'Top Tier' Gas Is Better for Your Car, and Might Be Among the Cheapest Options Near You
Some automakers and experts say it's okay to stray from higher quality Top Tier gas to save money for a time. But you might not have to cheat, because Costco and others sell discounted Top Tier fuel.
With fuel prices skyrocketing, you may be wondering if it’s smart to fill up wherever the price is lowest, rather than sticking with your preferred brand. That might mean straying from a “Top Tier” gasoline brand that’s proven to be better for your car’s engine.
Most major automakers recommend using Top Tier gasoline, which is sold by most well-known fuel retailers. Top Tier gas contains detergent additives that go beyond federal standards to better protect today’s increasingly sophisticated engines. So Consumer Reports asked those manufacturers if it’s okay to temporarily switch to whichever gas is cheapest, regardless of whether it is rated Top Tier. We also asked experts at CR and at AAA whether it’s okay to take a “cheat day”—or week, or month—to take some of the sting out of rising prices.
@consumerreports We’re now experiencing the highest gas prices in American history. Save money with these test-proven tips, and learn more at cr.org/gastips⛽️. #gasprices #cartok #carsoftiktok ♬ original sound - Consumer Reports
GM’s Chris Bonelli told us that the automaker encourages drivers to fill up with Top Tier fuels whenever possible but that taking a cheat day wouldn’t hurt your car. “GM powertrains are designed with protections for most market fuels without risking damage to the engine,” he says.
The key distinction here is that a Top Tier label, often found right on the gas pump, ensures a level of quality, but there is no means for a consumer to know how good the gas is otherwise, beyond the presumption that it meets federal requirements.
“When available, the usage of Top Tier detergent gasoline is recommended,” says Dale Jewett, spokesperson for Stellantis, the parent company of Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, Maserati, and Ram. “Note that the usage is ‘recommended,’ not required. This continues to be our position.”
John Ibbotson, CR’s chief automotive services manager, says it’s wise to follow their recommendations. “The manufacturer recommends things like Top Tier gas for a reason,” he says. “Just as there is a reason why doctors recommend a healthy diet, regularly using quality fuel can make the difference in how your engine performs over time.”
The difference is real: In 2016, AAA had an independent engine testing lab look at how Top Tier fuel affects carbon buildup and deposits on the intake valves—which can result in a rough idle, acceleration hesitation, knocking/pinging, and reduced fuel economy. The results showed that on average, non-Top Tier gasoline had 19 times more carbon deposits on injectors, on intake valves, and in the combustion chamber than Top Tier gasoline.
AAA also found that Top Tier gasoline can have a cleansing effect, reducing intake valve deposits by 45 to 72 percent when used over a 5,000-mile interval. Variation in the results is attributed to the detergents used by different brands.
“The price at the pump is only one aspect of purchasing gas,” says Ellen Edmonds, spokesperson for AAA. “Opting for Top Tier fuel saves money in the long run because it’s better for the vehicle.”
One way you can definitely save money: If your car says it “recommends” premium gas but doesn’t require it, you can switch to regular. Our tests found no differences in performance or fuel economy between the two. And if a retailer sells Top Tier fuel, all octane grades from regular to premium gasoline and diesel must adhere to the Top Tier standards. So it is not necessary for drivers to upgrade to premium to gain the cleansing benefits.
