Detergent additive packages in fuel brands

[Tr4ckD4ys]

Does anybody actually have any detail on what these advertised detergent packages include and how they differ from one fuel brand to another? Or is it just like with engine oil: Purely subjective preference based on marketing.

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[Old Dogger]

just like with engine oil: Purely subjective preference based on marketing.

This..... But I do use Chevron Techron every 5000 miles, Plus Costco Tier one gas.

 

[hamiamham69]

There is a great video on the tube around this by a guy named Lake Speed jr who goes by the oil geek (I think) / You can also look at toptiergas dot com and learn about it. According to science it does make a difference but I’m sure 50% or more of the “experts” will cite their anecdotal evidence and tell you it’s marketing….

 

[Mifsuud]

Top Tier gas has more additives than others, how much more is unknown. Tests have shown top tier gas does leave fewer deposits. Techron seems to be one of the better additives. I've only run top tier gas in my vehicles but which brand is best I can't say. I do add techron 1-2 times a year to hopefully make sure injectors stay clean.

Some brands are regional so go with what you can, Chevron and Shell have good reputations and are generally the most expensive gas around. QT is top tier and lower in price in my area. QT also owns their refineries which imo makes their gas pretty consistent. Refuse to wait in line for Costco gas, the $2.50 savings is not worth my time. I'd rather be home unloading the car than just reaching the pump 15 minutes later. They all seem to have lines in Phoenix.

 

[WI_Sarge]

No idea how true it is or the actual science. I do use costco top tier in hopes that the top tier detergents help direct injection engines. Makes me sleep better at night.

 

[roaniecowpony]

I have used Costco gas (which is "TopTier") in about half a dozen vehicles, over about half a million miles. I've never had an injector issue or fuel induced problem.

 

[Tr4ckD4ys]

It’s just fascinating to me how cloudy and transparent the actual science and data behind this “Top Tier Fuel” trademark is. From the outside looking in, it seems to be better, but most of it is encapsulated in marketing language with no actual numbers to back it up.

I just don’t trust the mostly privately franchised gas stations. The gasoline supply chain, even for top tier, is so complex. Does anybody really know what is in that truck that comes once a week to your favorite station? Does anybody truly know where it came from? How at the refinery where it was filled it was mixed with the detergents?

 

[Mifsuud]

No. All top tier means is the additives exceed the federally mandated minimums. Not by how much or what contents. Tests have shown top tier gas does leave fewer deposits in combustion chambers, injectors, and cylinders. One reason I use QT is they own their own refineries. I believe their gas is consistent. I have no idea who supplies Costco. Cirkle K, I believed owned by Shell, has random gasoline not Shell. Hell, Cirkle K varies by location and the locations cannot even tell you who supplies their gas.

If your concerned about the gas supply chain, go with the shortest chain. Owned refinery to station. MY best logic anyway.

 

[roaniecowpony]

No. All top tier means is the additives exceed the federally mandated minimums. Not by how much or what contents. Tests have shown top tier gas does leave fewer deposits in combustion chambers, injectors, and cylinders. One reason I use QT is they own their own refineries. I believe their gas is consistent. I have no idea who supplies Costco. Cirkle K, I believed owned by Shell, has random gasoline not Shell. Hell, Cirkle K varies by location and the locations cannot even tell you who supplies their gas.

If your concerned about the gas supply chain, go with the shortest chain. Owned refinery to station. MY best logic anyway.

In almost all areas of the country, gasoline comes from generic pipelines, terminals, or blending facilities. The base gasoline is refined to industry specs, then transported by pipeline to these terminals. Some terminals are owned by major oil companies, some are middle-men, but the product is the same.

The gasoline you put in your tank could have been refined by many different refineries of different companies.

Retail gasoline sales is a different biz than refining. For example, Unocal split off their gas stations from their refineries, and the exploration and drilling of the same name is yet another company. The gas stations of the same brand are not owned by, nor share revenues with the refinery company nor the driling company.

https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/gasoline/where-our-gasoline-comes-from.php

 

[Tr4ckD4ys]

In almost all areas of the country, gasoline comes from generic pipelines, terminals, or blending facilities. The base gasoline is refined to industry specs, then transported by pipeline to these terminals. Some terminals are owned by major oil companies, some are middle-men, but the product is the same.

The gasoline you put in your tank could have been refined by many different refineries of different companies.

Retail gasoline sales is a different biz than refining. For example, Unocal split off their gas stations from their refineries, and the exploration and drilling of the same name is yet another company. The gas stations of the same brand are not owned by, nor share revenues with the refinery company nor the driling company.

https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/gasoline/where-our-gasoline-comes-from.php

So how is it guaranteed within this complex construct that I actually get the detergents and additives I am promised at the point of sale? I understand the base product is the same but who checks whether the rest of it actually happens?

 

[roaniecowpony]

So how is it guaranteed within this complex construct that I actually get the detergents and additives I am promised at the point of sale? I understand the base product is the same but who checks whether the rest of it actually happens?

I believe that's the retail brand's responsibility.

Ive read people have observed the delivery driver add the package at Costco. I cant say I've seen this.

 

[jadmt]

So how is it guaranteed within this complex construct that I actually get the detergents and additives I am promised at the point of sale? I understand the base product is the same but who checks whether the rest of it actually happens?

my buddy ran the bulk plant which got all the gas ran thru...he said they absolutely check for additives and he said Cenex had the highest standards of anyone. he said in the old days AMCO did but that was years ago. he said AMCO did not allow other fuel to be run through their lines...He said now Cenex supplies Costo west of Mandan and if you buy Costco gas west of Mandan you are getting the best gas out there. He said Cenex is farmer owned and they are absolute sticklers for high quality.

 

[2nd 392]

It’s just fascinating to me how cloudy and transparent the actual science and data behind this “Top Tier Fuel” trademark is. From the outside looking in, it seems to be better, but most of it is encapsulated in marketing language with no actual numbers to back it up.

I just don’t trust the mostly privately franchised gas stations. The gasoline supply chain, even for top tier, is so complex. Does anybody really know what is in that truck that comes once a week to your favorite station? Does anybody truly know where it came from? How at the refinery where it was filled it was mixed with the detergents?

A tanker delivery friend told me that when filling the truck’s tanks with the same gas the different by brand additives are added, or not added for the gypo stations. The difference is which or if additives, delivery points dependent. At that time Costco contract gas in this area was Chevron. I use CFN, also Chevron in this area.

each outlet connected to separate internal tanks for different grades, additives etc as needed.

 

[azjl#3]

I ask again, I have seen the delivery truck twice at Chevron filling the tanks. Looks like the same truck Circle K uses. Different gas?

Lastly, Top Tier is a fee for enrollment. You don't pay, you don't get to claim you are top tier. I think Circle K stopped paying.

 

[Odyssey USA]

Watched a “The motor oil geek” video on this. Besides also being Tier 1, Shell premium is the only one with a top cylinder lubricant additive.

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