(KTXL) — Many people flock to warehouses like Costco and Sam’s Club with high hopes of getting the best deal on the price of fuel. Although both offer similar savings, there’s a difference in the quality of gas they pump.
The most notable difference between Costco and Sam’s Club is that one provides Top Tier gas while the other does not.
“Not all gasoline is created equal,” Consumer Reports wrote in March 2022. “There is plain old regular, and then there is regular gasoline that meets a higher standard, known as Top Tier.”
According to Top Tier’s website, the fuel was “developed by some of the leading automotive and heavy-duty equipment manufacturers.” It is intended to reduce deposit buildup on fuel injectors and intake valves, which can improve your vehicle’s engine performance, responsiveness, and fuel economy.
In 2016, AAA conducted a study that revealed that Top Tier gasoline keeps engines 19 times cleaner.
In response to increasing levels of carbon deposits in modern engine designs, AAA reported that the Environmental Protection Agency mandated a minimum level of detergent — which helps keep your engine clean — for all gasoline sold in the U.S. in 1996. Top Tier fuel uses more detergent additives than the EPA requires.
Continued fuel use without the Top Tier additive package could result in 2% to 4% lower miles per gallon, increased emissions, and a greater chance of maintenance issues, according to AAA.
While both Costco and Sam’s Club offer unleaded, premium, and diesel fuels (here’s how to know which you should be getting), only Costco offers Top Tier fuel.
If you don’t have a Costco membership, you can still find Top Tier gas at other stations.
“Yes, Top Tier gas is worth the extra money,” CarFax reported. “The benefits are not a myth.”
While Top Tier fuel may cost a bit more, you’re likely to save more overall at the pump if you fill up at a warehouse store — like Costco and Sam’s Club — than at a regular gas station.
Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, told Consumer Reports that gas at warehouse stations is typically anywhere between 5 cents and 25 cents cheaper per gallon than at other gas stations.
“And when prices rise, they hold their prices down for longer,” he added.
While both Costco and Sam's Club offer unleaded, premium, and diesel fuels (here's how to know which you should be getting), only Costco offers Top Tier
Top Tier
Characteristics of Top Tier gasoline
Typically, Top Tier gasoline will contain two to three times the amount of detergent additives currently required by the EPA. The extra additives are estimated to cost less than a cent per gallon.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Top_Tier_Detergent_Gasoline
fuel. If you don't have a Costco membership, you can still find Top Tier gas at other stations. “Yes, Top Tier gas is worth the extra money,” CarFax reported.
Which is why we're committed to ensure Costco sells only the highest quality fuel that meets or exceeds the industry and regulatory standards. Our trained and certified fuel attendants are our greatest asset. Their primary focus is to assist our members, and comply with safety and environmental regulations.
You'll know you're filling up with the good stuff if you spot a small green sticker on the pump that says “TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline.” As of early 2022, the following stations sold Top Tier gasoline in the U.S.: 76, ARCO, Aloha, Beacon, Breakaway, CITGO, Cenex, Chevron, Conoco, Costco Wholesale, CountryMark, ...
Although both offer similar savings, there's a difference in the quality of gas they pump. The most notable difference between Costco and Sam's Club is that one provides Top Tier gas while the other does not. “Not all gasoline is created equal,” Consumer Reports wrote in March 2022.
Costco has more stores across the globe, is expanding rapidly, and generally offers cheaper prices than Sam's Club does, although the latter charges slightly less for membership, has a bigger presence in the U.S., and stocks more name brands.
While both Costco and Sam's Club offer unleaded, premium, and diesel fuels (here's how to know which you should be getting), only Costco offers Top Tier fuel. If you don't have a Costco membership, you can still find Top Tier gas at other stations. “Yes, Top Tier gas is worth the extra money,” CarFax reported.
Costco fuel stations are well-maintained by our capable attendants so you may be confident that the fuel going into your car is clean. Costco uses fuel filters in the petrol pumps to catch particles or debris larger than 10 microns in diameter. For comparison, the average human hair is seventy microns thick.
93 octane fuels are more refined and contain more stable hydrocarbons. These stable hydrocarbons can last 2-3 times longer than 87 octane fuel. Even in proper storage 87 octane gas can start to degrade in 3 months, 93 octane fuel should last closer to 9 months before degradation is noticeable.
Should I use regular or premium gas? You should use the type of fuel the vehicle's manufacturer recommends. A vehicle that runs on regular gas will not run any better on premium fuel. Using premium gas in a vehicle designed for premium gas will help the car perform better and avoid damaging the engine with regular gas.
Arco, Chevron, Gulf, Mobil, Phillips 66, and Texaco sell Top Tier gas, along with most other major gas station chains. Smaller brands, convenience stores, and retailers like Costco and Meijer also sell Top Tier gas. You can check the full list of participating brands on the Top Tier Gas website.
Top Tier fuel is gasoline that has more detergent additives than the Environment Protection Agency requires. Costco offers Top Tier gasoline with higher levels of required detergents; however, Sam's Club does not.
Since auto companies are not able to dictate fuel regulations or fuel standards, the TOP TIER™ logo serves as an indication of a station where the fuel marketer is supportive and offers the vehicle manufacturer's request for higher standards in fuel.
How do I know I'm getting TOP TIER™ fuel? Many fueling stations selling TOP TIER™ Licensed Brands prominently display the TOP TIER™ logo on the pump, pump handle, canopy or in a station window. The TOP TIER™ logo means you're getting fuel that meets the performance requirements set by engine manufacturers.
Costco is mainly owned by institutional investors, who own over 70% of shares. The largest shareholders in December 2023 are: The Vanguard Group (9.10%) BlackRock (6.90%)
A division of Walmart Inc., we are the membership warehouse club solution for everyday living. Our President and CEO is Chris Nicholas and our headquarters is in Bentonville, AR. For the fiscal year ending January 31, 2023, Sam's Club's total revenue was $84.3 billion.
A Sam's Club membership is worth it for some solo shoppers
If you live alone and have the space to store bulk items, that's a plus. Sam's Club finds, like bulk meat that can be frozen, pre-made frozen foods, household cleaning essentials, and toiletries are a great option for single people.
Generally speaking, buying gas at Costco is significantly cheaper than doing so at a traditional gas station. The typical driver can save more than $100 per year. Buying gas at Costco can justify a membership all by itself.
It's not only equal/better, it's literally the exact same stuff. Every fuel station in a given area gets their fuel from the same pipeline terminal. The big oil company brand on the pumps doesn't mean much, as it's just licensed and franchised just like McDonald's.
As gasoline prices fall, Costco does not lower prices at the same pace it raises them when prices are climbing. This allows the company to recoup some of the profits lost by doing the reverse when prices were rising.
Buying gas at Costco can save you money -- typical savings are around $0.20 per gallon. It makes stopping at the warehouse club more convenient -- you can buy groceries and fuel up your car. The higher quality of Costco gas could help your vehicle run more smoothly.
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