05-06-04-022J

File in Section:
Bulletin No.:
Service Bulletin
Date:
06 - Engine
05-06-04-022J
November, 2013
INFORMATION
Subject:
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Information and Available Brands (Deposits, Fuel
Economy, No Start, Power, Performance, Stall Concerns) – Canada ONLY
Models:
2014 and Prior GM Cars and Trucks (Canada Only)
This bulletin has been revised to add the 2014 model year. Please discard Corporate
Bulletin Number 05-06-04-022I. In the U.S., refer to the latest version of Corporate Bulletin
Number 04-06-04-047.
A new class of fuel called TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline is appearing at retail stations of some fuel
marketers. This gasoline meets detergency standards
developed by six automotive companies. All vehicles
will benefit from using TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline
over gasoline containing the “Lowest Additive
Concentration” recommended by the Canadian
General Standards Board (CGSB). Those vehicles that
have experienced deposit related concerns may
especially benefit from use of TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline.
Top Tier Fuel Availability
Chevron was the first to offer TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline in Canada. Shell became the first national
gasoline retailer to offer TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline
across Canada. Petro-Canada began offering
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline nationally as of
October 1, 2006. Esso began offering TOP TIER
Detergent Gasoline in May of 2010.
2326388
1847109
Legend
(1)
(2)
Intake valve: 16,093 km (10,000 mi) with
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline
Intake valve: 16,093 km (10,000 mi) with
Minimum Additive recommended by
the CGSB
Copyright 2013 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Page 2
November, 2013
Bulletin No.: 05-06-04-022J
Who developed TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline
standards?
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline standards were
developed by six automotive companies: BMW,
General Motors, Honda, Toyota, Volkswagen and Audi.
2327272
Gasoline Brands That Currently Meet TOP TIER
Detergent Gasoline Standards
The following gasoline brands meet the TOP TIER
Detergent Gasoline Standards in all octane grades :
• Chevron Canada (markets in British Columbia
and western Alberta)
• Shell Canada (nationally)
• Petro-Canada (nationally)
• Esso-Canada (nationally)
• Sunoco-Canada (Ontario)
What is TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline?
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is a new class of
gasoline with enhanced detergency and no metallic
additives. It meets new, voluntary deposit control
standards developed by six automotive companies that
exceed the detergent recommendations of Canadian
standards and does not contain metallic additives,
which can damage vehicle emission control
components.
Where Can TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Be
Purchased?
The TOP TIER program began in the U.S. and Canada
on May 3, 2004. Some fuel marketers have already
joined and introduced TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline.
This is a voluntary program and not all fuel marketers
will offer this product. Once fuel marketers make public
announcements, they will appear on a list of brands
that meet the TOP TIER standards.
Why was TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline developed?
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline was developed to
increase the level of detergent additive in gasoline. In
the U.S., government regulations require that all
gasoline sold in the U.S. contain a detergent additive.
However, the requirement is minimal and in many
cases, is not sufficient to keep engines clean. In
Canada, gasoline standards recommend adherence to
U.S. detergency requirements but do not require it. In
fact, many brands of gasoline in Canada do not contain
any detergent additive. In order to meet TOP TIER
Detergent Gasoline standards, a higher level of
detergent is needed than what is required or
recommended, and no metallic additives are allowed.
Also, TOP TIER was developed to give fuel marketers
the opportunity to differentiate their product.
Why did the six automotive companies join together
to develop TOP TIER?
All six corporations recognized the benefits to both the
vehicle and the consumer. Also, joining together
emphasized that low detergency and the intentional
addition of metallic additives is an issue of concern to
several automotive companies.
What are the benefits of TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline?
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline will help keep engines
cleaner than gasoline containing the “Lowest Additive
Concentration” recommended by Canadian standards.
Clean engines help provide optimal fuel economy and
engine performance, and also provide reduced
emissions. Also, the use of TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline will help reduce deposit related concerns.
Who should use TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline?
All vehicles will benefit from using TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline over gasoline containing the “Lowest Additive
Concentration” recommended by Canadian standards.
Those vehicles that have experienced deposit related
concerns may especially benefit from use of TOP TIER
Detergent Gasoline. More information on TOP TIER
Detergent Gasoline can be found at this website,
http://www.toptiergas.com/.
GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these
technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper
service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a
job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your
vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the
information.
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