Can You Use Private Gasoline?
2 Answers
You can, but it is not recommended. The quality of fuel from private gas stations varies greatly, and many unscrupulous stations may mix large amounts of ethanol into the gasoline to reduce costs. Here is some relevant information: Fuel Source: Their fuel sources are likely illegal, with the most common being stolen oil. Whether using private gasoline harms your car depends on its quality—good-quality private gasoline is fine, but poor-quality fuel will definitely damage your car. However, gasoline quality cannot be judged by the naked eye, so it's best to avoid private gasoline whenever possible. Prone to Carbon Buildup: Private gasoline contains high levels of impurities, which can easily lead to carbon buildup and fail to keep the engine clean. Secondly, whether the octane rating meets standard requirements is crucial. The octane rating indicates the fuel's anti-knock properties, primarily determined by the proportion of isooctane. If the standard proportion is not met, anti-knock performance decreases, leading to engine knocking during operation, which can damage the engine over time.
After driving for so many years, I've seen too many people run into problems by trying to use private gasoline. Private gasoline often comes from unknown sources and is prone to being mixed with impurities or water, leading to engine carbon buildup, difficulty starting, or even detonation. Gasoline from official gas stations undergoes strict standard testing to ensure octane levels and cleanliness meet requirements, protecting engine health. If you accidentally fill up with problematic gasoline, repair costs could run into thousands of yuan, far exceeding any savings on fuel. Safety risks should not be ignored either—gasoline is highly flammable, and private storage or transport can easily lead to accidents or fires. I always advise fellow drivers to only refuel at reputable gas stations, ensuring both safety and vehicle maintenance, which proves more cost-effective and reliable in the long run. Regularly checking gasoline quality can also prevent minor issues from turning into major troubles.
