AAA also found Top Tier gasoline can have a cleansing effect, reducing intake valve deposits by
45% to 72% when used over a 5,000-mile interval.
AAA also found Top Tier gasoline can have a cleansing effect, reducing intake valve deposits by 45% to 72% when used over a 5,000-mile interval. It should be mentioned that the Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB) mandates that all octane gasoline contain detergents designed to protect against the build-up of engine deposits. These standards are now the minimum, with Top Tier going well beyond the basics. The result is that Top Tier offers a competitive advantage for those retailing these fuels with some of the majors going beyond to establish niche markets of their own. For example, Suncor’s Petro-Canada stations have taken Top Tier further with a fuel enhancement available only at their sites. “Our proprietary additive technology, Tactrol, is designed to keep fuel systems clean which provides improved emissions,” says Suncor spokesperson Nicole Fisher. “Additionally, our Ultra 94 Fuel, which is a 94 octane fuel, helps ensure you get maximum horsepower, acceleration and performance from your vehicle. Ultra 94 is available at over 450 stations in Alberta, Ontario and Quebec,” Fisher reports, adding that, like many refiners, Suncor alters its products for changing weather conditions. “We use a phased approach and change the quality of the diesel on specified dates based on industry agreed-to targets. We start this process late in September and continue the phased changes until late in November/early December. We use a similar phased approach with our gasoline, to ensure the gasoline performs superbly in all seasonal conditions.” At Shell, they offer V-Power Nitro+ Premium gasoline. Like Petro-Canada’s forecourt products, this fuel goes well beyond the minimum standard for detergents with seven times the amount of cleaners in standard gas. Their highest octane level is 91% and every station in Canada offers 0% ethanol. At Esso and Mobil locations they market Synergy branded gas. This product delivers with a seven ingredient for-
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mulation designed to keep engines clean, running efficiently and meeting manufacturers’ standards. The fuels group reports Synergy gas uses unique solvents, anti-adhesion compounds that improve cold-weather starting, corrosion inhibitors that keep gas tanks rust-free, demulsifiers to keep water out of the mix, and detergents. The formulation also comes with molecular markers that ensure the correct additive amounts are blended at the refinery.
Help for small independent operators For the small independent dealer that is not paying for Top Tier licensing or where the refiner is not supplying this product, it can be a challenge to meet customer demand. Great cars need great fuels and motorists are prepared to pay. Indeed, retailers who offer innovative gasoline and diesel products can charge a premium price at the dispenser—often as much as 20 to 25 cents a litre. As well, there is a vast array of additive products that are available for retailers to merchandise. These include gasoline stabilizers, fuel-line antifreeze, octane boosters, fuel injector cleaners, upper cylinder lubricants, and anti-gelling additives. Leading brands such as Kleen-Flo, Rislone and Lucas Oil offer products that deactivate metals, inhibit corrosion, oxygenate and remove oxidants, as well as enhance octane performance. AMSOIL Diesel Injector Clean + Cetane Boost, which was just launched recently, combines superior lubricity and detergency, along with increased horsepower and cetane (combustion speed of diesel fuel and compression needed for ignition) in one product. It cleans dirty injectors, increases cetane up to eight points, lubricates pumps and injectors to reduce wear and is safe for use in all diesel fuels. The result is restored horsepower and improved fuel economy in diesel applications. At The Convenience U CARWACS Show in March, Total Meter Services, an industry-leading company involved in
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