How Long Can Ethanol Gasoline Be Stored in a Car?
2 Answers
Ethanol gasoline can be stored in a car for about half a month, after which it may start to separate. Below are the characteristics of ethanol gasoline and precautions for its use: Characteristics of Ethanol Gasoline: According to China's national standards, ethanol gasoline is blended from 90% regular gasoline and 10% fuel ethanol. Due to the volatility of ethanol, prolonged storage can lead to separation and deterioration, which may clog the fuel system and affect performance. Precautions for Using Ethanol Gasoline: When refueling with ethanol gasoline for the first time, it is recommended to clean the fuel system. Owners are advised to use up a full tank of ethanol gasoline within 15 days.
I've always thought the shelf life of ethanol gasoline is a practical issue. Under normal conditions, it can last about a month, especially in hot summers or humid areas, where the duration should be even shorter. Ethanol is particularly prone to absorbing water, which over time can cause the gasoline to separate into layers and even corrode the fuel tank and pipelines. If you don't drive often, remember not to fill up the tank—half a tank is enough. If the car sits idle for more than two weeks, it's better to start it occasionally and let it run for about ten minutes to circulate the gasoline. A friend of mine left his car unused for too long, and in the end, the fuel pump was damaged, costing a few thousand to repair. It's really better to prevent such issues in advance.