Why Gasoline Quality is More Important in 2026

High-quality gasoline with advanced additive chemistry can prevent that buildup and, in many cases, reverse it, but distribution has not kept up with how dominant GDI has become.

Fuel standards have not always kept pace with the rapid adoption of GDI technology. The TOP TIER^TM Approved Fuels program was introduced in 2005 before GDI engines became widespread in North American passenger vehicles. Today, TOP TIER^TM+ is designed to close the gap by adding performance requirements built around modern GDI engine architecture.

How Additive Science Helps

TOP TIER^TM+ introduces new tests covering injector cleanliness, particulate matter and pre-ignition. The most important change is the shift from keep-clean to cleanup performance. TOP TIER^TM+ fuels will need to remove deposits from already-dirty injectors, not just prevent new ones. GDI engines have been on the road since the early 2000’s without a dedicated fueling solution, and many stand to recover efficiency and emissions performance quietly eroded over the years.

The chemistry is straightforward. Advanced deposit control additives bond to carbon molecules on a fouled injector and lift them into the fuel stream, where they combust with the fuel and are handled by the catalytic converter. Over time, a GDI engine running on properly formulated gasoline returns close to its original design intent.

How Higher-Quality Gasoline Keeps Modern Engines Clean and Efficient