So, where is your favorite place to stop for gas when your car starts getting low? Most of us have a certain place, or at least a certain brand, that we consistently use to fuel up. How did we choose that place? Was it gas quality? Gas price? The coffee they serve? Cleanliness of the store? Convenience to our home or work? There are a lot of reasons why we choose to purchase our fuel from one gas station over another. And, does it really matter? Gas is gas, right? Or not.

Most engines can tolerate some deviation in the octane rating of the fuel, at least for a short period of time. However, there is more to gasoline than octane ratings. If you have noticed engine knocking, hesitation problems when accelerating, rough idling, poor fuel economy, or misfiring, you probably have been a victim of low quality gasoline. The fuels typically cause a buildup of varnish deposits in the fuel injectors and throttle body, and carbon deposits on the intake valves and in the combustion chambers. The fuels that are responsible for these problems are often “cheaper” fuels that are lacking in the detergents and additives found in the higher quality fuels.

The Environmental Protection Agency has set minimum standards for additives to prevent the formation of deposits in fuel injectors, but some experts believe the standards are too low and do not provide adequate protection for some engines. The gas that just meets the EPA required level is referred to as the “Lowest Additive Concentration” and is generally the cheapest priced fuel.

Top Tier gasoline, on the other hand, are those fuels that are recognized by the automotive industry for having the most effective additives at the highest concentrations. All octane levels should meet the Top Tier standards, not just premium. Common retailers who are currently Top Tier retailers include:

• 76
• Chevron
• Conoco
• Exxon
• Mobil
• Phillips 66
• QuickTrip
• Shell
• Texaco

For a complete listing, click here. According to one source, many gasoline marketers have reduced the concentration of fuel additives by up to 50% in recent years. Generally they are cutting back gradually in the hopes that the general public will be none the wiser. And most of us aren’t, at least right away. It’s not until we’ve run a few tanks for this bad gas that we notice our mileage has slipped and our car isn’t running the way it should.

So, you think your car has gas-related buildup? There are a couple of fixes. The easiest and most cost-effective is to add a can of fuel system cleaner to the fuel tank. Unfortunately, this may take a couple of tankfulls with the additive to notice a difference. For those looking for a more thorough fix, the throttle body and injectors can be cleaned with professional-grade cleaners and solvents. Extremely stubborn deposits may require the removal of the affected parts for intensive cleaning.

To prevent the formation of deposits, we recommend using a top tier gasoline or adding a bottle of fuel system cleaner periodically. As always, if you need professional help, you have a friend in the auto repair business! Drive safe out there.