Retailers voluntarily join the TOP TIER licensing program to supply a higher standard fuel meeting the TOP TIER™ requirements. The TOP TIER™ standards have been developed to meet today’s demanding engine requirements, which optimizes engine performance and benefits the end user.

The licensed additive companies create additive formulations and conduct testing, ultimately receiving TOP TIER™ approval. The fuel retailer agrees to purchase fuel treated with a TOP TIER™ additive at the correct concentration and display the logo.

Here are the six easy steps to become TOP TIER™ licensed. For further information on becoming TOP TIER™ licensed, contact us online or email TopTier@CenterForQA.com.

TOP TIER™ Approved Gasoline

TOP TIER™ Approved Gasoline was first introduced in 2004 when a group of automakers recognized the need for a higher detergency gasoline standard than that required by regulation.

Fuels with lower-quality additive packages can build up deposits on fuel injectors and on intake valves. Other additive packages can build up deposits in combustion chambers and may lead to intake valve sticking. These lower levels of additives can have negative impacts on engine performance and vehicle responsiveness.

Automotive support for TOP TIER™ Approved Gasoline has grown since 2004.  The program is now supported by BMW, General Motors, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Honda, Toyota, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, Navistar, Audi, and Ford.  These top automakers have raised the bar for fuel quality.  The TOP TIER™ Approved Gasoline licensing program helps drivers avoid gasoline which may leave deposits on critical engine parts, reduce engine performance, and, in some cases, damage the engine. 

TOP TIER™ Approved Diesel

TOP TIER™ Approved Diesel was introduced in 2017 by a consortium of automotive and heavy-duty OEMs manufacturing diesel engines.

TOP TIER™ Approved Diesel was developed to provide better performance, in turn helping the diesel retailers, auto and engine manufacturers, and particularly those who drive or use diesel-powered equipment.

Relative to the ASTM D975 and D7467 specifications for diesel and biodiesel blended fuel in the U.S., the TOP TIER™ Diesel Performance Standard requires licensees to:

• reduce deposits on the fuel injectors (both internal and external)
• improve lubricity (less wear on injectors and in the engine)
• improve fuel stability (less deposits in the fuel system components)
• and provide increased protection against water and particulates introduced into the fuel before being dispensed into the vehicle or equipment.