What drives gas prices? Understand complex factors
Gas prices are very sensitive to changes in supply and demand. Natural disasters such as hurricanes that disrupt oil production or refining, or sudden increases in demand, can cause prices to spike.
The average driver may think that all gas stations are the same, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Some gas stations use higher quality fuel than others, and there’s a good reason for that. Some brands include detergent in the fuel to clean fuel injectors and other fuel system components. Knowing which brands use the best gasoline will help your car last longer and run better than if you were using lower quality fuel. Here’s how to find the best quality gas in your area.
What does TOP TIER certification mean?
Gasoline sold at U.S. fuel stations is required by 1997 EPA law to contain a minimum amount of detergent. These detergents further clean fuel system components such as fuel injectors and intake valves.
Many gas station brands have their fuel reviewed and tested by TOP TIER, an AAA-approved company that evaluates fuel quality for gasoline and diesel engines. Brands that meet the company’s standards will be certified as TOP TIER certified gasoline brands.
In an interview with the Detroit Free Press, part of the USA TODAY Network, Bill Studzinski, TOP TIER’s program manager, spoke about how gas stations use trademarks to ensure they provide the highest quality gasoline.
“If a fuel company wants to submit data to us according to our standards, and if that fuel is known to keep engines clean, then they can use that trademark around the world,” Studzinski said. “With TOP TIER, you get at least twice the amount of additives you get under the federal minimum standards, and probably almost three to four times as much.”
What brands sell TOP TIER gas?
Some brands are well known for using top tier fuels that are high in detergent. Brands like Shell, Citgo, Costco, Mobil, Marathon, and Exxon are popular brands with TOP TIER gasoline certification.
Is good quality gas expensive?
There are many determinants of gas prices. Many people think that cheaper means lower quality. But when it comes to gasoline, price does not affect quality. As long as a brand is TOP TIER approved, all the fuel it sells across the United States will be the same.
Is it okay to use gas other than TOP TIER?
Nothing prevents you from going to a gas station without TOP TIER approval, but you get what you pay for because gas station fuel has less detergent and doesn’t clean the fuel system either. The benefit of using high-quality gas is that it reduces the chance of engine problems in the future if you consistently use cheaper fuel. If a TOP TIER certified gas station is far from your car and your tank is low, go to the nearest gas station.
Kenan Thompson is a car culture reporter for the Detroit Free Press. Contact Keenan at kthompson@freepress.com. Follow him on Instagram @keenanaautos. To sign up automotive newsletter. become a subscriber.
