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Don't rely on brand alone for Top Tier fuel

av8r

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I just buy fuel wherever it's cheapest. Always have, always will. Marketing will cost you money.
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BrrRaptor

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Nope. It applies to all grades, although a station with Top Tier gasoline may not have Top Tier diesel.
You are correct. I did look up Shell and while they do add it to all grades they put more in there high octane. I'm assuming that's where I got that idea from. I remember seeing it advertised on top of the pumps about the high octane but they don't tell you its in all grades. Marketing at its best.

"Shell adds detergents to all grades of their gasoline, meeting Top Tier™ standards for engine cleanliness, but their premium V-Power® NiTRO+ contains significantly more cleaning agents than regular or mid-grade to actively remove deposits. All gasolines in the U.S. must have minimum additives by the EPA, but Shell's proprietary blends go beyond that, with premium having the highest concentration"
"Premium (V-Power NiTRO+): Has the highest concentration of cleaning agents, actively removing existing deposits and preventing new ones, even cleaning intake valves"
 

Satex

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I just buy fuel wherever it's cheapest. Always have, always will. Marketing will cost you money.
But you haven't always had vehicles with GDI. It's your vehicle and your choice. But doing things the same way when circumstances have changed doesn't make sense.
 

av8r

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But you haven't always had vehicles with GDI. It's your vehicle and your choice. But doing things the same way when circumstances have changed doesn't make sense.
To date, I've had somewhere north of 78 vehicles (4 wheelers) and a bunch of them had some flavor of GDI. I do what I do because it works and experience proves that.
 

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Aemonn

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I always seek out top tier gas when possible, but don't stress it if I'm in the boonies and cant. I do put effort when traveling to load up the website and look for a station within my available range.

They do have an app, I thought. Or maybe it's just the website. Not sure. Whatever they have it sucks. It geolocates when you first load it and then doesn't update, so when you're traveling down the freeway and scroll away from your vehicle,you need to close it out entirely and open it again for it to re-geolocate and zoom in on your vehicle.

Would be nice if they actually invested some into this.

I don't think it's a marketing ploy at all. In fact, there have been tests and studies to prove it isn't for those inclined to look them up.
 

Crapblaster

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When the engine has direct injection there is no fuel going over the valves. I could see where it would help on port injection.
 

RLE55

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When the engine has direct injection there is no fuel going over the valves. I could see where it would help on port injection.
As a result of all the GDI engines being made now, all Top Tier Gas, as of 2025, is being upgraded to Top Tier Plus.
 

Satex

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When the engine has direct injection there is no fuel going over the valves. I could see where it would help on port injection.
1. The Ranger has a combination of port and direct injection. Different engines use each in different load situations.
2.
When the engine has direct injection there is no fuel going over the valves. I could see where it would help on port injection.
What goes past the intake valves? Just air? Nope. It also has pollutants, carbon, unburned fuel, etc. returned through the EGR system. There's more of that with lower quality fuel, and fuel injectors get dirty faster which also adds to the material returned via the EGR valve.
 

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Setac641A

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Valero has always performed perfectly in my 2018 F150 2.7L, and as a bonus, it was the least expensive in my (previously in NY) area. There aren't any around me now (Arizona), so I use either Chevron or Quick Trip. In a pinch I'll use Circle K (Bleh!), but I make sure to add a bottle of Techron or Gumout, which I always have behind the seat. Still waiting on purchasing a Ranger, since there aren't any local dealers that are interested in selling me a vehicle. I will be getting another 2.7L, as this engine has been nothing but perfect. Currently 130,500+ problem-free miles.
 

LDHunter

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Since I started using exclusively top tier gas I have a lot less time spent at mechanics shops. I used to buy the cheapest gas because "it all comes from the same trucks" which is only partially true. The same truck can dispense several different kinds and grades of gas these days.

I don't even bother with "tune ups" any more. I keep waiting for a mechanic to recommend it and It seems that they have become almost completely unnecessary. I also get better mileage in the long run with top tier gas. Change oil and filters and rock on!

Some may argue with the science and experience and the advice of the experts. I am not of that group.
 

Crapblaster

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1. The Ranger has a combination of port and direct injection. Different engines use each in different load situations.

Ranger Raptor 3.0L has direct only.
2.

What goes past the intake valves? Just air? Nope. It also has pollutants, carbon, unburned fuel, etc. returned through the EGR system. There's more of that with lower quality fuel, and fuel injectors get dirty faster which also adds to the material returned via the EGR valve.
Ranger Raptor 3.0L has direct only.

Port injection fuel is is sprayed ahead of the valves, so it has a cleaning effect on the valves. Better gas could help keep injectors cleaner port or direct.
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