How to Check Gasoline Quality?
4 Answers
Gasoline quality can be checked using the following methods: 1. Observe engine performance and compare mileage changes. High-quality gasoline contains fewer impurities, resulting in smoother and more complete combustion after filtration. The engine runs quietly and smoothly without jerking. Since high-quality gasoline burns more completely than low-quality gasoline, vehicles using the same amount of high-quality gasoline will achieve longer mileage. 2. Listen to the engine sound. Poor-quality gasoline, due to impurities, makes the engine sound dull and causes noticeable vibrations, especially during uphill driving or acceleration. In contrast, good gasoline produces almost no vibration and very little noise. 3. Check the color and smell the odor. Visually, inferior gasoline appears cloudy and unclear, with suspended particles in the middle and sediment at the bottom. Observe the exhaust color; if it appears black or unusually white, it indicates low-quality gasoline. If these signs are hard to identify, try smelling the gasoline. Gently wave your hand over it; a pungent and unpleasant odor indicates poor-quality gasoline.
As a frequent long-distance driver, I have a simple method to check gasoline quality. Before refueling, I usually observe the color of the gasoline up close: clear and transparent oil indicates purity; if it appears yellowish or has turbidity, it may contain impurities. Then I take a sniff: normal gasoline has a slightly pungent odor; if it smells musty or is so pungent it makes you frown, it may be expired or adulterated with water. Sometimes I also use a small glass bottle to take a sample, add water, and shake it well; if it separates too quickly with sediment, the oil quality is not ideal. Don’t underestimate these checks—poor-quality fuel can cause engine shaking, power loss, or even damage spark plugs, leading to costly repairs. I recommend refueling only at reputable large gas stations and avoiding cheap roadside stalls to prevent problematic gasoline from affecting driving safety.
Having been in the automotive industry for a long time, I know that gasoline quality checks can save a lot on repair costs. Visual inspection is the first step: check if the oil is uniform and transparent, as cloudiness or dullness indicates aging. For tactile inspection, dip your finger in the oil; if you feel foreign particles or water droplets adhering, caution is needed. Professional methods include using moisture test paper: after dripping oil, observe color changes—darker colors indicate higher water content. Related issues include clogged fuel lines due to excessive impurities in gasoline, leading to poor fuel supply, and low octane ratings causing engine knocking. A personal habit is shaking the fuel nozzle pipe before refueling to prevent residue buildup. Choosing reputable brand stations and higher-grade fuel ensures long-term engine protection.
As a novice driver, I've learned to check gasoline through practice. When refueling, first scan the gas station: a clean and tidy environment indicates good management. Then examine the fuel itself: high-quality gasoline has a clear color; if particles or discoloration are observed, promptly change locations. A simple test can be done with water and a clean container: pour some fuel, stir, and let it settle - uniform mixing indicates good quality; layering or sediment means danger. Related experience shows that poor fuel causes weak acceleration or starting difficulties, affecting daily commutes. Developing small habits before each refuel can prevent unexpected troubles.
