TOP TIER™+ is the latest fuel quality standard backed by leading automotive manufacturers. Designed to meet the needs of today's high-efficiency engines, it adds new testing requirements focused on fuel injector cleanliness, emissions and efficient combustion. If the pump says DINOCARE®, it's TOP TIER™+ approved.
DINOCARE® a TOP TIER™+ Approved gasoline benefits
DINOCARE® detergent additives keep you running clean
During normal operation, deposits can build up in fuel injectors, valves and other critical engine components. DINOCARE® detergent additives help prevent that buildup, so your engine keeps performing the way it should. Paired with the dependable DINOCARE® quality across all Sinclair gasoline grades, you can fill up with confidence knowing your car is fueled by DINOCARE®.
FAQs
What is DINOCARE® and what does it do?
DINOCARE® is Sinclair's advanced detergent additive package. At distribution terminals, it is precisely metered and blended into Sinclair® gasoline at a carefully controlled concentration. Its detergents help minimize deposits on fuel injectors, intake valves and combustion chambers, helping your engine stay clean and perform as it should.
Sources: U.S. Department of Energy, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, "High Octane Fuel: Terminal Backgrounder"; TOP TIER™, "TOP TIER™ Approved Gasoline Deposit Control Performance Standard," Revision H, April 2026.
Does every grade of Sinclair® gasoline contain DINOCARE®?
Yes. Every gallon of Sinclair® gasoline contains DINOCARE®, regardless of octane grade. Whether your vehicle calls for regular, midgrade or premium, you get DINOCARE® detergent additives that help keep your engine clean and performing as it should. Always use the octane grade recommended in your vehicle's owner's manual.
What are engine deposits and how can they affect performance?
Engine deposits are carbon-based residues that can accumulate over time on fuel injectors, intake valves and combustion chambers. As deposits build up, they can restrict airflow and disrupt fuel spray, affecting engine performance. This can contribute to rough idling, hesitation during acceleration, reduced fuel economy and increased emissions.
Source: AAA Fuel Quality Research, pp. 9-12 and 19-20.
What are gasoline detergent additives, and how do they help protect engines?
Gasoline detergent additives are cleaning compounds blended into fuel in small, carefully controlled amounts. Federal regulations require all gasoline sold in the U.S. to contain a minimum level of detergent, but additive formulations and concentrations can vary. These detergents help prevent deposits from accumulating on fuel injectors, intake valves and combustion chambers. Keeping those components cleaner helps maintain proper fuel delivery, airflow and combustion, allowing the engine to operate efficiently and perform as designed.
Sources: AAA Fuel Quality Research, pp. 9-12 and 19-20; EPA Gasoline Deposit Control Standards
What does TOP TIER™+ Approved Gasoline mean?
TOP TIER™+ is the latest evolution of a fuel-quality standard established by leading automotive manufacturers. It goes beyond federal minimum detergent requirements. To qualify, gasoline must contain a detergent additive package that has passed independent engine testing and is blended at the required concentration in every octane grade. Designed for today's engines, including gasoline direct-injection technology, TOP TIER™+ helps control deposits so engines can operate cleanly and efficiently.
Source: TOP TIER™ Approved Fuels
How is TOP TIER™+ different from the previous TOP TIER™ standard?
The previous TOP TIER™ standard focused primarily on controlling deposits in port fuel-injected engines. TOP TIER™+ retains those requirements and adds three tests designed for newer, high-efficiency gasoline direct-injection (GDI) engines. The additional testing evaluates fuel injector cleanliness while monitoring emissions and combustion behavior, extending TOP TIER™ protection to the evolving engine technologies found in many newer vehicles.
Source: TOP TIER™ Approved Fuels
Is TOP TIER™+ Approved Gasoline the same thing as premium-grade gasoline?
No. TOP TIER™+ Approved and premium-grade describe two different fuel characteristics. TOP TIER™+ refers to the detergent additive package and deposit-control requirements the gasoline meets. Premium refers to a higher octane rating, generally 91 to 94. Octane measures the fuel's ability to resist uncontrolled combustion under pressure, not its purity or cleaning power. TOP TIER™+ requirements apply across every octane grade offered by an approved gasoline brand, including regular, midgrade and premium. Always use the octane grade recommended in your vehicle's owner's manual.
Sources: TOP TIER™ Consumer FAQs; U.S. Energy Information Administration, "Octane in Depth."
Can I use TOP TIER™+ Approved Gasoline in any gasoline-powered vehicle?
Yes. TOP TIER™+ Approved Gasoline can be used in older and newer gasoline-powered vehicles alike. It is a fuel-quality designation, not a specific octane grade or ethanol blend, so always choose the grade and blend recommended in your vehicle's owner's manual.
Source: TOP TIER™ Consumer FAQs