Off Brand (non-Tier 1) Gasoline

[Frogdog1]

Has anyone else noticed that non-Tier One gasoline stations are either opening up new fueling stations rapidly or taking over Tier 1 stations in their area? Example: Circle K is growing fast in my affluent area with new shiny well lit stations adverstising beer and cigarettes heavily (I never go inside convenence stores). Their gas is not always cheaper.

It's going on in my area. I won't and haven't used anything but Tier One gas in any of my cars or even power equipment for that matter besides the fact that Ford and other brands recommend it.

Just curious. Tier One is worth it to me for a few cents more.

FD

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[msquad]

I see here going up in the Chicagoland 'burbs is "Gas and Wash." I can think of 6 (once they are all built) that will be within my vicinity. I put their regular gas in my jeep and get free car washes there (for my Jeep, never the DH). For the DH, I usually go to BP or Shell for 93.

 

[Alan Applegate]

It is called the 7-11 complex. Seems as if everyone doesn't mind paying more for convenience even if the extra tariff is 27%!

 

[Skye]

In my area, several Circle K stores used to offer Shell gas. No more. Now, they receive from "whoever".

Maverick does not offer Top Tier. They may have expanded too quick though. Several stations closed.

Kum and Go is another new addition. They are not Top Tier.

We continue to have Shell, Conoco, Valero and some others; they continue to sell Top Tier.

 

[Crew4991]

Most gas is basically the same except for some additives.
Usually it all comes from a (or few) regional refinery(s).

I think the big difference people experience is the station itself regardless of store brand... some are well kept with clean tanks and maintained pumps, while others are lackluster, dirty and full of sludge.

 

[RLE55]

This article explains it pretty well.
https://www.carfax.com/maintenance/top-tier-gas

 

[Frogdog1]

The topic of the thread is not "what is or isn't top tier gas". That's already very well documented.

The topic has to do with non-top tier stations moving into areas where they weren't previously located.

 

[RLE55]

You mentioned in your thread that Tier 1 gas is worth it to you for a few more cents more. I posted the article as it supported that reasoning. I'll move on now............

 

[robvas]

Supposedly adding a bottle of quality fuel cleaner to your car every couple thousand miles will do just as good Oma job cleaning things up.

Also remember not all gas that isn't "top tier" is bad, it could have a great additive package in it, but the company just doesn't pay the Top Tier organization the $$. BP is a good example of this.

it's like the Better business bureau.

 

[Frogdog1]

You mentioned in your thread that Tier 1 gas is worth it to you for a few more cents more. I posted the article as it supported that reasoning. I'll move on now............

Not a problem at all RLE55. Thank you for pointing that out with good back up data.

 

[Neggytive]

I will be waiting for the weekly reaming I will get from one of the members for posting this but

Adding Techron is great on a car that adds all the fuel thru the intake manifold

Cars that have gas direct injection especially Ecoboosts have a horrible history of the intake valves carboning up to the point it restricts air flow from the intake manifold

This was solved somewhat, but not completely by adding gasoline into the intake charge by use of a conventional injector above the valve to wash the valve with gasoline and to keep carbon from building up on the back side of the valve

Tier 1 Gasoline is a term refiners use to differentiate their gas formulation that has additional detergents and cleaners from the government mandated EPA formulation for gasoline.

Many times the extra money you pay for brand name gas is going to the additive package ( and yes the marketing and advertising)

But keeping the valves clean is something you want to be doing constantly by using a good gas, not cheaping out and trying to get the carbon out later by blasting with walnut shells, etc

See if you can find Tier 1 gas near you at this link : https://stationfinder.toptiergas.com/

 

[Frogdog1]

Tier 1 gas has been proven to be better. Ford and other brands began using both port and direct injection to overcome the valve carboning issue.

KiA and Hyundai, for example don't use both methods of fuel injection and owners are paying the price for carbon on the back of intake valves (same as a lot of BMW's). They're inexpensive to buy (except BMW's) but later on, the needed valve cleaning (done right) is terribly expensive. I hate to even think about KIA's (Killed In Action), LOL!

 

[Bear376]

I have mixed feelings. Most of the local stations that are tier 1 around here are not where I want to be. QT is tier i and one of my favorite locations. When I am on the road, it is one of places that I can trust. But Sam's and a few other places that are not tier 1, are also on my list. To me, a place that is well maintained, and clean are the important factors on the long drives I take. If you are on the road for hours, it is a matter of location and clean restrooms. Some areas, you are lucky if you can find 91 octane.

 

[robvas]

A lot of dirty ass gas stations popping up lately, selling expired snacks and smelling like incense inside...don't trust using my credit card there or buying their gas. Usually owned by non-Americans if you know what I mean.

 

[JohnWimsey]

Has anyone else noticed that non-Tier One gasoline stations are either opening up new fueling stations rapidly or taking over Tier 1 stations in their area? Example: Circle K is growing fast in my affluent area with new shiny well lit stations adverstising beer and cigarettes heavily (I never go inside convenence stores). Their gas is not always cheaper.

It's going on in my area. I won't and haven't used anything but Tier One gas in any of my cars or even power equipment for that matter besides the fact that Ford and other brands recommend it.

Just curious. Tier One is worth it to me for a few cents more.

FD

I can guarantee you most of the time, the product name on the gasoline you buy was not produced by that product name listed at the pump.
It is all raw gasoline with branded chemicals added to it for name recognition and extended engine life.
In OKC, every drop of gasoline you buy in this area came from a P66 refinery. It might not have P66 for branding. But it is a P66 raw product with some other’s chemicals added in it to carry their name on the product, like Phillips 66, Conoco, Shell,, Valero, Exxon mobile.
Those cheap 2nd tier gas stations there is no telling what you are getting other then raw E+ gasoline with or without additives for extended engine life.

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