At Jiffy Lube, we regularly get questions about auto care, including what gas to put in your vehicle. You are likely vaguely aware of the different types of fuel available at your local gas station, even if you just know that there are regular, premium, and diesel options. But what about the gas brand? Does it matter what brand of gas for your car you choose?
Yes, It Matters
You may not realize it, but there is a difference between the gas for your car from various brands. The biggest difference comes from the detergent additives in the fuel. You want to choose a brand that has more of these detergent additives. That’s because they prevent the formation of carbon deposits in your engine.
Those carbon deposits may potentially lead to issues over time. The deposits may form inside the combustion chambers, causing premature fuel ignition, meaning your engine knocking or pinging. The deposits can also form on the intake valves, hurting the functionality of these valves.
What Brands to Use
So, if the brand of gas for your car you select matters, which ones should you use? There are a group of gas brands called “Top Tier” ones. They use much more detergent and other helpful additives than the EPA requires.
Your automaker may even explicitly tell you to use one of these brands. Their goal here is to stop the issues associated with carbon deposits, such as fouled fuel injectors, poor fuel economy, or poor engine performance.
It is usually a safe assumption that most major oil companies are Top Tier brands and, therefore, safe to use. Just some of those who meet Top Tier standards include:
- BP
- Chevron
- ExxonMobil
- Phillips 66
- Shell
- Texaco
- Valero
There are also plenty of others on the list. You can easily search online to see if your preferred gas station follows Top Tier standards.
But You Can Still Get Away With Other Brands
While it’s generally best to use Top Tier gas for your car, doing so doesn’t always make sense. Maybe you just don’t live close to a Top Tier gas station or are on a road trip and not by one. Or maybe your tight budget means you need to save every penny.
Some Automakers Suggest Skipped Top Tier Gasoline
Interestingly, some automakers even suggest you avoid Top Tier gas. Instead of using that gasoline, Kia and Hyundai suggest adding a fuel-system cleaner in your tank occasionally. This should clean out deposits.
The best way to confirm what your automaker suggests for your vehicle is to check your owner’s manual.
Have Deposits? Jiffy Lube Can Help
Whether or not you use Top Tier gas for your car, Jiffy Lube is here to help you with all of your auto maintenance. We can perform inspections, help you clean engine deposits, or perform other maintenance, all for competitive prices. And with more than 2,000 locations across the country, you can easily find a Jiffy Lube service center close to your home.
