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Top Tier Gas question

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by 2020TacomaGuy, Aug 16, 2023.

  1. Aug 16, 2023 at 1:00 PM
    #1
    2020TacomaGuy

    2020TacomaGuy [OP] Well-Known Member

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    What makes top tier fuel better?
    Detergent content?
    Do the different octanes (regular, mid grade and premium) have different levels of detergent?
    Thanks in advance
     
  2. Aug 16, 2023 at 1:03 PM
    #2
    ThreeBeers

    ThreeBeers Well-Known Member

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    I don’t shop brands because there really isn’t that much difference. You are better off going to a busy station where the fuel doesn’t have a chance to get stale.
     
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  3. Aug 16, 2023 at 1:07 PM
    #3
    Just_A_Guy

    Just_A_Guy Rain is a good thing

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    Not this again

    Everyone has an opinion. Bottom line is, per truckers who move the fuel you purchase, all fuel is basically equivalent. Some brands might put in detergent, but I would not fret about putting in a lesser name fuel. But I do personally balance it out with the likes of top tier Shell, Chevron, etc
     
  4. Aug 16, 2023 at 1:11 PM
    #4
    Buck Henry

    Buck Henry Well-Known Member

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    Top Tier Gas...
    Essential oils...
    Six month salary for diamond ring...
    Etc, etc.......

    It's crap marketing but it works!
     
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  5. Aug 16, 2023 at 1:11 PM
    #5
    Servingko

    Servingko Well-Known Member

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    Generally the difference is in the additive package. An additional factor is the some cut rate stations will purchase fuel at a discount when the refinery may be changing things out from one octane to another and the tanker gets "blended" fuel - say premium that has some regular or mid grade in it or debris and/or other facility issues from maintenance at the refinery or transfer station from time to time that should get filtered out. These sorts of practices typically happen at the smaller facilities. This is the "bad gas" that people refer to when an issue crops up in driveability that a fresh tank of fuel seems to take care of.
     
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  6. Aug 16, 2023 at 1:12 PM
    #6
    Just_A_Guy

    Just_A_Guy Rain is a good thing

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    Wouldn’t go that far. You are purchasing something with the top tier fuel

    Does it matter? Maybe. Some people swear that their vehicle runs better on top tier
     
  7. Aug 16, 2023 at 1:20 PM
    #7
    TRDRed

    TRDRed Well-Known Member

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    Asked and answered numerous times around the forum if you do a search. Otherwise, here's a good article including a list of top tier retailers:

    https://www.autolist.com/guides/top-tier-gas
     
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  8. Aug 16, 2023 at 1:31 PM
    #8
    CT Yankee

    CT Yankee Well-Known Member

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    Only aesthetic mods so far Leer 180 cap & Clazzio covers on order.
    You feel better by spending more.
    Probably nothing of any importance.
    Numerous threads on this topic.
    As @ThreeBeers says, buy from a busy station (fresher fuel) and NOT when they are filling their underground tanks (stirs up sediments).
     
  9. Aug 16, 2023 at 1:32 PM
    #9
    TA2016

    TA2016 Well-Known Member

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  10. Aug 16, 2023 at 1:36 PM
    #10
    Clearwater Bill

    Clearwater Bill Never answer an anonymous letter

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    A few OE parts from fancy trucks
    Race gas. E0

    Corn is to fatten livestock and enhance low country boils, not power ICE. :D
     
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  11. Aug 16, 2023 at 1:37 PM
    #11
    hiPSI

    hiPSI Laminar Flow

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    Really? Some people? Some people identify as Minotaurs.
    Some people think the world is flat.
    Some people swear Amsoil is better.
    I have learned to not believe some people.
     
  12. Aug 16, 2023 at 1:42 PM
    #12
    Clearwater Bill

    Clearwater Bill Never answer an anonymous letter

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    Your 3 examples have a high probability of being the same person. In deep need of professional help.
     
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  13. Aug 16, 2023 at 1:50 PM
    #13
    2020TacomaGuy

    2020TacomaGuy [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thanks TRDRed for the article and everyone else for the info
     
  14. Aug 16, 2023 at 1:53 PM
    #14
    Off Topic Guy

    Off Topic Guy 2023 Trophy Points - Runner Up

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    The taste. They use top shelf sweet corn verses bottom of the stalk dirty corn. I know if it tastes better to me, its gotta taste better to my truck :hungry:
     
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  15. Aug 16, 2023 at 1:55 PM
    #15
    Arries289

    Arries289 Yo!

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    That thread could have really gotten sideways if the Octane people were awake! We dodged another disaster!
     
  16. Aug 16, 2023 at 2:17 PM
    #16
    cowfootball

    cowfootball Well-Known Member

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    I only use jet fuel. It makes my shifts feel 10x smoother and I can accelerate noticeably quicker (I never measured)!
     
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  17. Aug 16, 2023 at 2:19 PM
    #17
    Nails

    Nails Active Member

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    Your Tacoma can adapt to different octanes. Generally the potential increase in mileage has to be equal to or greater than the increased price you pay for the higher octanes. So an increase of price by 15 percent for a 10 percent increase in mileage is not a good economic decision. The truck will not be hurt by running 87r+m/2. Ethanol is damaging and should be avoided if possible. Also when buying high octane gasoline you should remember that the line fill at the pump from the previous customer is what first goes into your tank. I have an Audi A6 6 cyl super charged for 120,000 miles and I never buy high octane and I get 33 mpg on the highway. I drive it in the 70s and 80s mph. Don’t waste your money. I have 40 years experience in the oil industry.
     
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  18. Aug 16, 2023 at 2:25 PM
    #18
    Nails

    Nails Active Member

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    Ahh having said this please note I have not taken delivery of my 2023 OR yet so I have no experience with Toyota engines and software to make this observation.
     
  19. Aug 16, 2023 at 2:27 PM
    #19
    wfo479

    wfo479 Well-Known Member

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    I would rather frequent a station that has shell or sunoco trucks unloading fuel than a bob's budget fuel truck. Personally i prefer sunoco and typically get 19.5 mpg. If im in a bind we go to getgo but typically get 18 at best
     
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  20. Aug 16, 2023 at 2:46 PM
    #20
    Taco_mike73

    Taco_mike73 Well-Known Member

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    My understanding is that the additive package may meet specific requirements and be tested and verified more often than not top tier.
    There are minimum requirements all gas has to meet to be sold. It has to meet the octane ratings on the pump label and minimum additives packages. Top tier is mostly marketing.

    I usually buy my gas at BJ'S wholesale which in not top tier almost since day one. I've never had an issue with fuel. I use a fuel injection cleaner every oil change anyway. Some places I get gas when there isn't a bjs nearby are top tier, I've never seen a single difference in how the engine runs or anything the average driver would notice.
     
    Last edited: Aug 17, 2023
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