kwik trip gas additives

Ad-free. Influence-free. Powered by consumers.

The payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.

We don’t recognize that sign in. Your username maybe be your email address. Passwords are 6-20 characters with at least one number and letter.

We still don’t recognize that sign in. Retrieve your username. Reset your password.

Forgot your username or password ?

Don’t have an account?

• Account Settings
• My Benefits
• My Products
• Donate Donate

Save products you love, products you own and much more!

Other Membership Benefits:

Suggested Searches

• Become a Member

Car Ratings & Reviews

2024 Top Picks

Car Buying & Pricing

Which Car Brands Make the Best Vehicles?

Tires, Maintenance & Repair

Car Reliability Guide

Key Topics & News

Listen to the Talking Cars Podcast

Home & Garden

Bed & Bath

Top Picks From CR

Best Mattresses

Lawn & Garden

TOP PICKS FROM CR

Best Lawn Mowers and Tractors

Home Improvement

Home Improvement Essential

Best Wood Stains

Home Safety & Security

HOME SAFETY

Best DIY Home Security Systems

REPAIR OR REPLACE?

What to Do With a Broken Appliance

Small Appliances

Best Small Kitchen Appliances

Laundry & Cleaning

Best Washing Machines

Heating, Cooling & Air

Most Reliable Central Air-Conditioning Systems

Electronics

Home Entertainment

FIND YOUR NEW TV

Home Office

Cheapest Printers for Ink Costs

Smartphones & Wearables

BEST SMARTPHONES

Find the Right Phone for You

Digital Security & Privacy

MEMBER BENEFIT

CR Security Planner

Take Action

Top Tier Gasoline Worth the Extra Price, Study Shows

An analysis by AAA reveals that gas with detergent additives can keep an engine running smoothly

Not all gasoline is created equal. There is plain old regular, and then there is regular gasoline that meets a higher standard, known as “Top Tier.” The difference between the two is significant, based on an extensive study conducted by AAA in 2016. Testing from that membership group revealed that consumers would be wise to factor the quality of the gasoline into their purchase decision, even if it costs a little more.

What Is Top Tier Gas?

Top tier gas retailers, top tier gas test findings.

Gasoline is essentially a shared commodity, often stored in common containers until it is purchased by a major retailer. After that, the retailer treats the gas with a specific additive, thereby giving the fuel its brand identity. But are these additives just a dosage of marketing hype?

Top Tier gasoline was developed in 2004 to go beyond the minimum standard for detergent additives to better protect increasingly sophisticated engines from carbon buildup and deposits on the intake valves—which can result in a rough idle, acceleration hesitation, knocking/pinging, and reduced fuel economy .

Over the past 20 years, engines have become far more precise, operating under tighter tolerances and at higher compression ratios, while targeting cleaner emissions and improved fuel economy . To achieve these goals, several major automakers—Audi, BMW, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Subaru, Stellantis, Toyota, and Volkswagen—have united in support of Top Tier gas. Most specifically recommend it to their owners with the goal of preserving their engines’ original performance and emissions over time. (Learn who owns which car brands .)

Keeping things simple for consumers, when a participating retailer sells Top Tier fuel, all octane grades from regular to premium gasoline and diesel must adhere to the Top Tier standards. So it is not necessary for drivers to upgrade to premium to gain the cleansing benefits. 

These are among the dozens of brands that sell Top Tier gas.

For the test, an independent engine testing lab that specializes in fuel analysis operated an engine continuously for 100 hours on a cycle to represent 4,000 real miles of use. The engine was then disassembled and photographed, and its key components were weighed and measured to determine the thickness of carbon deposits. Six fuels were used, randomly selected and split among three basic gasoline sources and three Top Tier.

The results showed that, on average, non-Top Tier gasoline had 19 times more carbon deposits on injectors, on intake valves, and in the combustion chamber than Top Tier gasoline had.

AAA also found that Top Tier gasoline can have a cleansing effect, reducing intake valve deposits by 45 to 72 percent when used over a 5,000-mile interval. Variation in the results is attributed to the detergents used by different brands.

Further, analyzing gas prices over a 12-month period found just a 3-cent price difference between non-Top Tier and Top Tier gasoline.

Bottom line:  For the nominal investment, this study shows that motorists would benefit from using Top Tier gasoline as their primary fuel.

@consumerreports Is top tier gas worth the extra money? See the latest episode of Talking Cars through the link in our bio. #carsoftiktok #cartok #carcommunity #gas ♬ original sound - Consumer Reports

Jeff S. Bartlett

Jeff S. Bartlett is the managing editor for the autos team at Consumer Reports. He has been with CR since 2005. Previously, Jeff served as the online editorial director of Motor Trend for 11 years. Throughout his career, Jeff has driven thousands of cars, many on racetracks around the globe. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSBartlett .

Sharing is Nice

We respect your privacy . All email addresses you provide will be used just for sending this story.

Trending in Fuel Economy & Efficiency

Popular Cars to Avoid and What to Buy Instead

Best Cars of the Year: 10 Top Picks of 2024

56 Best Used SUVs, Sedans, and Small Cars of 2024, Tested by Our Experts

Best Used Cars for You

Buying Gas From a Station on This List Is Better for Your Car

When you’re deciding where to pull over for gas, do you look for the Top Tier logo? Maybe you should start!

Engine-cleaning detergent additives in gasoline really do make a difference and are worth the extra price to keep your car healthy, according to independent laboratory testing from AAA .

The group’s researchers found “significant” differences in the quality of gasoline sold across the country.

Top Tier Gas: These Are the Best Gas Stations, AAA Says  

Since the 1990s, the Environmental Protection Agency has required a minimum level of detergent for all gas sold, but some automakers believe the EPA standards aren’t good enough.

To be considered Top Tier, the gasoline must have a higher concentration of detergent added to it.

AAA said it was surprised to find that detergent additives made such an impact on gasoline quality. The group is now urging drivers to use a gasoline that meets Top Tier standards for engine cleanliness and performance.

“Among brands tested, non-Top Tier gasolines caused 19 times more engine deposits than Top Tier brands after just 4,000 miles of simulated driving. Such carbon deposits are known to reduce fuel economy, increase emissions and negatively impact vehicle performance, particularly on newer vehicles.”

Every service station that sells Top Tier fuel must add the detergent package to all grades of gasoline.

According to AAA, Top Tier gasoline costs an average of three cents more per gallon, but money expert Clark Howard says it doesn’t have to be more expensive.

“The most important thing about the report is that many of the nation’s giants of gas discounting sell Top Tier gasoline, including Costco and QuikTrip,” Clark said. “There are many who decide to buy gas only at major oil company stations believing their gas to be superior. However, you can have what the study finds is the best gas at the lowest prices.”

Where do you find Top Tier fuel options? They’re all over! According to Top Tier, about a third of gas stations meet the fuel quality standards.

Here Are the Top Tier Licensed Retail Brands in the United States:

• Belmont Car Wash
• Costco Wholesale
• CountryMark
• Diamond Shamrock
• Express Mart
• Gold Medal Gasoline
• Harmons Fuel Stop
• HFN – Hawaii Fueling Network
• J&E Wendy
• Kirkland Signature Gasoline
• Meijer Express
• Ohana Fuels
• Phillips 66
• Ranger Fuel
• Ranger Mustang
• Ranger Stallion
• Ranger Thoroughbred
• Reeder’s
• Road Ranger
• Rutter’s
• Simonson Station Stores
• Tulalip Market
• Value America
• Waterway Fuels

Updated: October 2023

Don’t see your gas station on this list? Check for the Top Tier logo on display at the service station or ask an employee.

If you haven’t been using high-quality gasoline, it’s not too late to start. AAA says you can reverse some of the damage by making the switch to Top Tier gasoline.

Our Daily Newsletter

Join more than 340,000 people who get our must-have money tips every day

Watch / Listen

Check out our top-rated money podcast.

Need money help? Call us for free advice . You can also email us .

• Car Photography
• Car Projects
• Experiences
• New Car Releases
• Car Reviews
• Accessories
• In The Media

Voted "Most Insightful Automotive Guide" By The Business Concept - 2023

What’s The Myth Around Top Tier Gas And Is It Really Better?

There’s a common misconception that Top Tier gas, as a myth, was concocted by Big Oil to get people to pay more for gasoline . Given how fuel prices, cost of living, and economic recession have gotten far out of hand, do you really need to stick to Top Tier gas? Or, is it just as safe to go for lower-priced, non-Top Tier gasoline? In practice, however, it’s not as clear-cut.

Top Tier gas is actually healthier for your car than low-cost gas at your local fuel station. The reason is that Top Tier gasoline contains additives that help your engine run longer, cleaner, and better than lower-priced gas . Therefore, the myth that Top Tier gas is a scam is not entirely correct. While it is more expensive, it does have actual advantages.

However, while there are tangible benefits, is it really worth the premium over cheaper gas, just to get those extra detergent additives ? Well, it might just be worthwhile, given that Top Tier gas has the ability to reduce carbon deposits using those special detergents . Here’s a deeper look at this specially manufactured and treated fuel to reduce carbon deposits …

What Is Top Tier Gas?

By comparison, regular, standard gasoline is refined crude oil transported from the refinery to several terminals for storage and sale. Normal fuel contains antioxidants and some detergents, just like Top Tier gas. However, the difference is that Top Tier gasoline has additional antioxidants and specialty detergents . As such, it’s supplemented with proper additives .

These additional additives are what separates Top Tier gas from regular, and even premium gasoline. It has to meet strict requirements, and gas stations that sell Top Tier gas must display a special sign. It’s vital to note, however, that a car doesn’t require Top Tier gas to run. All it does is make your car run better , with fewer emissions, and better MPGs .

For you, this may or may not matter. Plus, the added cost of pricier Top Tier gas is up to you; since it’s not necessary. For automakers, they do see benefits in their cars running on Top Tier gas. This is why in 1996, the EPA regulated detergents that were used in gasoline. This is all done to regulate the level of carbon deposits in vehicles . Carmakers then followed suit.

‘Top Tier’ thus became a colossal brand and trademark, separating regular gas from higher-quality fuel (including gasoline and diesel) , which were optimized for improved performance, fuel efficiency , and engine lifespan. Automakers that supported the Top Tier standard include BMW, General Motors, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, and Audi, among others.

Is Top Tier Gas Really Worth It?

Despite the higher price per gallon associated with Top Tier gas, and the myth around it, it’s definitely worth the hype . A lab test result of Top Tier gasoline, when compared to regular gas, showed that after 4,000 miles of simulated driving, the Top Tier gasoline left fewer carbon deposits on the fuel injectors , combustion components, and intake valves .

Carbon deposits, in particular, had an almost 72% reduction in comparison to regular gasoline . Remember, Top Tier gas is not the same as premium gas. In contrast, premium gas means it met a minimum octane rating. But, that doesn’t mean premium gas is of higher quality. In the case of Top Tier gas, it not only has to meet those same minimum octane ratings…

But, Top Tier gas also has to exceed the additive standards applicable to gasoline and diesel set by the EPA . While it might not showcase early on, carbon deposits, over the long run, can cause performance issues. And, even cause added wear and tear to your car’s engine. In short, Top Tier gas ensures that your car runs longer, smoother, and cleaner .

Those detergent additives in Top Tier gas basically increase the rate at which impurities are burnt out in your car’s engine . First coming to light back in 2004, the NHTSA also recommends using Top Tier gasoline and diesel. They confirm that it does, in fact, have excellent carbon deposit reduction capabilities. However, is Top Tier gas or diesel worth the price?

What’s The Myth Around Top Tier Gas?

There’s a common myth, claiming that Top Tier gas is basically the same as regular, lower-priced gasoline (or diesel). But, with fancy branding on it just to jack up the price of fuel. Because of how widespread this myth is, the concept that it’s a scam just to give Big Auto and Big Oil more money means that most car owners generally don’t bother with Top Tier gas .

However, as we noted earlier, Top Tier gas isn’t a scam, and it genuinely is better than regular, lower-priced gasoline . Among other benefits, Top Tier gas contains a higher level of detergent additives than regular gas (or diesel) . Subsequently, Top Tier gas helps to reduce carbon deposits in your engine, helping to optimize performance and fuel efficiency.

To be clear though, it’s not like Top Tier gas is a necessity. There’s no problem with using lower-priced gas, and it won’t cause issues with your car . In particular, if you practice good maintenance . And, drop in a bottle of fuel cleaner every once in a while, they can help with removing carbon deposits. And, fuel cleaners offer the same benefits as Top Tier gas.

Just like Top Tier gas or diesel, fuel cleaners aid in optimizing engine performance, and longevity, and help to maximize fuel economy . Plus, a bottle of fuel cleaner costs just $10 to $15. Still, if you can afford to fill up your car with Top Tier gas or diesel, it’s one alternative way of practicing long-term, preventative maintenance. In short, it’s worth it, but not 100% needed .

Does Your Car Need Top Tier Gas?

No, it doesn’t. As we mentioned earlier, Top Tier gas or diesel is not a requirement for your car . But, the quality of the fuel is better and it does have benefits for your car. Even after thousands of miles of driving, the EPA has proven that Top Tier gasoline and diesel improve performance, fuel economy, and even slightly lower emissions .

As such, Top Tier is an optional recommendation for better running your vehicle, not a requirement. Another thing that most folks are confused about is whether or not Top Tier gas is the same as premium gas. The key difference here is that while Top Tier gas isn’t a requirement, premium gas is recommended. Particularly, if your specific car demands premium .

They’re both higher-quality gas and diesel. Both Top Tier and premium fuels are expensive and are always a car owner’s last choice if they’re on a budget. However, premium gas (or diesel) doesn’t really have noticeable improvements aside from its higher octane ratings ( if your car doesn’t need it ). On the other hand, Top Tier gas has those additional detergent additives.

Which Gas Stations Offer Top Tier Gasoline & Diesel?

Many, but not all, gas stations are licensed retailers that offer fuel that meets Top Tier standards. To be sure, look out for the Top Tier logo or sign at the gas station . Some of the requirements that a gas station needs to comply with before selling Top Tier gasoline or diesel include:

• They must have a specific license, proving that they’re part of the Top Tier program.
• Treatment of the gasoline or diesel must be using an approved Top Tier detergent additive and at the proper concentration.
• They must display the Top Tier logo or sign broadly and prominently at the gas station.
• There should be no organometallic additives of any kind in the gasoline or diesel .

Some of the more prominent gas station franchises that offer Top Tier gasoline and diesel include… Arco, Beacon, Aloha Petroleum, Citgo, CountryMark, Shamrock, Chevron, Conoco, Cenex, Diamond, Exxon, GetGo, Express Mart, and Fast Fue. Then, there’s HFN, Hele, Kwik Trip, Fuel Stop, Marathon, Metro, Kwik Star, Petro, Ohana Fuels, QT/Quik, Ranger, Shamrock, Sinclair, Value America, Shell, Moil, Philips, Rutter’s, Simonson, Texaco, and Wawa. These are just some examples.

“The fuel octane rating determines the stability of the gas.”

No, it does not. It’s the anti-knock rating. The octane rating determines the fuel’s resistance to ignition in order to prevent premature ignition of unburned vapors: AKA “Knock”.

The only problem is there is no way of knowing if the “approved additives” were actually added to the gasoline you are buying. I would stick with an annual treatment of Seafoam.

Like Brett, I understand there is a lot of hanky-panky and dishonesty in fuel retailing, tank filling in darkness, and poor regulation of ethanol percentage. Finding a high-volume station with clean tanks and staying with it is the best policy for good value, whatever the brand or rating. Also noteworthy: used cars are not advertised or priced for whatever kind of fuel and oil a previous owner or leasee might have put in the tank and used.

I completely agree with you, Wadhamite. The fuel retailing industry can indeed be plagued with dishonest practices and poor regulation, making it difficult for consumers to determine which gas station truly offers the best fuel. It’s unfortunate that there is hanky-panky involved, such as tank filling in darkness, which further adds to the uncertainty.

Your suggestion of finding a high-volume station with clean tanks and sticking to it is a practical approach to ensure good value, regardless of the brand or rating. It’s crucial to prioritize stations that maintain their tanks well, as dirty tanks can potentially contaminate the fuel and impact its quality.

Additionally, your point about used cars is worth noting. When purchasing a pre-owned vehicle, it’s essential to be mindful that the previous owner or leasee might have used different types of fuel and oil, which can influence the overall condition of the vehicle. This is something that is often overlooked and not explicitly advertised or priced.

In summary, navigating the world of fuel retailing can be challenging, but by prioritizing stations with clean tanks and being aware of the potential impact on used cars, we can make more informed decisions when it comes to fueling our vehicles.

Octane rating measures a fuel’s resistance to knocking, which is the premature ignition of fuel in the engine. Higher octane fuels are more resistant to knocking, which is important for high-performance and high-compression engines. However, octane rating is not related to the stability of the fuel in terms of its chemical composition or its ability to resist degradation over time.

Fuel stability typically refers to the fuel’s ability to resist oxidation and other chemical changes that can occur over time, leading to the formation of deposits, gum, and varnish in the fuel system. Fuel stability is influenced by factors such as the presence of additives, exposure to air, temperature, and the presence of impurities. Octane rating does not directly indicate the stability of the fuel.

How do I know that the gas I’m pumping has the extra additives in it or not as I’m only seeing what the pump states. A fuel wholesaler neat me distributes Marathon,BP, Citgo and Phillips 66. How do I know what fuel is coming from each station as I’m sure they are coming from the same rack?

It can be challenging to determine the specific additives in the gasoline you’re pumping from a particular station because, as you mentioned, multiple brands may be sourced from the same fuel distributor’s rack. Gasoline is typically regulated by government standards to meet certain minimum requirements for performance, so it should generally adhere to those standards regardless of the brand.

To gain a better understanding of the additives or detergents in the gasoline you’re buying, you can consider the following options:

1. Contact the gas station: You can try reaching out to the gas station directly and inquire about the additives or detergents they use in their fuel. They may be able to provide you with some information about their specific gasoline blend.

2. Check the station’s website or contact customer support: Some gas stations may provide information about their fuel additives and quality standards on their official website. You can also try contacting their customer support for more details.

3. Research online: Online resources, forums, and websites dedicated to discussing gasoline quality and additives may have information or reviews about specific gas stations and their fuel quality. You can search for reviews or discussions on the brands you’re interested in.

4. Look for certification labels: Some gasoline brands may have certification labels on their pumps or at the station indicating that their fuel meets certain industry standards or contains specific additives. Look for these labels to get an idea of the fuel’s quality.

5. Trust established brands: Established gasoline brands like Marathon, BP, Citgo, and Phillips 66 generally have a reputation to uphold, and they often invest in additives and detergents to maintain their quality. So, choosing a well-known brand can provide a level of assurance regarding the fuel quality.

Ultimately, while it may be challenging to know the precise additives in the gasoline you’re purchasing, choosing a reputable brand with a good track record and following any available guidelines or certification labels can help ensure that you’re getting a reliable and quality fuel product.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Consumer FAQs

Top tier™ consumer faqs.

Consumers can be assured that TOP TIER ™  Approved Fuels are high quality detergent additive fuels with performance verified at independent engine testing laboratories and sponsored by many global Automotive and Heavy-duty vehicle manufacturers. A fuel is TOP TIER™ Approved Gasoline or TOP TIER™ Approved Diesel if it contains an additive package that has been tested and shown to meet the requirements set forth in the TOP TIER™ Performance Standards . The Fuel Marketer also agrees to other conditions when they become licensed, such as displaying the logo at the site (either on the dispenser or at the fuel point of purchase) and allowing random sampling for quality monitoring.

The TOP TIER™ Performance Standards were created to promote better fuel quality, thus maintaining engine performance so that engines run as designed.

TOP TIER™ Approved Gasoline and TOP TIER™ Approved Diesel were created to help modern, state of the art engine technologies continue to run optimally throughout the full-life of the vehicle.

The TOP TIER™ Gasoline Performance Standard requires the use of independent engine laboratory tested fuel additives shown to minimize the build-up of carbon deposits that can reduce fuel economy, increase emissions and cause problems such as hard starting, hesitation and stalling. The TOP TIER™ Gasoline Performance Standard also prohibits the use of organometallic additives in gasoline that are known to damage emissions aftertreatment systems.

The TOP TIER™ Diesel Performance Standard requires the use of approved additive packages shown to reduce internal and external injector deposits, and includes specific modern-day engine requirements for:

1) lubricity to decrease wear on pumps and injectors 2) fuel stability to minimize oxidation degradation that can result in bacterial growth in gas tanks and sludge in engines, fuel injectors and fuel filters 3) particulate and water contamination to reduce fuel delivery system plugging and corrosion.

There are many factors that influence fuel quality. For gasoline powered engines, the requirements for TOP TIER™ Approved Gasolines primarily address engine deposits from low quality fuels and prohibit the use of organometallic components in fuel that could cause harm to emissions aftertreatment systems.

For diesel powered engines, the requirements for TOP TIER™ Approved Diesel address quality issues related to injector deposits, wear on pumps and injectors, fuel stability, and particulate and water contamination.

TOP TIER™ licensed Fuel Marketers are required to use TOP TIER™ Approved additives in all grades of gasoline sold at their stations.

Because of logistical issues unique to diesel fuel supply, the TOP TIER™ Approved Diesel Program allows Fuel Marketers to offer TOP TIER™ Approved Diesel at select stations only. In these cases, the TOP TIER licensed diesel marketers are also required to use TOP TIER™ Approved Fuel for all grades of diesel sold at their participating stations.

Your vehicle’s owner’s manual may also make fuel and fuel additive recommendations beyond the use of TOP TIER™ Approved Gasoline or Diesel.

Fuel delivery trucks are typically equipped with separate compartments allowing them to carry different fuels on the same load to various customers.

Retail outlets enrolled in the TOP TIER™ Program are contractually committed to selling fuel that meets the TOP TIER™ Performance Standards. This means they are supplying fuel that contains an approved additive package at the right concentration that does not contain other additives known to harm engines. TOP TIER™ licensed Fuel Marketers are monitored for quality through unannounced random auditing and they are required to display the logo at the retail site, either on the dispenser or at the fuel point-of-sale.

All TOP TIER™ Licensed Brands are formulated to meet the stringent requirements for TOP TIER™ Fuels. We recommend any of the fuel brands enrolled in the program. Please check the TOP TIER™ fuels website and the Station Finder tool to locate TOP TIER™ fuels near you. Make sure to check your vehicle owner’s manual for other important fuels information.

TOP TIER™ Approved Gasoline Brands TOP TIER™ Approved Diesel Brands

Formulations are proprietary to each fuel brand, however, each TOP TIER™ Approved additive package is evaluated for compliance to the requirements set forth in the TOP TIER™ Performance Standards.

TOP TIER™ is a higher standard of fuel, which can benefit all internal combustion engines, so you can feel confident using it in any gasoline or diesel fuel powered vehicle or engine.

The TOP TIER™ Program does not have any direct data regarding the fuel sold on military bases. These stations are not enrolled in the TOP TIER™ Program. We encourage you to use their website “Contact Us page” to let them know that TOP TIER™ Fuel is important to you.

Some convenience stores do sell fuel brands that are TOP TIER™ licensed and meet the stringent requirements set forth in the TOP TIER™ Performance Standards. You can find the list of TOP TIER™ Approved Gasoline Brands  here , and Diesel Brands  here . If the brand of gasoline or diesel on the signage or the dispensing pump is not on our brand list, the fuel is not TOP TIER™ Approved.

Although the technology and mechanical equipment for direct fuel injection differs from port fuel injection or carbureted fuel systems, the short answer is the “keep- clean” effect in these fuel systems may not differ greatly. The data and information that the sponsoring engine manufacturers have is not available in the public domain, but AAA conducted an independent investigation comparing the minimum EPA detergent levels to TOP TIER™ Approved Gasoline. The full report is available for free download here . AAA did a great job showing where in the engine you can benefit from gasoline meeting the TOP TIER™ Performance Standard and even commented on GDI engines (see section 2 of their report on pages 9 and 10; and the sub-section on emissions found in section 5.3 – page 19).

TOP TIER™ Approved Gasoline is highly recommended for consistent use in your vehicle. If TOP TIER™ Approved Gasoline is not readily available in your area, please refer to your Owner’s Manual for recommendations on the use of a fuel system treatment to keep your engine fuel deposit free and performing optimally.

A Higher Fuel Standard

Is top tier™ better, what is top tier™ gasoline.

ABOUT WHY TOP TIER SPONSORS FUEL STATIONS VIDEOS CONSUMER FAQS COMMERCIAL PARTICIPANTS RETAILER

OEM FLEET PERFORMANCE STANDARDS COMMERCIAL FAQS  NEWS & EVENTS PUBLICATIONS CONTACT PRIVACY

Contact Us : TOP TIER™ 4800 James Savage Road Midland, MI 48642 USA [email protected]

Center for Quality Assurance (CQA) is the acting administrator for the TOP TIER ™ Program.

© 2024 TOP TIER™ and all trademarks and service marks denoted with ™, ℠ or ® are owned by affiliates of TOP TIER unless otherwise noted.

TOP TIER™ Request to Purchase Decals

Center for Quality Assurance Attn: TOP TIER Licensing Program | 4800 James Savage Road | Midland, MI 48642 USA

Becoming a TOP TIER™ Licensee

• Forum Listing
• Marketplace
• Advanced Search
• State and Province Snowmobile Forums
• US Snowmobile Forums

Finally! Kwik Trip with 91 non-oxygenated gas

• Add to quote

For several years now, our riding crew has wondered why it is that Wisconsin Kwik Trip gas stations have 91 non-oxygenated (no ethanol) gas, but Minnesota stations never did. Well, the time has finally come! At some point in the past few weeks our two local Kwik Trip stations have replaced the ethanol premium grade gas with 91 non-oxy :fistpump2: FINALLY!! :buttrock:  

You woke up at 03:18 AM thinking about this??:lol: Is this for the whole state?? :dunno:  

XCR1250 said: Hayward's Co-Op has it in Premium and regular.:thumbsup: Casino has it in Premium only. Click to expand...

Bontz said: For several years now, our riding crew has wondered why it is that Wisconsin Kwik Trip gas stations have 91 non-oxygenated (no ethanol) gas, but Minnesota stations never did. Well, the time has finally come! At some point in the past few weeks our two local Kwik Trip stations have replaced the ethanol premium grade gas with 91 non-oxy :fistpump2: FINALLY!! :buttrock: Click to expand...

I know my most frequented pumps are non-eth. Lakewood One-stop (Stokke's) leaving Martin rd. trailhead heading North. The Holiday at the Two Harbors corridor. Finland Mobil and I do believe the General Store next to Mobil is non-eth too. And Porky's just off of Island Lake. Really, I guess, I've never had a problem finding non-eth fuel. And all my stops are trailside. I rarely trailer.  

The west Holiday in Two Harbors has non-eth? -because the east Holiday doesn't. I'll check on that for ya. Dixie is non-eth as is Little Store in Two Harbors.  

I'm making a bigger deal out of it than it really is, but it is a good deal for the folks around here. Our closest option for 91 non-ethanol is 20 minutes by vehicle in either direction. I would drive and fill up two 5-gallon gas cans, come home, and fill my sled up. Now we can ride right to the station and fill up ... so it's a convenience thing more than anything. And it gives riders in the area more options too.  

Bontz said: I'm making a bigger deal out of it than it really is, but it is a good deal for the folks around here. Our closest option for 91 non-ethanol is 20 minutes by vehicle in either direction. I would drive and fill up two 5-gallon gas cans, come home, and fill my sled up. Now we can ride right to the station and fill up ... so it's a convenience thing more than anything. And it gives riders in the area more options too. Click to expand...

Ya. We're getting 8 new Kwik Trips in our area in the next year or so. Maybe it will continue to be more and more available. The Holiday next to Perkins on London Rd. has ethanol free premium.  

do not always trust the pump. this spring I pulled 2 of my old bikes out. I always fill them at the super America non oxi pump by my house always. well went to twist the throttle on the 1962 Honda and it was locked up. ok old bike pulled carb to get cable off and carb was locked up pulled apart and she was green opened tank rotten gas smell. ok went out to the shed opened up the tank on the 64 filled at a different time at same pump. rotten gas and carb also green and gummy. pissed yeah but how do u prove it 6mo after the fact . now I am just running VP in the vintage stuff . heck I use less that 10 gal a yr between bikes and small yard tools BFD worth the money for piece of mind . as for sleds I always have run the last tank empty or siphoned then ran some vp in it for storage.  

I've seen the "green" death from gasoline way back in the 1950's, long before ethanol.  

what is it then? bad gas old gas ? this pump gets a ton of use lake Minnetonka 1 of 2 non oxi pumps. drive every day always boats bikes skis cans old cars filling up. so if it from old stock then the old stock comes from supplier like I said 6mo as I moved some junk to check the old kh750 that has not seen light in 1.5yrs but had non oxi from same pumps and it was fine. poss the blending is just getting more and more crappy lie everything else now days. I did not bother filling the boat 75 gal at the non oxi pump this yr after that. with all this no wake I think I will prob end the season with 60 gal usually a tank or 2 a mo  

All gas ages or goes bad after time, depending on atmosphere it is exposed to. Sealed containers limit that exposure. Doesn't matter if it's non-oxy or "ethanol blends". Big thing about oxygenated fuel is its affinity to water. Any aromatic fuel will evaporate and leave residue. Different companies add different substances to "enhance" burning or cleaning additives as they are used. Shelf life on fuel is only a few months according to many engine manufacturers. A few years ago, Honda said one month is the limit. We usually tell customers to use what they can in a month if possible. Most people go beyond that, but repairs are about 85% involving carburetor work. With the prices of fuel going up, they are squeezing more and more lighter compounds (like butanes, pentanes, etc.) out of each barrel of oil to make gasoline, and they evaporate much faster, especially winter blends. I'd made compressor several years ago, had a tank of fresh gas for it out in the sun, and it went bad within a month. Anytime you see a truck unloading a supply of fuel at a gas station, wait a few hours before buying it if possible, as the fuel dumps into the storage, it stirs up whatever is in the tank, includes water. When we "stuck" (name for measuring) tanks back in the early 70's, there was always water that was at the bottom of the underground tanks, the intake pipe would sit higher than the water level. You'll see filters and water traps put on many pump hoses nowadays. Buy from a high volume dealer to hopefully get fresh gasoline, better sometimes to pass up a small store, often the premium pump doesn't see much use, and it gets stale faster.  

useful link in search of gas Ethanol-free gas stations in the U.S. and Canada  

Thanks! I went in and asked a couple years ago to make sure. I'd be amazed if they didn't have it because it seems a ton of sledders stop and fill up there. In fact, I can't think of a time I was topping off and there wasn't another Sledder there doing the same. Of course, signs are cheap so who knows. And honestly, I'm not sure if etec's would be affected with eth anyway. But as a rule, I stay away from it. Sent from Snowmobile.com App  

There is a huge amount of boat traffic through there and ethanol kills boat motors faster than snowmobiles. I'm sure that is why they have the big sign.  

Of the probably 5 or so kwik trips in Rochester, only one of them sold 91 non-oxy this past winter. Hopefully that changes for the rest of them.  

Which one?  

This is part of the reason I ride 4 strokes now.  

Menards does as well. Sent from Snowmobile.com Free App  

• ?            
• 151.1K members

Top Contributors this Month

• Forum Listing
• Marketplace
• Advanced Search
• General Chevrolet Cruze Discussion
• General Discussion

Top Tier fuel additives in short supply.

• Add to quote

I fueled at a local Kwik Trip yesterday. As I was putting the 93 octane gas in, I noticed the 'Top Tier Fuel' banners on the pump were taped over. Shocked... went to the Top Tier Fuel website, and Kwik Trip was still listed as a supplier of top tier fuel. Said there on the website that the additives were in short supply & so they'd not delist any particular brand at this time.  

My experience with "Top Tier" and "lesser" gasolines: For practicality...it means nothing. When traveling cross country periodically for 4 years, when I needed gas...I got gas. Never a problem. Vehicle ran perfectly.  

Ever watch the same tanker truck go to two different unrelated stations on the same day? I have. Heck, Kroger gas is supposedly Shell gas. IMO, gas is gas.  

thebac said: Ever watch the same tanker truck go to two different unrelated stations on the same day? I have. Heck, Kroger gas is supposedly Shell gas. IMO, gas is gas. Click to expand...

My belief was that the gasoline at the transfer terminal where the trucks were loaded might be the same, but before/while loading the truck, they put the detergent additive in & this additive might be different composition &/or different amount for the various brands. If that's not true, then the Top Tier thing and all the advertising is complete hokum.  

TOP TIER - High-quality Fuel Performance Standard - TOP TIER™

Gas isn't gas. They do use their own additives package. My cruze does better with maverik over Costco. 42 vs. 38 My semi does better with flying j over maverik but maverik is .$40 cheaper.  

17Hatch6MT said: the additives were in short supply Click to expand...

My Jetta ran better on Conoco gas as does my Cruze runs great on Conoco diesel. We got a Phillips 66 refinery in the outskirts of the city.  

• ?            
• 742.8K posts
• 122.2K members

Top Contributors this Month

Kwik Trip named 2024 Best Gas Station Brand in the country by USA TODAY 10Best

Kwik trip was named the favorite gas station brand in the country and also made the list of best gas stations for food..

Kwik Trip is ranked the best gas station brand in the nation by USA TODAY readers.

The national newspaper announced Wednesday morning its 2024 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Kwik Trip made a couple of lists in the Road Trips division.

Kwik Trip ranked No. 1 in Best Gas Station Brand and came in third for Best Gas Station for Food , behind Royal Farms and Casey’s.

Other Road Trips categories included Best Glamping Spot, Best Luxury RV Resort, Best National Park Lodge, Best Rental Car Company, Best Roadside Attraction, Best Roadside Motel, Best RV Campground and Best Vintage Trailer Hotel.

The awards highlight the best places and attractions in travel, food, drink and lifestyle. Each week, USA TODAY 10Best hosts a panel of industry experts who nominate their favorite places and attractions across a range of categories. 10Best editors look into each nomination and select a set of nominees that readers vote on for four weeks.

Kwik Trip has become a phenomenon.

Wisconsinites will not be surprised that Kwik Trip ranked first in the favorite gas station brand category. Since opening its first location as a neighborhood grocery store in Eau Claire in 1965, the convenience store brand — now based in La Crosse — has grown to a Midwestern convenience store and gas station with almost 900 Kwik Trip and Kwik Star locations in Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota and South Dakota. As Kwik Trip has continued to grow, it has collected a fan base that turned the brand into a phenomenon.

USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin took a deeper dive into the brand and its popularity in 2022.

Part of Kwik Trip's success has been through the use of social media, turning a convenience store and gas station into a more humanized brand voice that connects to its followers. A digital content supervisor told USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin that Kwik Trip has used social media platforms to bring the brand to life, listening and learning from its fans and followers.

Kwik Trip has Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Snapchat accounts. It even has a Spotify account with more than 160 followers who can listen to the company's "Kwik Trip Checkout" or "Chicken Jammies" public playlists.

Why do people love Kwik Trip?

There are multiple fan groups on social media dedicated to members' love for Kwik Trip, including a Wisconsin Kwik Trip Enthusiast Club, Kwik Trip Enthusiasts Club and even a Kwik Trip Missed Connections group. Some fans have held photo shoots at their local stores, even on prom and wedding days.

In the 2022 article, customers shared with USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin why they loved Kwik Trip. Many said they appreciated the company's high standards for cleanliness, helpful and caring employees and a variety of "grab and go" food options. Customers said they feel like they're a person in a Kwik Trip and not just another customer.

Many people love how interactive the brand is on social media, often posting jokes and quips and responding directly to comments on its social media posts. Kwik Trip also leans into its Midwest brand, partnering with various Midwest social media personalities like comedian Charlie Berens and various Green Bay Packers players.

More Kwik Trip news: Would you try a blueberry doughnut-flavored potato chip? You can find them at Kwik Trip.

More Kwik Trip news: She's from Green Bay. He's from the United Kingdom. On their wedding day, they went head over heels at Kwik Trip.

Contact Caitlin at  [email protected]  or follow her on Twitter  @CaitlinShuda .