How to Determine the Quality of Gasoline?
3 Answers
Methods to determine the quality of gasoline are: 1. Smell it: The heavier the gasoline odor, the poorer the quality; 2. Observe it: Qualified gasoline is clear with no floating substances on the surface. Conversely, if the gasoline appears cloudy, stratified, or has suspended particles, it indicates potential quality issues; 3. Touch it: Dip your finger in the gasoline and rub it a few times. If the oiliness feels stronger, the gasoline quality is poor. If the gasoline evaporates quickly, it indicates good quality. Gasoline is a volatile, flammable liquid hydrocarbon mixture obtained from petroleum through distillation, cracking, or pyrolysis, and can be used as fuel. Sulfur compounds in gasoline can cause corrosion to objects, and it has the ability to resist detonation combustion under various usage conditions.
From the actual driving experience to judge, I usually first look at the color of the fuel. Normal gasoline is a clear and transparent light yellow, with no obvious impurities or cloudiness. Pouring it into a glass bottle and letting it sit for observation is the most straightforward method. Smelling the odor is also important; good gasoline has no pungent or strange smells, just a normal oil scent. After filling up the car, pay attention to whether the engine runs smoothly. If there is shaking or a lack of power during acceleration, it's likely due to poor fuel quality. Additionally, a strong gasoline smell when opening the fuel cap, unstable idle speed, or black smoke from the exhaust pipe are all warning signs. Long-term use of low-quality fuel can lead to clogged fuel injectors, increased carbon deposits, and eventually costly engine repairs. It is recommended to consistently refuel at reputable gas stations and avoid the pitfalls of chasing small savings that lead to bigger losses.
I prefer using simple methods for testing. First, pour some gasoline into a transparent bottle and let it sit for half an hour, then observe the bottom. If there are sediments or water separation, it's definitely substandard. Drop a few drops of gasoline onto filter paper; if it leaves dark stains after evaporation, the quality is poor. Ordinary car owners without professional testing equipment can pay attention to the fluidity during refueling. Good gasoline has uniform viscosity and stable flow rate. If the fuel nozzle frequently clicks off or there are bubbles in the fuel, be wary of excessive water content. The most reliable method is to check the gas station's qualifications, opting for reputable branded chain stations, and regularly reviewing their fuel quality test reports. By the way, octane ratings like 91 and 95 represent anti-knock properties, and using fuel with incorrect ratings can damage the engine.
