Fact-Check: "BP Gas is Top Tier"
What We Know
The claim that "BP Gas is top tier" refers to BP's status in relation to the TOP TIER™ gasoline program, which sets high standards for fuel quality, particularly concerning detergency and engine cleanliness. According to the TOP TIER™ Approved Gasoline Brands, only fuel retailers that meet specific performance requirements can be certified as TOP TIER™. This program is supported by major automakers to ensure that gasoline minimizes carbon deposits and maintains engine performance.
However, BP was removed from the TOP TIER™ certification in late 2021. As noted by Vehicle Freak, this removal has raised questions about the quality of BP's gasoline. The decision to revoke BP's certification was confirmed by multiple sources, including discussions on forums like Bob is the Oil Guy and LS1GTO, which indicate that BP's fuel no longer meets the standards required for TOP TIER™ certification.
Despite this, BP continues to market its gasoline as high quality, claiming that it uses special additives to maintain engine cleanliness and performance. However, the lack of TOP TIER™ certification means that BP gas does not meet the same rigorous standards as those brands that are certified.
Analysis
The assertion that BP gas is "top tier" is misleading given the current status of BP's certification. The TOP TIER™ program is a recognized standard in the industry, and the removal of BP from this program indicates a significant change in the quality assurance of their gasoline. The TOP TIER™ program is backed by major automakers, which lends credibility to its standards.
While BP continues to advertise its gasoline as high quality and claims to use additives that prevent carbon buildup, these claims are not independently verified under the TOP TIER™ standards. The Vehicle Freak article highlights that BP was once considered a top-tier brand but lost that status, which is critical context for evaluating the current claim.
Furthermore, the discussions on forums such as Bob is the Oil Guy and LS1GTO reflect a community of informed consumers who are skeptical about BP's claims post-certification removal. The consensus among these discussions is that without the TOP TIER™ certification, BP gas cannot be considered "top tier" in the same way that certified brands can.
Conclusion
The claim that "BP Gas is top tier" is False. BP's removal from the TOP TIER™ certification program in late 2021 signifies that its gasoline no longer meets the high standards set by the program, which are designed to ensure optimal engine performance and cleanliness. While BP may still produce gasoline that some consumers find satisfactory, it does not hold the certification that would classify it as "top tier" according to industry standards.
Sources
- TOP TIER™ Approved Gasoline Brands
- Is BP Good Gas (Full Breakdown) - Vehicle Freak
- BP no longer Top Tier? - Bob is the Oil Guy
- Fuel Stations - TOP TIER™
- Why is BP not TOP TIER anymore? - oftrb.com
- PSA: BP Gas no longer "Top Tier" certified
- Top Tier participating companies has changed
- BP gasoline top tier? - The Institute for Environmental