With gas prices high and little relief in sight, drivers can at least try to make sure they are getting the best fuel for their money.
Some stations have higher quality gas than others and there is a good reason why: Those brands use detergents in their fuel that clean the injectors and other fuel system components.
Once you find out which brands use the best gas, your car will last longer and run better. Here is how you can find the best quality gas in your area.
Look for TOP TIER certification
Gasoline sold at fuel stations in the United States is required to have a minimum amount of detergent due to a law set by the EPA in 1997. These detergents offer extra cleaning for components of the fuel system, such as the fuel injectors and intake valves.
Many gas station brands get
their fuel reviewed and tested by TOP TIER, a company endorsed by AAA, which rates fuel quality for gasoline and diesel engines. The brands that meet the company's standards will be recognized as a TOP TIER-approved gasoline brand.
Bill Studzinski, program manager for TOP TIER, spoke to the Detroit Free Press, part of the USA TODAY Network, about how a gas station gets to use the trademark for having the best quality gas.
“If a fuel company wants to send us their data, according to our standard, and their fuel is known to keep the engine clean, they can then use the trademark globally,” Studzinski said. “TOP TIER gives you at least two, but more likely almost three and four times the amount of additive that the federal minimum gets you.”
In case you missed it: How to clean a dirty fuel system and save money on repairs
Which brands sell TOP TIER gas?
Some brands are well known for having TOP TIER fuel with a lot of detergents. Brands such as Shell, Citgo, Costco, Mobil, Marathon and Exxon are popular brands that have received the TOP TIER gasoline approval. Stations generally display a TOP TIER sticker on their pumps when they are approved.
Is better-quality gas more expensive?
There are many determining factors in gas prices. Many people assume cheaper means lower quality. But when it comes to gas, the price doesn’t affect the quality. As long as the brand has a TOP TIER approval, then all the fuel that brand sells throughout the United States will be the same.
Is it OK to use non‑TOP TIER gas?
There is nothing stopping you from going to a gas station without the TOP TIER approval, but you get what you pay for, as that fuel may have fewer detergents and won’t clean the fuel system as well. The benefits of using high-quality gas will result in fewer potential engine issues down the line than if lower-end fuel is constantly used. If a TOP TIER-approved gas station is too far of a drive and your tank is running low, then go with whatever is closest to you.
Keenan Thompson is a car culture reporter for the Detroit Free Press. Contact Keenan at kthompson@freepress.com. Follow him on Instagram at @keenanautos. To sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: With gas prices so high, get the best bang for your buck at these st
