All Gasoline is not created equal

GASOLINE DETERGENCY: WHY IT MATTERS – The reality is all gasoline is not the same. Here’s why: Gasoline that comes out of the fuel dispenser at a service station is composed of two primary components – the base fuel and the additive. While the base fuel may be similar between two or more brands, the additive – in Shell’s case a proprietary formula – may be different for each brand.

While all gasolines contain minimum levels of detergents as required by government standards, several companies – like Shell – use additives that feature higher levels of cleaning agents, which help prevent harmful deposits from forming on critical engine parts.

Southwest Research Institute, an independent third-party laboratory that specializes in fuel studies through ongoing sampling and analysis of U.S. gasolines, has substantiated that the majority of gasoline sold in the United States does not contain much more than the minimum level of detergency required by the government. Shell’s own vehicle testing has shown that for some vehicles, the minimum level of detergency is insufficient to prevent the build-up of carbon deposits. And, the increase in the number of lower detergent gasolines also has concerned auto manufacturers, several of which have recently launched a program to encourage fuel retailers to increase detergent levels.

Unfortunately, engines that have carbon deposit build-up on intake valves and fuel injectors may work less efficiently, and vehicles may experience hesitation while engines are warming up to their normal operating temperature. It’s similar to the way food and soap scum build-up affects kitchen drains and pipes. The build-up blocks water from moving through efficiently, just as carbon deposits on critical engine parts, specifically intake valves and fuel injectors, can negatively impact the mixture of air and fuel in the engine. These power-robbing deposits can build up in your engine in as little as 5,000 miles. This is another reason to use quality gasolines that contain cleaning agents at levels that will prevent the formation of deposits.

THE SHELL APPROACH TO FUEL DEVELOPMENT

Shell uses cleaning agents in amounts that significantly exceed the minimum government standards. Our new premium gasoline, Shell V-Power, has more than five times the minimum amount required by government standards, so it actively cleans for better performance. We have tested our Shell V-Power gasoline against other brands with the minimum required level of cleaning agents and the benefit of using a gasoline high in cleaning agents is clearly visible. In fact, Shell V-Power has the ability to clean up deposits left behind by low detergency gasolines. Additionally, Shell Regular and Plus gasolines are formulated with more than twice the amount of detergency that is required by government standards to keep your engine clean.

DRIVING THE DIFFERENCE

When pulling up to the gas pump, motorists should look for a high-quality fuel with added cleaning power – like those identified as TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline. TOP TIER is a new standard for gasoline that surpasses minimum government standards for gasoline detergency additives. According to BMW, General Motors, Honda and Toyota, the automakers that developed the standard, TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline will help keep vehicle engines clean and reduce deposit-related problems, helping vehicles achieve optimal performance as well as reduced emissions. All Shell gasolines are certified as TOP TIER.

It’s also important to keep in mind that when you purchase a name brand gasoline like Shell, you also purchase the benefits of the company’s extensive research and development programs. Shell has provided quality fuels to American motorists for more than 100 years, which has helped us become the No. 1 selling brand of gasoline today.

ABOUT SHELL

Shell Oil Products US, a subsidiary of Shell Oil Company, is a leader in the refining, transportation and marketing of fuels, and has a network of approximately 6,600 branded gasoline stations in the Western United States. Shell Oil Company is an affiliate of the Shell Group (NYSE:RDS.A) and (NYSE:RDS.B). For more information, please visit www.shell.com