Now you get the joke If that's what the "top tier" fuels can do, just imagine what the non top tier fuels can do This is why I'm making the personal decision to go with top tier fuels; I've seen the benefits. You're entitled to decide what is best for your car or your pocketbook. Not a drop of non top tier fuels will get in the tank of my new Torrent GXP when it gets here!

 

But you miss the point that just cause it's "top tier" means nothing. And I have seen no one that can prove that it is better. So I buy what is near me. Ever seen a photo of trucks refueling at the plant? You might not want to.

Good luck with the new ride.

 

I'm not missing your point; I just disagree with you. I've seen the difference top tier fuels make; you have not. Based on what you're saying, you won't believe the difference top tier fuels make until you too see it first hand. You're entitled to your opinion (I hope you never have to learn the expensive lesson about lower quality fuels I learned )

 

I dont worry too much about "top tier". The one thing I pay attention to is whether a station is recieving of new load of gasoline. The storage tanks usually have sediments and water(!) and the bottom of the tanks, and when new gas is being dumped in, alot of that stuff can be mixed in and end up in your gas tank (possibly). Another issue with a fresh delivery is that the gasoline arrives at a temperature of around 100 degrees F, so getting 'just delivered' gas will cost you an extra 25 cents (for every 10 gallons) because there are Zero consumer pumps that are temperature compensated in the U.S.

Another thing, (although rare, it does happen a couple times year in this area) is the truck driver putting gas in the deisel tank, or vice versa... Quick way to render a car undriveable. On top of that, a couple stations a year have too much water in the gas, and have it pumped out once they find out about it... which could mean a few cars getting stuck

 

This Top-Tier Gas dialog has been going on, and will continue to go on, for some time. But, if you are going to argue the basis and need, I suggest you read about WHAT IS TOP TIER GAS AND WHAT IT ALLEDGEDLY WILL DO.

I don't believe you will find anything in the text of top-tier fuels that will prevent "rust", sludge. or whatever, in fuel tanks. I BELIEVE IT IS AN ADDITIVE(S) for the reduction of carbon deposits and the like in the top end of engines.

I think if you research "tank sludge" you will find it has more to do with the condition of the dispensors tanks and equipment.

I also believe the TOP-TIER designation is only been granted for the last couple of years......using top-tier fuel for part of the last 12 years would have been the last 2-3.

Just a thought.....but you do whatever you think is necessary

 

Gasoline providers are always tweaking their add packs (just like motor oil).

One of the national gas providers here in Canada was recently awarded Top-Tier status.

This is the same provider whose gas a few years ago was responsible for badly plugging the injectors in my Malibu. At the time, the dealership techs recommended not using them anymore (I wasn't the first one to have the issue).

I've never gone back to them for gas because of the plugged in injector problem, but I found out that the dealership I go to now recommends that same provider as one of the safe gasoline providers (they also recommended a non top tier provider, but I'll never go there).

 

I have found this to be a fascinating topic here.

First, let me say that I had looked into Top Tier fuels, agree that at some point in time that manufacturers felt that the minimal required detergent levels were inadequate and that a solution was found.

Let me add that I also try to use Top Tier fuels exclusively, but if none of the listed brands is not available when I need fuel, panic doesn't set in.

What I do question is, even though many felt there was a need for improved standards, that what resulted may have become more of a marketing ploy in the end.

Why are some of the major auto manufacturers missing from the list of those who worked on this? Notably absent is Ford, Chrysler, Mercedes and others. Don't they care about the benefits of a better additive package? Why?

Why are the two largest oil companies (ExxonMobile and BP-Amaco, among others) missing in the list? Are their products lacking? Or do they have solutions that are just as good, or even better?

And, thirdly, since the minimal standards are set by the government, if they were so concerned about the environment and its citizens, why don't they set higher standards?

Just some food for thought, here, folks!

And before you blast me, remember that I believe that the Top Tier standard is a good thing and use those fuels.

 

Exactly right

 

That what I said back in post #48.

I trust the "looks" of the station. I could care less about the name on the sign. If it's "top tier" and they have lots of rust in crud in the tanks, well kinda defeats any advantage of the so-called "top tier". Cleans and clogs at the same time.

 

I guess I misunderstood you back then. If you agree, then why did you even introduce rusty tanks into the discussion in the first place? I too thought you were saying that the rust was caused by the top tier gas...