Thursday, October 1, 2026
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Cherryville, NC (WNN) - Fuel prices keep skyrocketing for gasoline and diesel across the nation in 2026. We've all heard that gasoline all comes from the same bulk tanks or supply line. Some of that may be true, but when it gets to your vehicle tank, that's where the difference is.
Vehicles have become more sophisticated with electronics, fuel injectors, tighter tolerances, and so forth. Major car manufacturers such as Ford, GM, Toyota, BMW, Mercedes, and Honda have been paying large warranty claims due to lower-grade fuels that have caused engine damage. Automotive engine oil has been certified and approved by organizations such as the API (American Petroleum Institute) and ILSAC (International Lubricant Specifications Advisory Committee) for many years. The oil standards were set according to each engine manufacturer's specifications. However, automobile and engine manufacturers did not set higher fuel standards until recently.
All fuel brands must meet minimum EPA standards. However, now, almost all major automobile and engine manufacturers sponsor and approve Top Tier™ fuel brands. Top Tier certification began in 2004 to address low-quality fuel issues, and more brands have since signed on. Top Tier™ fuel brands are required to add more detergents and additives to gasoline and diesel to help combat carbon deposit buildup, premature wear, and other issues arising from low-quality fuels. Studies show that Top Tier™ gasoline can contain 19 times as many detergent additives as non-approved Top Tier™ fuels. Using lower-grade fuels has been shown to decrease fuel mileage and increase maintenance costs. Octane ratings such as 87, 88, and 91-94 are combustion ratings and have nothing to do with fuel quality. Refer to your car's owner's manual for the correct octane. However, you can pick the quality of the fuel.
Almost all major brands are Top Tier™ rated. Just a few are Shell, Mobil, BP, Chevron, Exxon, QuickTrip, Costco, and more. The gas and diesel pumps will usually have a Top Tier sticker if they are verified Top Tier. To see which gas stations are Top Tier in your area, you can go to www.toptiergas.com or use the Top Tier™ app for Apple and Android.
Top Tier™ fuel may cost a few cents more per gallon because production costs are higher than those of low-grade fuels. However, as gas prices continue to rise, using Top Tier™ fuel may save you money in the long run by improving fuel mileage and reducing maintenance costs. Major automobile manufacturers would not sponsor Top Tier™ if they were not saving money. Look for the Top Tier™ sticker and signage at the pump, and you might save money, too.
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