How to Distinguish Good and Bad Gasoline?

[VonAbigail]

There are several methods to distinguish good and bad gasoline: 1. Smell with your nose: The heavier the gasoline smell, or even irritating, the worse the quality. Poor-quality gasoline has a pungent, eye-stinging, or foul odor, indicating excessive sulfur content. The octane number is an agreed value for evaluating gasoline quality, so generally, gasoline with high sulfur content is not good. When smelling, do not directly sniff the gasoline; instead, gently wave your hand over the container opening to catch the scent. 2. Observe with your eyes: The color of gasoline can indicate its quality. Generally, 93# gasoline appears transparent yellow, and 97# gasoline appears emerald green. Qualified gasoline is usually very clear, with no floating objects on the surface, no suspended particles in the middle, no sediment at the bottom, and no stratification or turbidity. Conversely, if the gasoline appears turbid, stratified, with suspended particles or sediment, it indicates potential quality issues. 3. Touch with your hand: Dip your finger in the gasoline and rub it a few times. If your finger feels very oily, like engine oil, the gasoline quality is poor. Alternatively, pour a little gasoline on your hand; if it evaporates quickly, the gasoline quality is good.

[Prim]

Having driven for many years, I distinguish good gasoline mainly by octane rating and driving experience. High-octane gasoline like 95 or 98 allows more complete combustion in the engine, reducing knocking. Good gasoline makes the car accelerate smoothly with quick power response and stable fuel consumption after refueling; poor gasoline causes engine shaking, lack of power, and even a spike in fuel consumption. I've tried different brands—Sinopec's fuel has fewer impurities, better carbon deposit control, and keeps the engine quieter over long-term use. Smell and color can also indicate quality: good gasoline is clear and transparent with a mild odor; poor gasoline appears cloudy or has sediment and smells pungent. In terms of additives, high-quality gasoline contains cleaning components that protect the fuel injectors and catalytic converter. In short, through daily driving and simple observation, you can avoid damaging your car with inferior fuel.

[StErin]

As an environmentally conscious individual, I distinguish between good and bad gasoline based on cleanliness and emission impact. High-quality gasoline meets the China VI standard, has low sulfur content, produces clean exhaust after combustion, and reduces air pollution. Poor-quality gasoline emits black smoke or toxic gases, posing health hazards. In terms of smell, good gasoline is light and odorless, while bad gasoline has a strong chemical odor. Clear color indicates pure fuel quality; turbidity suggests possible impurities. I prefer reputable brands like Shell, which have strict quality control and eco-friendly additives, protecting the engine and extending vehicle lifespan. Poor-quality fuel easily causes carbon buildup and catalytic converter clogging, leading to high repair costs. In daily use, good gasoline ensures smooth vehicle operation and low fuel consumption, whereas bad fuel results in abnormal noises. Choosing high-quality gasoline saves money and benefits the environment—a win-win situation.

[VanRafael]

When choosing gasoline for family use, I evaluate its quality based on cost-effectiveness and changes in fuel consumption. Good gasoline allows a full tank to cover more distance, with the engine responding quickly and acceleration feeling smooth. Poor gasoline leads to a sudden increase in fuel consumption, making the car feel sluggish and struggle when climbing hills. By keeping records of refueling data, I've found that fuel from reputable gas stations lasts longer. Although slightly more expensive, it proves more economical overall. In terms of smell, good gasoline has no unusual odor, while poor gasoline has a pungent smell. Clear and transparent color indicates good quality, whereas a cloudy appearance suggests poor quality. Long-term use of inferior gasoline can damage the engine and increase maintenance costs. I recommend refueling at Sinopec or reliable local stations, avoiding cheap gasoline from small, unknown vendors. A simple test: smooth startup and normal exhaust emissions indicate good gasoline.

[ElainaAnn]

My car repair experience tells me that the quality of gasoline can be judged by its appearance and the vehicle's response. Good gasoline is clear and free of impurities, with a pure smell; poor-quality fuel appears cloudy, has sediment, or emits an unusual odor. After refueling, good gasoline ensures complete combustion in the engine, resulting in light gray exhaust; poor-quality fuel causes black smoke, difficulty starting, or unstable idling. Checking the spark plugs, less carbon buildup indicates good fuel quality; excessive carbon buildup may suggest inferior fuel. Poor-quality fuel can also clog fuel injectors, increasing the risk of malfunctions. I recommend using reputable brands like Sinopec, which include additives to protect the engine. During routine maintenance, pay attention to the cleanliness and equipment of gas stations; tidy stations usually offer reliable fuel quality. Avoid choosing cheap options and opt for high-quality fuel to extend your vehicle's lifespan.