Fact Check: Circle k gas is top tier

Published August 15, 2025

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VERDICT

Partially True

# Fact-Check: "Circle K Gas is Top Tier" ## What We Know The claim that "Circle K gas is top tier" requires clarification. The TOP TIER™ program is ...

Fact-Check: "Circle K Gas is Top Tier"

What We Know

The claim that "Circle K gas is top tier" requires clarification. The TOP TIER™ program is a certification that indicates a gasoline brand meets higher standards for fuel detergency and performance, as established by leading automotive manufacturers. According to the TOP TIER™ Approved Gasoline Brands, licensed retailers must adhere to rigorous fuel performance requirements. This certification helps minimize engine deposits and improve overall vehicle performance.

Circle K was previously recognized as a TOP TIER™ retailer, but it was officially removed from the list in 2019. This change occurred after Circle K ended its franchise agreements with major TOP TIER™ retailers like Shell and Phillips 66, as noted in a Yard Floor article. Currently, Circle K does not sell TOP TIER™ gasoline, although it claims to provide high-quality fuel that meets EPA standards.

Analysis

The assertion that Circle K gas is "top tier" is misleading. While Circle K offers gasoline that meets the minimum standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it does not meet the higher standards required for TOP TIER™ certification. The TOP TIER™ program is supported by numerous automakers, including BMW, Ford, and Toyota, which recommend its use to ensure optimal engine performance.

The information from Yard Floor clearly states that Circle K is no longer a TOP TIER™ retailer, having been removed from the list in 2019. This indicates a significant decline in the perceived quality of their gasoline compared to brands that still hold the TOP TIER™ certification. Furthermore, the article highlights that while Circle K gas may still be of reasonable quality, it does not provide the enhanced benefits associated with TOP TIER™ gasoline, such as reduced engine deposits and improved fuel economy.

The reliability of the sources used in this analysis is generally high, with the TOP TIER™ website being the authoritative source on the certification program. The Yard Floor article, while informative, is a secondary source and should be considered in the context of its purpose to inform consumers about fuel quality.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The claim that "Circle K gas is top tier" is partially true. While Circle K does offer gasoline that meets EPA standards, it is no longer recognized as a TOP TIER™ gasoline retailer. Therefore, while their fuel may be of decent quality, it does not meet the higher performance standards associated with TOP TIER™ certification. Consumers seeking the benefits of TOP TIER™ gasoline should look for other brands that still hold this certification.

Sources

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