Regan Brown
Diesel fuel is not as closely regulated as other types of fuel, and the quality can vary significantly. However, some brands of diesel fuel are considered superior to others. Chevron, Shell, Exxon/Mobil, Costco, and BP are some of the most well-known brands that offer diesel fuel. Factors such as the availability of additives, regional specifications, and vehicle type can influence the performance and suitability of a particular brand of diesel fuel. The TOP TIER™ Approved Diesel Program, sponsored by major automotive manufacturers, provides a performance standard for diesel fuel quality, aiming to improve fuel economy and reduce maintenance costs. Ultimately, the best diesel fuel may depend on individual preferences, vehicle requirements, and regional availability.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| TOP TIER™ Approved Diesel | Chevron, Shell, Exxon/Mobil, Costco |
| TOP TIER™ Diesel Performance Standard Requirements | Reduce deposits on internal and external injectors, improve lubricity, improve fuel stability, reduce water and particulate contamination |
| Best Diesel Fuel | Shell, BP/Aral Ultimate, Costco, Exxon, Chevron, Diesel Extreme |
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What You'll Learn
Top Tier diesel fuel
TOP TIER™ is a high-quality fuel performance standard developed by leading automotive and heavy-duty equipment manufacturers. The TOP TIER™ Approved Fuels Program was collaboratively introduced in 2004 by General Motors, BMW, Toyota, and Honda. TOP TIER™ Approved Diesel was created to promote better fuel quality to maintain fuel economy, reduce maintenance costs, and reduce vehicle downtime.
The TOP TIER™ Diesel Fuel Performance Standard requires additive packages to:
- Reduce internal and external injector deposits
- Improve lubricity to decrease wear on pumps and injectors
- Improve fuel stability
- Reduce particulate and water contamination
The TOP TIER™ Approved Diesel Program is currently sponsored and overseen by General Motors, Volkswagen, Daimler Truck, International, and Ford. It is recommended for both heavy and light-duty vehicles.
To ensure you are purchasing TOP TIER™ Approved Diesel, consult the TOP TIER Station Finder or watch for the TOP TIER™ Approved Diesel sticker on the pumps. Today’s diesel engines typically utilize high-pressure common rail (HPCR) fuel injection systems that better regulate fuel pressure and injection timing for cleaner combustion. This technology also allows for the implementation of catalyst emissions control devices like Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC), Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) systems, and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR).
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Costco diesel
Costco's Kirkland Signature Diesel is available at select Costco locations. It contains additives that help improve combustion for easy start-up and smooth operation, and protect critical fuel system components from harmful wear and tear. It also has deposit control additives that deep clean your engine and protect it from future deposit buildup, which can cause power loss, poor idle, and hesitation.
Costco's diesel fuel is TOP TIER™ certified, which means it meets certain performance standards. TOP TIER™ diesel fuel is recommended for both heavy and light-duty vehicles and is currently sponsored and overseen by General Motors, Volkswagen, Daimler Truck, Navistar, and Ford. It is designed to improve fuel quality to maintain fuel economy, reduce maintenance costs, and reduce vehicle downtime.
One user on a diesel forum noted that they get pretty exceptional fuel mileage from Costco diesel. They also noted that Costco diesel is the only TOP TIER™ diesel available in California, where they are located.
Another user on a different forum noted that their local Costco in Temecula has diesel at every pump, so customers don't have to wait in a special line. However, they also mentioned that a newly built Costco near them doesn't have diesel, and they've read that most locations will eventually phase it out.
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Shell diesel
Shell is a well-known brand of diesel fuel, offering both renewable biodiesel blends and high-performance Shell V-Power diesel. Shell diesel is designed to meet the demands of modern diesel engines, which often utilise high-pressure common-rail (HPCR) fuel injection systems for improved fuel pressure regulation and injection timing, resulting in cleaner combustion.
The benefits of Shell diesel are supported by both anecdotal and empirical evidence. Some users have reported improved fuel economy, with their vehicles achieving up to 15% greater distance per tank when using Shell V-Power diesel. Additionally, a Shell employee shared their insight on the product's design, confirming the presence of a robust additives package and its positive impact on combustion cleanliness.
While Shell diesel has demonstrated its capabilities, it is essential to consider the availability and pricing of the product in your specific region. Fuel prices can vary across different markets, and it is always advisable to make informed decisions based on your vehicle's unique requirements and your personal preferences.
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Diesel Extreme by Power Service
The company conducts extensive testing and analysis of their diesel fuel using state-of-the-art equipment in their technical services laboratory. They perform various tests, including ASTM D6371-05 for cold-filter plugging point, ASTM D7397-10 for cloud point, and ASTM D6079-04e1 for lubricity evaluation. These tests ensure that Diesel Extreme meets the required standards and specifications for diesel fuel quality and performance.
Additionally, Diesel Extreme by Power Service can also help address issues related to water and particulate contamination in diesel fuel. Their additive packages are formulated to reduce the negative impacts of water and contaminants, improving the overall performance and longevity of diesel engines. Power Service's twice-a-year recertification training program ensures that they stay up-to-date with the latest advancements and issues related to diesel fuel, demonstrating their commitment to providing high-quality products.
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Chevron vs Exxon/Mobil diesel
When it comes to diesel fuel, there are several factors to consider when comparing Chevron and Exxon/Mobil. Both companies are integrated energy giants, operating across the entire energy value chain, including the production, transportation, and refining of oil and natural gas. They also have large networks of gas stations that they supply.
One key difference between the two companies is their dividend yield. Chevron offers a higher dividend yield of 4.5% to 5%, compared to Exxon's 3.7% to 3.8%. This makes Chevron a more attractive option for income-focused investors. However, it's worth noting that Exxon has a longer streak of annual dividend increases, with 42 to 43 consecutive years, compared to Chevron's 37 to 38 years.
In terms of financial strength, both Chevron and Exxon have strong balance sheets and low debt-to-equity ratios, indicating their modest leverage. This suggests that both companies are well-positioned to weather industry downturns and continue funding their businesses and dividends.
When it comes to diesel fuel quality, both Chevron and Exxon/Mobil are certified as TOP TIER™. This means they have additive packages that improve fuel quality, reduce deposits, improve lubricity, and enhance fuel stability. Chevron uses Techron for Diesels, while Exxon/Mobil offers Synergy additives. However, it's worth noting that Exxon/Mobil appears to be further along in implementing their additive program. Additionally, some users have reported better fuel mileage with Chevron, while others have mentioned issues with Valero diesel, which is reportedly smoother when filled at other stations.
In summary, while both Chevron and Exxon/Mobil are strong and well-run energy companies with similar characteristics, the choice between the two depends on specific investor priorities and regional availability. Chevron may be more suitable for those seeking higher dividend yields and a stronger commitment to additive packages, while Exxon/Mobil could be preferred for its longer streak of dividend increases and broader network of gas stations. Ultimately, the decision to invest in either company should consider the broader energy sector, the volatility of energy prices, and individual investment strategies.
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Frequently asked questions
TOP TIER™ is a high-quality fuel performance standard developed by leading automotive and heavy-duty equipment manufacturers. TOP TIER™ diesel fuel is recommended for both heavy and light-duty vehicles. It is designed to reduce maintenance costs and vehicle downtime, as well as improve fuel stability and reduce water contamination.
Several brands of diesel are TOP TIER™ approved, including Chevron, Shell, Exxon/Mobil, and Costco. To ensure you are purchasing TOP TIER™ approved diesel, look for the TOP TIER™ sticker on the pumps or consult the TOP TIER™ Station Finder.
In addition to TOP TIER™ approval, some other factors to consider when choosing a brand of diesel fuel include the price, the location of the fuel station, and the presence of additives. It is also important to consider the quality of the diesel fuel, as diesel fuel is not as closely regulated as other types of fuel and the quality can vary.
