What Does Top Tier Mean in Gasoline?

All gasoline must meet certain standards to be sold to retailers and drivers, but some companies produce cleaner gas than others. Oil refineries often sell their gas to various companies, however, not all fuel that drivers put into their cars is the same.

Gas can come from the same refinery but be different at the pumps in the gas station due to different brands using different fuel additives. Gasoline alone can cause damage to modern-day vehicle engines and fuel additives are needed to prevent carbon build-up in the intake valves and fuel injectors.

Each gasoline company uses its own unique blend of fuel additives. Detergents and fuel stabilizers are two additives often used to help prevent the build-up of carbon deposits inside the engine.

When drivers use poor quality gasoline with a poor blend of additives the vehicle will suffer from bad fuel economy, reduced power, and irregular injection of fuel into the cylinders.

Over the years, fuel injection technology has changed and developed and the gasoline without plenty of additives was no longer up to the job. Gasoline without enough additives may power a vehicle but it was found to be causing carbon build-up and clogging the engine.

Top Tier Gasoline was founded in 2004 and is recommended by auto companies including Ford, Honda, Fiat, Chrysler, BMW, General Motors, and several other well-known names in the automobile industry.

Ten car companies recognized the need for cleaner gasoline in preserving the health of vehicle engines and together they back the standards set by Top Tier Gasoline.

It is important to note that Top Tier gasoline and Premium gasoline are not the same things. Top Tier is gas that meets specific standards for engine cleanliness and performance, whereas, Premium gas is high octane fuel.

Top Tier Gasoline uses higher levels of detergent additives than standard gasoline. These additional additives help to reduce carbon buildup throughout the engine and will improve the overall performance of your vehicle.

Here is a list of benefits of using Top Tier gasoline:

What Are the Top Tier Brands of Gasoline

Over 50 gasoline brands in the USA meet Top Tier standards of cleanliness and can be sold as a Top Tier gasoline brand. Shell and Chevron are just two of the many Top Tier gasoline brands.

A full list of companies meeting this high standard for fuel can be found on the Top Tier website, but here are a few fuel companies that are meeting the Top Tier standards in 2024:

With over 50 fuel companies selling Top Tier gasoline, you may be wondering who is selling the poorer quality fuel.

Often, off-brand gas stations will not be selling Top-Tier gasoline, this is because of its high price tag when it comes to production and purchasing. The big-name brands can afford to pay the extra to bring this better quality fuel to their customers across the country.

Gasoline companies can not just use any blend of fuel additives to become a Top Tier brand. If a fuel manufacturer or retailer wants the seal of approval as a Top Tier gasoline brand, their fuel and gas stations must meet the following standards:

If you want to know more about Top Tier fuel, have a look at this YouTube video:


Shell Fuel Types Comparison Table

Fuel TypeWhy Choose ItBest ForExamples of Cars
Shell V-Power 98Superfood for your engine. Prevents knocking, ensuring smooth, efficient performance.High-performance and luxury carsBMW M Series, Audi RS Series, Porsche 911, Mercedes-AMG models
Shell V-Power DieselContains cleaning agents that improve efficiency and prolong engine life.Diesel vehicles, especially newer modelsBMW X5 Diesel, Audi Q7 TDI, Mercedes-Benz E-Class Diesel, Volkswagen Touareg Diesel
Shell V-Power Unleaded 98Boosts engine performance and prevents knocking.High-performance vehiclesNissan GT-R, Subaru WRX STI, Ford Mustang GT, Holden Commodore SS
Shell Premium Unleaded 98High performance and efficiency for premium petrol engines.High-performance and luxury vehiclesJaguar F-Type, Lexus RC F, Maserati Ghibli
Shell Unleaded 95Good balance of performance and cost, more powerful than regular unleaded.Most modern petrol carsToyota Camry, Honda Accord, Mazda 6, Hyundai Sonata
Shell Unleaded 91Reliable and affordable, perfect for everyday driving.Most regular carsToyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Ford Focus, Hyundai i30
Shell Unleaded 91 Low AromaticLess harmful to the environment and communities.Areas where low-aromatic fuel is requiredSuitable for the same cars as Shell Unleaded 91
Shell Unleaded E10More environmentally friendly and can be cheaper, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.Most modern cars are designed to run on E10 fuelToyota Yaris, Mazda 3, Ford Fiesta, Holden Cruze
Shell DieselEfficient and reliable, perfect for all diesel engines.Any diesel vehicleToyota Hilux Diesel, Ford Ranger Diesel, Nissan Navara Diesel, Mitsubishi Pajero Diesel
Shell Diesel ExtraImproves fuel economy and reduces emissions, and contains additives to keep the engine clean.Drivers wanting better mileage and cleaner engine performanceSuitable for all diesel vehicles
BiodieselMore sustainable and produces fewer emissions than regular diesel.Diesel vehicles that can use biodieselVolvo XC60 Diesel, Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel, Peugeot 3008 Diesel, Citroën C5 Aircross Diesel
AdBlueReduces harmful emissions, and helps meet stricter emissions standards.Diesel vehicles with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systemsVolkswagen Golf TDI, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, BMW 3 Series Diesel, Audi A4 TDI
Shell AutoGasCheaper and produces fewer emissions than petrol or diesel.Vehicles converted to run on LPGFord Falcon LPG, Holden Commodore LPG, Mitsubishi Magna LPG, Toyota Kluger LPG

Shell V-Power Premium Fuels

Shell V-Power 98

What it is: A high-octane petrol (98 RON).

Why choose it: Think of it as a superfood for your engine. It helps prevent engine knocking, which can make your car run rough and cause damage. Using this fuel means smoother, more efficient engine performance.

Best for: High-performance and luxury cars. If your car is your pride and joy, this fuel will keep it running at its best.

Shell V-Power Diesel

What it is: Premium diesel fuel.

Why choose it: It contains special cleaning agents that help keep your engine’s fuel system clean. This means better fuel efficiency and longer engine life.

Best for: Diesel vehicles, especially newer models. Great for anyone who wants their diesel engine to stay in top shape and run efficiently.

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