Can I Add Good Fuel After Adding Poor-Quality Fuel?
2 Answers
If poor-quality fuel has been added to the car, it is best not to mix in good fuel immediately; instead, wait until the current fuel is used up before refilling. Remedial measures for adding low-quality gasoline are as follows: 1. Clean the fuel system: Poor-quality gasoline contains many impurities that can clog the fuel system. It is necessary to replace the fuel filter and clean the fuel injectors promptly. If there are excessive impurities, the fuel tank and fuel lines should also be cleaned to prevent more severe consequences. 2. Clean the cylinders: Poor-quality gasoline leaves behind significant residues after combustion, which can form severe carbon deposits over time that are difficult to remove. The cylinders should be cleaned to prevent these residues from hardening and damaging the engine. 3. Clean the three-way catalytic converter: The gases produced by burning poor-quality gasoline can poison the three-way catalytic converter. Cleaning engine carbon deposits may also cause blockages in the three-way catalytic converter.
Last time my car had sluggish engine performance after filling with substandard gasoline, I immediately tried diluting it by adding some premium 98-octane fuel. Theoretically, this approach can reduce the proportion of bad fuel and mitigate impurity effects, since quality gasoline contains additives that aid combustion and cleaning. But don't expect it to completely solve the problem – inferior fuel may contain gum deposits or water. While the engine may temporarily improve after mixing, long-term risks remain, such as clogged fuel injectors or engine knocking. I recommend first adding a small amount of good fuel (like half a tank), then driving at highway speeds to empty the tank before refilling with fresh fuel. After adding quality fuel, monitor fuel consumption and power output – if abnormal sounds occur, visit a repair shop immediately. Regularly check fuel sources and avoid filling up at low-reputation stations, as engine health directly impacts longevity.
