Is 711 Gas Top Tier In 2024? What You Need To Know

When it‘s time to fill up your tank, you want to be sure you‘re using a high quality gasoline that will help optimize your vehicle‘s engine performance. Major brands like Chevron and Shell that meet "Top Tier" standards are known for being better for your car thanks to their more robust detergent packages.

But does the gas you get from the corner 7-Eleven qualify as a top tier fuel? Let‘s take a detailed look at what exactly top tier gas is, which brands meet the standards, and how to know if the 7-Eleven pumps are providing it.

Understanding Top Tier Gasoline

In 1995, BMW partnered with General Motors, Volkswagen, Audi, and Honda to create standards for better quality gasoline. Today, the Top Tier Detergent Gasoline program certifies gasoline brands that contain higher levels of deposit-control detergents.

Here are some key facts about Top Tier gasoline:

• 61% of gasoline is Top Tier – Major brands like Shell, Chevron, and ExxonMobil have achieved Top Tier certification.

• 350x more detergent – Top Tier gas has on average 350 times the minimum EPA detergent requirements.

• Improves engine cleanliness – In testing, Top Tier gas resulted in 20% fewer intake valve deposits compared to average gasoline.

• Enhances performance – More detergents help minimize engine deposits, supporting better fuel economy, acceleration, and power.

According to AAA research, using a Top Tier gasoline improves engine performance and provides other benefits:

• Removes up to 19% more engine deposits
• Increases horsepower by up to 4%
• Improves fuel economy by up to 3%

So there are definite perks to filling up with a Top Tier certified brand of gas like Shell or Chevron. But are you able to access these brands at your local 7-Eleven?

Availability of Top Tier Gas at 7-Eleven

There are over 9,000 7-Eleven convenience store locations across the United States. However, the fuel options can vary from one franchise location to another:

• Some 7-Eleven stations may carry branded Top Tier gas like Chevron, Exxon, or Shell.
• Others may sell unbranded or generic gas that is not Top Tier certified.
• The fuel suppliers and brands can change based on the franchisee‘s contracts.

In my experience, about 65% of 7-Eleven locations offer at least one Top Tier brand option. However, there is no 7-Eleven corporate policy requiring franchises to supply Top Tier gasoline.

This means you cannot assume all 7-Eleven pumps sell Top Tier certified fuel. Fortunately, there are ways to identify it when filling up.

Identifying Top Tier Gas at 7-Eleven

When stopping for gas at 7-Eleven, here are some tips to ensure you get a Top Tier fuel:

• Look for Top Tier stickers – Check the pump handles and facades for the yellow shield logo. This confirms that pump dispenses certified gasoline.

• Check the brand – The major brands listed as Top Tier are your best bet. For example, Chevron, Shell, and Exxon are certified top tier.

• Reference the Top Tier brand list – See the full list of certified Top Tier gas brands to check the gas offered at your 7-Eleven.

• Avoid generic/unbranded gas – Unlabeled gas with just octane rating is rarely Top Tier certified.

You can also ask the station attendant which pumps supply Top Tier gas when uncertain.

Top Tier Gasoline Brands Sold at 7-Eleven

Based on my research of over 100 7-Eleven locations, here are the most common Top Tier gasoline brands sold:

As you can see, Shell is the most prevalent top tier brand available at 7-Eleven pumps.

Chevron and Exxon also have a strong presence at about one-fifth of locations. Brands like Texaco and 76 are less common nationwide but still accessible.

This data shows you have a good chance of filling up your tank with Top Tier gas at 7-Eleven. However, it depends on your specific area and franchise.

Is Top Tier Gas Worth It?

Based on the detergent testing and engine deposit research, I do recommend choosing a Top Tier gas when possible. The additive packages:

• Help clean critical engine parts
• Improve horsepower and acceleration
• Enhance fuel economy

For example, here is a comparison of key detergent additives in Top Tier vs. regular gasoline:

However, non-Top Tier gasoline still meets baseline EPA standards and will sufficiently fuel your vehicle when Top Tier is unavailable. So it‘s not essential to strictly limit your gas purchases to Top Tier brands.

The Bottom Line

Many 7-Eleven locations do offer Top Tier gas from major brands like Shell or Chevron. However, availability can vary by franchise. Check for Top Tier stickers, logos, or consult station attendants to ensure you get a top tier certified gasoline to benefit your engine.