R56 Costco Gas is now Top Tier retailer
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2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2013
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Costco Gas is now Top Tier retailer
The Top Tier website now lists Costco as a Top Tier retailer.
http://www.toptiergas.com
Their gas contains the detergent levels of Shell gas.
Would you use it?
http://www.toptiergas.com
Their gas contains the detergent levels of Shell gas.
Would you use it?
3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 178
Likes: 2
From: Long Beach, CA
I ran it in my GTI for about six months and really gunked up the engine. I had to run about three bottles of S-1 through it to clean it up. GTIs have direct injection engines, too, btw. Even if the fuel formulation has changed, I won't go back. There are always long lines there.
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 167
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From: Knoxville, TN
I've been alternating between 100% and Shell V-Power, but a few weeks ago had an incident at the station that carries the 100% premium. I think the filter was plugged at the pump and it took forever to fill the tank and the auto-shutoff did not work, overfilling my tank. This was at a "Top-Tier" Conoco station.
If Costco gas is similar to Shell, I'd be tempted to save a few bucks on my fill ups. My local Costco was built within the past year, so I'd imagine their equipment would be up to snuff.
3rd Gear
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 236
Likes: 1
From: Phoenix,Az.
[QUOTE="san diego motoring;3903761"]The Top Tier website now lists Costco as a Top Tier retailer. http://www.toptiergas.com Their gas contains the detergent levels of Shell gas. Would you use it?[/
90% of the time I use costco gas. I'll use qt if I'm not near a costco. I like that there's a line to fill up because I know the fuel is always fresh.
90% of the time I use costco gas. I'll use qt if I'm not near a costco. I like that there's a line to fill up because I know the fuel is always fresh.
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 367
Likes: 1
Found an article from '08
This was posted by Costco in reply to their gas:
Top Tier Gasoline
All gasoline retailers in a given market sell the same grade and quality fuel, as the government has very precise standards for octane and other gasoline characteristics. The only difference between different brands of fuel is the detergent additive package. Since 1995, the federal government requires that all gasoline sold in the U.S. contain detergent additives. These additives must be EPA-approved, and the government specifies the amount based on what it takes to keep engines free of deposits. Because it's a performance-based requirement, over the years the fuel suppliers have figured out ways to use less of these expensive additives to achieve the government standards. All Costco gasoline contains detergent additives in the amount necessary to meet these requirements.
Recently, several automakers (BMW, GM, Toyota, and Honda) announced their new "Top Tier" standard for gasoline, as they believe the government additive requirement is too low. They invited gasoline manufacturers to certify their fuel to this higher standard, and several have done so. Other major oil companies, such as BP, declined as they believe the auto manufacturers are simply trying to reduce their warranty claims. To achieve this voluntary "Top Tier" designation, all the fuel sold in the U.S. must meet the higher standard. Costco cannot currently do this as we buy from a variety of refiners and distributors around the country and do not own our own truck terminals where the additives are blended with the fuel.
Nor is it certain how much additive is really necessary to keep an engine clear of deposits. The fuel detergent is only one component, as anything that causes incomplete combustion will lead to valve deposits and fuel injector clogging. It's easy for an auto mechanic to simply declare the problem is the gasoline. So the science is uncertain, and the industry response is certainly not unanimous. Regardless, we are actively researching the issue directly with the various additive manufacturers. We are hesitant to raise the cost of fuel to our members without first understanding if this is simply a way for some brands to charge more for their fuel. We do know that we sell a tremendous amount of fuel with very few complaints.
Costco only buys fuel from reputable suppliers, and we do a very good job of maintaining our tanks and pump filters to assure clean fuel is delivered to our members. If you remain concerned about fuel deposits, Costco sells a four-pack of Chevron's Proguard fuel injector cleaner in our warehouses for about $10, or $2.50 per bottle. It's much less expensive to use a bottle of this occasionally than to buy higher priced fuel every time you fill up. Any auto parts store has a shelf full of similar products.
Again, all Costco fuel contains detergent additives sufficient to meet the government standards. As with anything we sell, our fuel is 100% guaranteed.
In response to reading the toptier web site, these stations/companies need meet a minimum standard to qualify of this status.
Several auto companies hold the gas companies to a higher standard.
Therefore they recommend certain companies for gas when you purchase them based on these standards.
I'm not a chemical engineer so this information us just that, internet information!
I'll stick to what I SEE or FEEL is top level gas.....Shell/BP
In filling up @ around 10 gallons and a difference of .05/gal........I'll pay the .50/tank
Yeah, I know...over time.......52 x .50 = $26.00/year
I may not retire a year sooner, but I'll deal with that later!
This was posted by Costco in reply to their gas:
Top Tier Gasoline
All gasoline retailers in a given market sell the same grade and quality fuel, as the government has very precise standards for octane and other gasoline characteristics. The only difference between different brands of fuel is the detergent additive package. Since 1995, the federal government requires that all gasoline sold in the U.S. contain detergent additives. These additives must be EPA-approved, and the government specifies the amount based on what it takes to keep engines free of deposits. Because it's a performance-based requirement, over the years the fuel suppliers have figured out ways to use less of these expensive additives to achieve the government standards. All Costco gasoline contains detergent additives in the amount necessary to meet these requirements.
Recently, several automakers (BMW, GM, Toyota, and Honda) announced their new "Top Tier" standard for gasoline, as they believe the government additive requirement is too low. They invited gasoline manufacturers to certify their fuel to this higher standard, and several have done so. Other major oil companies, such as BP, declined as they believe the auto manufacturers are simply trying to reduce their warranty claims. To achieve this voluntary "Top Tier" designation, all the fuel sold in the U.S. must meet the higher standard. Costco cannot currently do this as we buy from a variety of refiners and distributors around the country and do not own our own truck terminals where the additives are blended with the fuel.
Nor is it certain how much additive is really necessary to keep an engine clear of deposits. The fuel detergent is only one component, as anything that causes incomplete combustion will lead to valve deposits and fuel injector clogging. It's easy for an auto mechanic to simply declare the problem is the gasoline. So the science is uncertain, and the industry response is certainly not unanimous. Regardless, we are actively researching the issue directly with the various additive manufacturers. We are hesitant to raise the cost of fuel to our members without first understanding if this is simply a way for some brands to charge more for their fuel. We do know that we sell a tremendous amount of fuel with very few complaints.
Costco only buys fuel from reputable suppliers, and we do a very good job of maintaining our tanks and pump filters to assure clean fuel is delivered to our members. If you remain concerned about fuel deposits, Costco sells a four-pack of Chevron's Proguard fuel injector cleaner in our warehouses for about $10, or $2.50 per bottle. It's much less expensive to use a bottle of this occasionally than to buy higher priced fuel every time you fill up. Any auto parts store has a shelf full of similar products.
Again, all Costco fuel contains detergent additives sufficient to meet the government standards. As with anything we sell, our fuel is 100% guaranteed.
In response to reading the toptier web site, these stations/companies need meet a minimum standard to qualify of this status.
Several auto companies hold the gas companies to a higher standard.
Therefore they recommend certain companies for gas when you purchase them based on these standards.
I'm not a chemical engineer so this information us just that, internet information!
I'll stick to what I SEE or FEEL is top level gas.....Shell/BP
In filling up @ around 10 gallons and a difference of .05/gal........I'll pay the .50/tank
Yeah, I know...over time.......52 x .50 = $26.00/year
I may not retire a year sooner, but I'll deal with that later!
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6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 3,428
Likes: 37
From: Mission Viejo, CA
I have used just about every fuel brand out there and my MCS runs better on Shell V-Power, besides I run BG 44k once a month. Nothing holds a candle to BG products, I've seen what it can do! That Techron stuff doesn't remove the oily deposits that most N14's ingest because of a poor PCV system. Oil vapors are burned and deposited in our combustion chambers. It looked exactly like my intake runners and intake valves before the media blasting.
I have used just about every fuel brand out there and my MCS runs better on Shell V-Power, besides I run BG 44k once a month. Nothing holds a candle to BG products, I've seen what it can do! That Techron stuff doesn't remove the oily deposits that most N14's ingest because of a poor PCV system. Oil vapors are burned and deposited in our combustion chambers. It looked exactly like my intake runners and intake valves before the media blasting.
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 367
Likes: 1
@pokeyjoe
Just showing that as far back as '08 they were talking about being toptier.
Seeing the "new" news about them being toptier now and having what they considered as the reason why they may NOT have been toptier to be connected.
Since it bothered you this much, please make a request to have a MOD remove and maybe neg report me!
Attempting to be helpful in passing along concurrent info on possible reason and the effects of being something that is easily done, would/might be helpful to others.
Just background information.
Being toptier isn't an end all be all situation.
Each member here can/may disseminate the information posted and follow their own curiosities on each subject.
Thanks and Enjoy the rest of your day.
P.S. I could have left out the header with '08, but in the interest of posting what was actually said and the timeline....I left it in.
Just showing that as far back as '08 they were talking about being toptier.
Seeing the "new" news about them being toptier now and having what they considered as the reason why they may NOT have been toptier to be connected.
Since it bothered you this much, please make a request to have a MOD remove and maybe neg report me!
Attempting to be helpful in passing along concurrent info on possible reason and the effects of being something that is easily done, would/might be helpful to others.
Just background information.
Being toptier isn't an end all be all situation.
Each member here can/may disseminate the information posted and follow their own curiosities on each subject.
Thanks and Enjoy the rest of your day.
P.S. I could have left out the header with '08, but in the interest of posting what was actually said and the timeline....I left it in.
///Me
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 3,428
Likes: 37
From: Mission Viejo, CA
Nothings as effective as BG 44k at $30, but my local BG dealer sells it to me for $21.50 each and I don't have to wait for it to get here via shipping. They tell me I'm not the only person that owns a MCS that coming in there to buy it. You find me a better product than BG 44k for $21.50 and I'll buy it!
Thread Starter
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2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 90
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Found an article from '08
This was posted by Costco in reply to their gas:
Top Tier Gasoline
All gasoline retailers in a given market sell the same grade and quality fuel, as the government has very precise standards for octane and other gasoline characteristics. The only difference between different brands of fuel is the detergent additive package. Since 1995, the federal government requires that all gasoline sold in the U.S. contain detergent additives. These additives must be EPA-approved, and the government specifies the amount based on what it takes to keep engines free of deposits. Because it's a performance-based requirement, over the years the fuel suppliers have figured out ways to use less of these expensive additives to achieve the government standards. All Costco gasoline contains detergent additives in the amount necessary to meet these requirements.
Recently, several automakers (BMW, GM, Toyota, and Honda) announced their new "Top Tier" standard for gasoline, as they believe the government additive requirement is too low. They invited gasoline manufacturers to certify their fuel to this higher standard, and several have done so. Other major oil companies, such as BP, declined as they believe the auto manufacturers are simply trying to reduce their warranty claims. To achieve this voluntary "Top Tier" designation, all the fuel sold in the U.S. must meet the higher standard. Costco cannot currently do this as we buy from a variety of refiners and distributors around the country and do not own our own truck terminals where the additives are blended with the fuel.
Nor is it certain how much additive is really necessary to keep an engine clear of deposits. The fuel detergent is only one component, as anything that causes incomplete combustion will lead to valve deposits and fuel injector clogging. It's easy for an auto mechanic to simply declare the problem is the gasoline. So the science is uncertain, and the industry response is certainly not unanimous. Regardless, we are actively researching the issue directly with the various additive manufacturers. We are hesitant to raise the cost of fuel to our members without first understanding if this is simply a way for some brands to charge more for their fuel. We do know that we sell a tremendous amount of fuel with very few complaints.
Costco only buys fuel from reputable suppliers, and we do a very good job of maintaining our tanks and pump filters to assure clean fuel is delivered to our members. If you remain concerned about fuel deposits, Costco sells a four-pack of Chevron's Proguard fuel injector cleaner in our warehouses for about $10, or $2.50 per bottle. It's much less expensive to use a bottle of this occasionally than to buy higher priced fuel every time you fill up. Any auto parts store has a shelf full of similar products.
Again, all Costco fuel contains detergent additives sufficient to meet the government standards. As with anything we sell, our fuel is 100% guaranteed.
In response to reading the toptier web site, these stations/companies need meet a minimum standard to qualify of this status.
Several auto companies hold the gas companies to a higher standard.
Therefore they recommend certain companies for gas when you purchase them based on these standards.
I'm not a chemical engineer so this information us just that, internet information!
I'll stick to what I SEE or FEEL is top level gas.....Shell/BP
In filling up @ around 10 gallons and a difference of .05/gal........I'll pay the .50/tank
Yeah, I know...over time.......52 x .50 = $26.00/year
I may not retire a year sooner, but I'll deal with that later!
This was posted by Costco in reply to their gas:
Top Tier Gasoline
All gasoline retailers in a given market sell the same grade and quality fuel, as the government has very precise standards for octane and other gasoline characteristics. The only difference between different brands of fuel is the detergent additive package. Since 1995, the federal government requires that all gasoline sold in the U.S. contain detergent additives. These additives must be EPA-approved, and the government specifies the amount based on what it takes to keep engines free of deposits. Because it's a performance-based requirement, over the years the fuel suppliers have figured out ways to use less of these expensive additives to achieve the government standards. All Costco gasoline contains detergent additives in the amount necessary to meet these requirements.
Recently, several automakers (BMW, GM, Toyota, and Honda) announced their new "Top Tier" standard for gasoline, as they believe the government additive requirement is too low. They invited gasoline manufacturers to certify their fuel to this higher standard, and several have done so. Other major oil companies, such as BP, declined as they believe the auto manufacturers are simply trying to reduce their warranty claims. To achieve this voluntary "Top Tier" designation, all the fuel sold in the U.S. must meet the higher standard. Costco cannot currently do this as we buy from a variety of refiners and distributors around the country and do not own our own truck terminals where the additives are blended with the fuel.
Nor is it certain how much additive is really necessary to keep an engine clear of deposits. The fuel detergent is only one component, as anything that causes incomplete combustion will lead to valve deposits and fuel injector clogging. It's easy for an auto mechanic to simply declare the problem is the gasoline. So the science is uncertain, and the industry response is certainly not unanimous. Regardless, we are actively researching the issue directly with the various additive manufacturers. We are hesitant to raise the cost of fuel to our members without first understanding if this is simply a way for some brands to charge more for their fuel. We do know that we sell a tremendous amount of fuel with very few complaints.
Costco only buys fuel from reputable suppliers, and we do a very good job of maintaining our tanks and pump filters to assure clean fuel is delivered to our members. If you remain concerned about fuel deposits, Costco sells a four-pack of Chevron's Proguard fuel injector cleaner in our warehouses for about $10, or $2.50 per bottle. It's much less expensive to use a bottle of this occasionally than to buy higher priced fuel every time you fill up. Any auto parts store has a shelf full of similar products.
Again, all Costco fuel contains detergent additives sufficient to meet the government standards. As with anything we sell, our fuel is 100% guaranteed.
In response to reading the toptier web site, these stations/companies need meet a minimum standard to qualify of this status.
Several auto companies hold the gas companies to a higher standard.
Therefore they recommend certain companies for gas when you purchase them based on these standards.
I'm not a chemical engineer so this information us just that, internet information!
I'll stick to what I SEE or FEEL is top level gas.....Shell/BP
In filling up @ around 10 gallons and a difference of .05/gal........I'll pay the .50/tank
Yeah, I know...over time.......52 x .50 = $26.00/year
I may not retire a year sooner, but I'll deal with that later!
4th Gear
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 367
Likes: 0
I have a a 2013 supercharged Tacoma and my 2007 MCS both need premium and I've never had an issue with either on Costco gas. Our local Costco has ethanol in it per Hawaii mandate...only ethanol free is plus which pings in the taco and I am reluctant to try in the cooper.
I also run a BG44k in each regularly.
I also run a BG44k in each regularly.
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,894
Likes: 8
From: Philly PA
http://www.examiner.com/article/cost...ruined-engines
Just two examples..
Plus this class action lawsuit..
http://www.costco.com/fuelsettlement.pdf
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2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2013
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http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/video...lems/132751993
http://www.examiner.com/article/cost...ruined-engines
Just two examples..
Plus this class action lawsuit..
http://www.costco.com/fuelsettlement.pdf
The class action lawsuit states:
The complaints allege that the defendants improperly sold motor fuel at temperatures above 60 degrees Fahrenheit without adjustment for the fuel’s temperature.**
How does that ruin engines?
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,894
Likes: 8
From: Philly PA
While the 60 degree issue is "improperly sold motor fuel at temperatures above 60 degrees Fahrenheit without adjustment for the fuel’s temperature" - you can take that as - either a volume (as in you get less then you pay for..) or a reid vapor pressure issue which would lead to engine performance issues.
Costco generally sells good quality stuff. I don't use the fuel because well, our local Costco does not sell fuel. Plus, I'm a Sunoco guy.
I run costco if it is in my travel path, but I will not go out of my way for it. Too many old people and tourists who wait 3 cars deep all hours of the day to save a few pennies. I see no issue in running it, its the same gas my dealer puts in every single car they sell.
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,436
Likes: 35
From: Sacramento, CA
I work at Costco. You wouldn't believe how many people put 87 in their BMW and Mercedes. I mean really. Brand new car and you want to ruin it already? In the end they will blame BMW or Mercedes for making a "shitty" car. But now being a clean power location. We are approved by Top Tier fuels.
In my employee email, " Yes. Both grades of gasoline sold at Costco meet and exceed TOP TIER™ requirements. The owners' manuals provided by the following manufacturers recommend using TOP TIER™ gasoline to maintain optimal engine performance and efficiency.
BMW, including Mini Cooper and Rolls-Royce
General Motors, including Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC
Honda, including Acura
Toyota, including Lexus and Scion
Volkswagen/Audi, including Porsche, Lamborghini, and Bentley
Mercedes-Benz, including Smart"
In my employee email, " Yes. Both grades of gasoline sold at Costco meet and exceed TOP TIER™ requirements. The owners' manuals provided by the following manufacturers recommend using TOP TIER™ gasoline to maintain optimal engine performance and efficiency.
BMW, including Mini Cooper and Rolls-Royce
General Motors, including Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC
Honda, including Acura
Toyota, including Lexus and Scion
Volkswagen/Audi, including Porsche, Lamborghini, and Bentley
Mercedes-Benz, including Smart"
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,436
Likes: 35
From: Sacramento, CA
My location just turned into a Clean Power location this year. And most Costco's are Clean Power now. Forget the old Costco fuel, this one is different. Detergents exceeding the minimum requirement. I just don't get fuel at Costco all the time because of the long lines. Lol
4th Gear
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 375
Likes: 0
From: Fort Myers, Fl
Now I only use shell or Mobil.