and the station is part of a big brand and once you know you just never go back. Not sure what's wrong with it but your car just doesn't like it. I try to stay clear from shaddy stations, usually because their pricing is similar to the big ones anyway.
01-09-2015, 08:31 PM
#4
Race Director
Oh boy, here we go again.... 
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01-09-2015, 08:42 PM
#5
Three Wheelin'
I personally use Costco gas.
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01-09-2015, 10:56 PM
#8
Safety Car
iTrader: (4)
My Vehicles typically always get Shell fuel. Type S gets the 93 octane and our new Highlander and my Jeep Overland get 87. All fuel is 10% ethanol here and has been for as long as I can remember. When I have used other than a Top Tier we experience no issues whatsoever.
01-09-2015, 11:03 PM
#9
Racer
Most of the time I go to the RaceTrac down the street from where I work, because it's so much cheaper than most gas stations around here. It's Marathon and Chevron near home, and they are always 10 to 20 cents more.
I have never experienced poor engine performance due to refueling. If that ever happens to someone, it should be taken up with the station - which is why it's a good idea to get that receipt.
I have never experienced poor engine performance due to refueling. If that ever happens to someone, it should be taken up with the station - which is why it's a good idea to get that receipt.
01-10-2015, 01:27 AM
#10
From my personal experience, I try to go to Shell/BP/Mobil/Chevron/76 etc etc gas stations.
I used to fill up at Arco and Speedway and other smaller chains or locally owned places, and when I give it hard throttle or even WOT, I can smell foul odors (is it coming from my cats)? Basically smells like rotten eggs.
I never experience this with "Top Tier" gas.
I used to fill up at Arco and Speedway and other smaller chains or locally owned places, and when I give it hard throttle or even WOT, I can smell foul odors (is it coming from my cats)? Basically smells like rotten eggs.
I never experience this with "Top Tier" gas.
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bluetl04 (01-10-2015)
01-10-2015, 09:07 AM
#11
Burning Brakes
In the old old days, carbon build up from bad gasoline was a common problem and cost owners and manufacturers to repair. Big name manufacturers combined to create a rating system to measure fuel quality and detergents and called it Top Tier gas.
It costs gas companies money to be listed as top tier, so many didn't want to play, even though their gas had more than enough detergents to qualify. BP was one of them, but they have relented and signed up.
I primarily use top tier gasoline, but the more important requirement is a station that has regular turnover and clean restrooms.
It costs gas companies money to be listed as top tier, so many didn't want to play, even though their gas had more than enough detergents to qualify. BP was one of them, but they have relented and signed up.
I primarily use top tier gasoline, but the more important requirement is a station that has regular turnover and clean restrooms.
01-10-2015, 01:56 PM
#12
Three Wheelin'
01-10-2015, 08:26 PM
#15
Drifting
iTrader: (9)
Shell for the most part for me, except for costco when I'm there.
I have a 7 11 that would be the most convenient stop for me, but I just can't see going there for anything but a slurpee.
I have a 7 11 that would be the most convenient stop for me, but I just can't see going there for anything but a slurpee.
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twigglius (01-11-2015)
01-10-2015, 11:08 PM
#17
It was the dealer that told you. We can have a separate thread named the dealer told me. My dealer told me that Lexus doesn't do black on black. I believed him until he came outside to look at my trade in.
01-11-2015, 10:19 AM
#18
Head a da Family
Join Date: Jul 2003
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You're feeding your thirsty girl a fuel that's not on the Top Tier list. Top tier means gasoline that has a minimum level of detergent additives, and sadly, Sunoco has NONE! The Fuel of NASCAR like the sign says? Big shit! What's in their pumps isn't even close to what Nascar uses and those race cars don't need or require detergents.
I've found Shell V-Power and BP Ultimate give the best throttle response. And now that BP Ultimate can be had in NJ for $2.27 a gallon (as of this posting) .............
Get educated!
Top Tier Gasoline - What Top Tier means
Top Tier Gasoline - Brands
.
.
I've found Shell V-Power and BP Ultimate give the best throttle response. And now that BP Ultimate can be had in NJ for $2.27 a gallon (as of this posting) .............
Get educated!
Top Tier Gasoline - What Top Tier means
Top Tier Gasoline - Brands
.
.
01-11-2015, 10:26 AM
#19
Moved to the LOU
iTrader: (6)
To the OP... Some simple research. Top Tier Gasoline
01-11-2015, 11:29 AM
#20
Keep Right Except to Pass
I normally use Shell because of a grocery-point discount. Next time I fill up, I'll get at least 90¢ off per gallon ("at least" because if I go to the store again before I fill up, it might reach $1.00).
But when I don't have enough points for a discount, I usually go to the Liberty station located nearby because it's usually a few cents a gallon cheaper. I've never had any problems whatsoever with their gas. The Sunday before Christmas I filled up at a Pilot truck stop in Port Wentworth, Georgia, en route to Florida and I had no issues with their gas either.
In my observation over the years, the biggest thing is to patronize stations that get a good amount of business. Usually that's enough of a sign that they're selling decent gas. In some places, of course, you may not have much choice (rural area with only one station; driving in Mexico where Pemex has a monopoly). If I'm uncomfortable with the only option around, I'll check the Navi for the next-closest stations and splash in the minimum needed to get there. I also did this when the only station in town (Louisbourg, Nova Scotia) sold only 87 octane—I put in $10 worth to get me to Sydney.
Ultimately, I think you're not going to hurt your car by buying Top Tier gas, but you're also not going to guarantee top performance either. Any unscrupulous station operator can water down his product or the like. Similarly, buying non–Top Tier usually won't hurt your car either.
But when I don't have enough points for a discount, I usually go to the Liberty station located nearby because it's usually a few cents a gallon cheaper. I've never had any problems whatsoever with their gas. The Sunday before Christmas I filled up at a Pilot truck stop in Port Wentworth, Georgia, en route to Florida and I had no issues with their gas either.
In my observation over the years, the biggest thing is to patronize stations that get a good amount of business. Usually that's enough of a sign that they're selling decent gas. In some places, of course, you may not have much choice (rural area with only one station; driving in Mexico where Pemex has a monopoly). If I'm uncomfortable with the only option around, I'll check the Navi for the next-closest stations and splash in the minimum needed to get there. I also did this when the only station in town (Louisbourg, Nova Scotia) sold only 87 octane—I put in $10 worth to get me to Sydney.
Ultimately, I think you're not going to hurt your car by buying Top Tier gas, but you're also not going to guarantee top performance either. Any unscrupulous station operator can water down his product or the like. Similarly, buying non–Top Tier usually won't hurt your car either.
01-11-2015, 11:45 AM
#21
Suzuka Master
Shell V-power 93 is the fuel for both of my car, before I was one of the guy "it's not really matter 93 is the same every where, but during the trip I move to TX I notice I can get more miles per tank using Shell vs Mobil, Gulf and other major name brand.
01-11-2015, 12:06 PM
#22
Team Owner
-91 octane or up, what's available no more than 10% ethanol.
-Yes/No...Depends on a few factors. I've had some gas from certain stations that felt terrible in my cars and the station is part of a big brand and once you know you just never go back. Not sure what's wrong with it but your car just doesn't like it. I try to stay clear from shaddy stations, usually because their pricing is similar to the big ones anyway.
-Yes/No...Depends on a few factors. I've had some gas from certain stations that felt terrible in my cars and the station is part of a big brand and once you know you just never go back. Not sure what's wrong with it but your car just doesn't like it. I try to stay clear from shaddy stations, usually because their pricing is similar to the big ones anyway.
To all reading: living in Alberta, namely, in Edmonton, we have three or four refineries here in town, owned by various big boy gas companies. A friend of mine is an engineer at one of the refineries and he said that there are big ol' tanks of just gasoline on site that any and all stations receive from them. Essentially, there's no difference in the gasoline going to Top Tier station "A", or garbage station "X". The difference comes in when station "A" gas then gets additives mixed into the equation, where as station "X" does not.
Then there's middle of the line tiers that get some additives, etc. I guess it makes sense- there's a lot of these shitty little gas station brands out there- it's not like they have their own multi billion dollar refineries kicking around, but by the end of the day, all gasoline is only made by a few brands who then sell it to anyone and everyone. The cost savings that come to you depend on what additives are going into your tank.
01-11-2015, 02:40 PM
#23
Team Owner
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I also use Costco gas. Here in Kansas City, we are below $2.00 per gallon for regular. At the Costco in Independence, MO (suburb of Kansas City and home of Harry Truman), Costco regular gas is $1.72. That makes their premium fuel $1.97 per gallon!
Premium fuel for under $2.00 per gallon! I never thought I would see THAT again.
Premium fuel for under $2.00 per gallon! I never thought I would see THAT again.
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Jackass (01-12-2015)
01-11-2015, 02:43 PM
#24
Advanced
Thread Starter
Exactly like Taco is saying. My understanding is that it all comes from the same place.. it's just the "secret sauce" they add into their base product.
Just starting a discussion. Correct me if I'm wrong, but that is the concept of a forum.. isn't it? 
To the OP... Some simple research. Top Tier Gasoline
01-11-2015, 02:48 PM
#25
I laugh at people that think they have the money to buy a car that recommends using top tier gas then they cheap out and fill it with regular gas.
I fill my ILX every time with 91... do you really want to fill your car with anything less than I put in my ILX?
I fill my ILX every time with 91... do you really want to fill your car with anything less than I put in my ILX?
01-11-2015, 04:24 PM
#28
Top Tier gas is important to use. I'm a tech at BMW and we have very frequent issues with misfires when it's cold out, and same thing with carbon build up issues. Whenever it's a misfire problem from, and you test the fuel, it never passes, and the customers always say they are filling up at stations that aren't top tier. The carbon issues with fuel are similar. Top tier doesn't remove them totally but it helps to reduce the amount. With those results I always fill up with top tier, mainly shell, because any help even if it's small, is better than nothing.
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01-11-2015, 04:26 PM
#29
10 year old car with 125K runs as good as new.
7,000 gallons X .25 average difference in price = $1,750 in gas savings.
While you keep on laughing I will keep on saving.
01-11-2015, 11:52 PM
#30
KCCO
I'm loving the price of gas right now. At this point in time, at least where I am, supreme (91) is so much cheaper now than regular (87) has been in the past 5 years, so why wouldn't a person put it in their TL? Another plus is that in my province only 91 octane has 0% ethanol in it.
01-12-2015, 08:43 AM
#31
Registered Bunny
Polo, I have a few buddies with tuned FI cars with gauges galore, and they've all had varying results with various gases. What I mean is they're generally all tuned for 91, some on 94 (with ethanol), and on the occasion, after filling up at the top tier stations (like shell, petrocanada, etc), they would detect knock- essentially, it was just a bad tank of gas. They would fill up again at a later date at the same station and have no issues. Maybe that happened to you?
To all reading: living in Alberta, namely, in Edmonton, we have three or four refineries here in town, owned by various big boy gas companies. A friend of mine is an engineer at one of the refineries and he said that there are big ol' tanks of just gasoline on site that any and all stations receive from them. Essentially, there's no difference in the gasoline going to Top Tier station "A", or garbage station "X". The difference comes in when station "A" gas then gets additives mixed into the equation, where as station "X" does not.
Then there's middle of the line tiers that get some additives, etc. I guess it makes sense- there's a lot of these shitty little gas station brands out there- it's not like they have their own multi billion dollar refineries kicking around, but by the end of the day, all gasoline is only made by a few brands who then sell it to anyone and everyone. The cost savings that come to you depend on what additives are going into your tank.
To all reading: living in Alberta, namely, in Edmonton, we have three or four refineries here in town, owned by various big boy gas companies. A friend of mine is an engineer at one of the refineries and he said that there are big ol' tanks of just gasoline on site that any and all stations receive from them. Essentially, there's no difference in the gasoline going to Top Tier station "A", or garbage station "X". The difference comes in when station "A" gas then gets additives mixed into the equation, where as station "X" does not.
Then there's middle of the line tiers that get some additives, etc. I guess it makes sense- there's a lot of these shitty little gas station brands out there- it's not like they have their own multi billion dollar refineries kicking around, but by the end of the day, all gasoline is only made by a few brands who then sell it to anyone and everyone. The cost savings that come to you depend on what additives are going into your tank.
01-12-2015, 08:49 AM
#32
Suzuka Master
with the gas price now its V8 season baby.
01-12-2015, 09:35 AM
#33
The difference in gas quality are the detergents added to the gas to keep your fuel system clean. Techron has been known to clean out your vehicles fuel system. Its just additives from one gas station to another. Personally Chevron has been really good on both my cars.
Nobody really knows how broke you are. Also its not as bad as owning an older lexus. Guzzles gas, low on power but that sound and how smooth it is makes it all worth it! 
01-12-2015, 11:07 AM
#36
Suzuka Master
Its all about that TQ no MPG, yeah I gotta love the tq on the V8 not thing makes you feel better than being press back to the seat and enjoy the ride.
Ahem we got two lexus in the family, 01 IS300 and 03 GS300 sport design. My IS highest MPG is 20.5 but it got 18" rim cause the speedo to be off. But the MPG is very horrible compare to my TL.
Ahem we got two lexus in the family, 01 IS300 and 03 GS300 sport design. My IS highest MPG is 20.5 but it got 18" rim cause the speedo to be off. But the MPG is very horrible compare to my TL.
01-12-2015, 11:56 AM
#37
I have a 90's lex. 92 SC400. 200HP from the 1UZ but it's smooth and nice sounding with a good exhaust. Would definitely take the SC for a highway cruise and have fun with it. The TL is faster and more fun when you want it to be fun but can be tiring with how stiff my suspension is. My wife is the one who doesn't like it. I still love the TL though!
01-12-2015, 12:44 PM
#39
Suzuka Master
^^^^no V8 exhaust notes = no bueno amigo. V8 are more reliable than FI inline 6 in the long run for sure, as I remember the BMW got turbo and fuel pump issue until they switches to twin scroll instead but I don't know if that fix the problem permanetly or just until the warranty expire.
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01-12-2015, 01:01 PM
#40
Drifting
True...no V8 exhaust note...but I totally disagree about reliability...the I6 is one of, if not the most reliable motor ever. I owned a 78 280Z, my son owns it now, with the 2.8 I6....over 200K miles and never been rebuilt...solid compression in all cylinders, it runs like a top!
No issues with the single twin scroll turbo in the BMW...I had heard about the issues with the twin single turbos tho. And they recalled the HP fuel pumps but most of those issues were prior to 2011 model year.
No issues with the single twin scroll turbo in the BMW...I had heard about the issues with the twin single turbos tho. And they recalled the HP fuel pumps but most of those issues were prior to 2011 model year.
Last edited by GKinColo08TL; 01-12-2015 at 01:04 PM.