With summer vacations, road trips, and the everyday wear and tear most people put on their vehicles, gasoline is a hot topic at the moment.

Theresa Podguski, director of legislative Affairs, AAA East Central, released a statement that said Top Tier certified gasolines result in significantly less engine damage than noncertified gasolines.In a study conducted at an independent engine testing lab, it was shown that "non-Top Tier gasolines caused 19 times more engine deposits than Top Tier brands after just 4,000 miles of simulated driving."Top Tier standards are a set of regulations for gasoline detergents, created by a group of auto manufacturers. Detergents are usually added to gasoline in order to inhibit corrosion or lubricate engine parts. This results in a better compression ratio, which allows the vehicle to be more efficient with gas consumption."When it comes to selecting a gasoline, automakers got it right - Top Tier gasoline performs best," Podguski says. "By selecting a quality gasoline, drivers can minimize engine deposits, increase vehicle performance and improve fuel economy."The EPA set a minimum additive standard in 1995. However, those standards fell below what major fuel companies were already adhering to, which resulted in several companies reducing the overall detergents in their fuel to meet the minimum requirements.Following a failed request to the EPA to increase minimum detergent levels in 2002, a group of representatives from BMW, General Motors, Honda and Toyota convened in 2004 to research certain elements of quality fuel, with several other manufacturers joining the cause in later years. The result was the Top Tier Detergent Gasoline standard, which had higher levels of detergent and no metallic additives that could cause damage in emission control systems.While Top Tier fuels may be better for a vehicle's performance, it seems that cost usually takes precedence when choosing gasoline."Americans are six times more likely to choose a gas station based on the price of gasoline rather than the quality of the fuel," Podguski states in the press release. "Since Top Tier gasoline is widely available and only an average of three cents more per gallon, AAA urges drivers to reconsider their priorities when selecting a gas station."Around this region, customers can find Top Tier certified gas at Exxon, Mobil, and Shell stations. Local Exxon and Mobil stations feature New Synergy Gasoline, whereas Shell has V-Power NiTRO+ Premium Gasoline. Gas stations will usually have a certification decal on the pumps to denote participation in the program.Despite the study, some people remain skeptical about Top Tier.Dwayne Koch, a mechanic with 15 years of experience who works at K&N Auto Enterprises in Lehighton, pointed out that new gas and old cars may not mix well."This new fuel, if you put it in older cars, it can eat the seals. We've had to replace a few fuel lines because of that," Koch said.Koch said the main issue seems to revolve more around advances in auto manufacturing than the gasoline industry itself. He suggests that changes in fuel injection technology, not necessarily the fuel and detergents themselves, make the difference."They were building cars in the '70s that got 30 miles to the gallon. The thing is, the motors last longer now," Koch said.In the end, it all comes down to the car you drive, Koch said.What type of gas is best?"You should always follow your vehicle's service guide," Koch said.