Not All Gas is Created Equal, These are the Worst Brands

Despite the growth in electric vehicle sales, reaching 1 million, the majority of Americans still favor gasoline-powered vehicles. This preference underscores the ongoing relevance of gasoline quality in the current market, a topic that often gets overshadowed by the buzz around electric vehicles.

Octane rating is essentially a measure of how well the fuel can prevent engine knocking, not a direct indicator of its overall quality. This misconception leads many to choose premium gasoline unnecessarily, overlooking other crucial aspects of fuel quality.

The ratings — typically 87 (regular), 89 (mid-grade), and 93 (premium) — should be matched with your vehicle’s requirements. Most cars are designed to run efficiently on regular 87-octane gasoline, making it unnecessary to opt for higher-octane fuels unless your car specifically demands it.

This results in more engine power, better fuel economy, and lower emissions. The right balance and quality of these additives are what distinguish superior gasoline from ordinary ones.

TOP TIER gasoline is formulated to ensure cleaner engines, enhanced efficiency, and optimal performance. It is specifically designed to meet the needs of modern engines, which are more technologically advanced and require better-quality fuel.

This topic has garnered attention and skepticism, prompting a closer look into whether TOP TIER gasoline holds up to its claims and stands apart from standard fuels.

In their tests, AAA evaluated engines using TOP TIER gasoline against those running on non-TOP TIER alternatives, aiming to reveal any significant differences in performance and engine cleanliness.

This significant difference in the buildup of engine deposits highlights the potential impact of fuel choice on engine health and longevity.

The study indicates that using non-TOP TIER gasoline could lead to a significant accumulation of deposits over the vehicle’s lifetime, affecting its performance and efficiency.

The use of such gasoline could prevent the buildup of carbon deposits known to reduce fuel economy and negatively impact vehicle performance, particularly in newer vehicles.

As stated by John Nielsen, AAA’s managing director of Automotive Engineering and Repair, “AAA was surprised to learn the extent to which detergent additives impact gasoline quality…TOP TIER gasolines kept engines remarkably cleaner than other fuels we tested.”

However, some automakers believe this standard falls short of ensuring optimal vehicle performance. The TOP TIER program was established to meet these higher demands.

Nielsen from AAA emphasized, “When it comes to selecting a gasoline, automakers got it right – TOP TIER gasoline performs best.” 

Nielsen noted, “Americans are six times more likely to choose a gas station based on the price of gasoline rather than the quality of the fuel.”

Only a small fraction (12%) consider the quality of gasoline, indicating a general undervaluing of fuel quality among American consumers.

This suggests varying levels of awareness or concern about fuel quality across different groups.

Using gasoline from these brands may not harm your vehicle immediately, but over time, it could lead to reduced engine efficiency and increased maintenance costs due to lower-quality additives and potential buildups.

Consumers should be cautious and informed when road trip-refueling at independent stations, as the long-term impacts of lower-quality fuel can be bad for their vehicles.

Refueling your vehicle at these stations ensures that you are getting gasoline with optimal levels of additives, designed to keep your engine running cleaner and more efficiently.

Using top-tier gasoline can significantly extend the life of your vehicle, improve fuel efficiency, and reduce maintenance costs in the long run. This choice is especially crucial at a time when consumers are holding onto their cars longer.

As the world grapples with environmental issues, opting for such gasoline is a small but significant step individuals can take toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.

The dominance of gasoline cars is attributed to various factors, including their affordability, widespread fuel availability, and consumer habits. This prevailing preference for gasoline vehicles brings to the forefront the importance of understanding gasoline quality and its impact on vehicle performance and maintenance.

A significant barrier to electric vehicle (EV) adoption is the convenience of refueling. Ashley Nunes, a senior research associate at Harvard Law School notes to the BBC, “It’s going to take you hours to charge [an EV] to the maximum rate. And that’s the kind of time that everyday Americans simply don’t have,” highlighting the stark contrast with the quick refueling of gasoline cars. 

As technology advances, we may see new formulations and standards in gasoline, further enhancing vehicle performance and environmental friendliness. The journey of gasoline from a mere commodity to a sophisticated, engineered product reflects the ever-changing nature of automotive technology and consumer preferences.