If you have a Costco membership, you already have one great reason to fill your tank at the retailer: Odds are good that you will save money on gas by doing so.
Costco gas — known as Kirkland Signature Fuel — often costs less that what you will find at other gas stations in your neighborhood. This lower fuel cost is one of the major perks of a Costco membership.
But that’s not the only reason to fuel up at the warehouse retailer.
Costco gas also meets standards that qualify it for the Top Tier program.
That means the gas is treated with a concentration of a detergent additive that helps prevent the buildup of deposits that can lead to poor performance or even damage to your engine.
According to the Costco website:
“As with any Kirkland Signature product, you can trust that Kirkland Signature Fuel is no exception to quality and value. The additional fuel detergent additives we’ve included in our Kirkland Signature licensed formulas help clean your engine and keep your vehicle running its best.”
The origins of the Top Tier program stretch back to the mid-1990s, when minimum additive performance standards first were set. At the time, some gas marketers reduced detergent additive concentrations by 50% or more.
As automakers saw the damage this was causing to engines in their vehicles, they joined together in 2004 to sponsor the Top Tier program. Today, 10 automakers sponsor the program.
As we reported several years ago, organizations such as AAA urge drivers to purchase Top Tier gasoline, even though it may cost a little more.
For more tips on how to save money on gas no matter where you fill up, check out “7 Smart Ways to Save Money at the Gas Pump.”
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