How to Drain Gasoline from a Car?
2 Answers
There are several methods to drain gasoline from a car: 1. Drain the oil at the fuel filter under the car body or open the oil drain screw under the fuel tank. 2. Disassemble the engine's return oil pipe and collect the oil while the engine is running. However, extreme caution must be taken to prevent oil from splashing, especially onto the ignition system, to avoid fire hazards. A small number of car models do not have a return oil pipe. In such cases, you can remove the fuel inlet pipe, locate the fuel pump relay, and use a wire to bridge the fuel pump relay to activate the fuel pump, then collect the oil from the engine's fuel inlet pipe. This is a common method for draining gasoline in fuel-injected cars. 3. Use a specialized fuel tank oil extractor available on the market. Since it's difficult to extract oil on a flat surface, drive the car to a sloped area, park with the front of the car facing upward, and engage the handbrake. After securing the car, open the fuel tank cap and insert the extraction hose into the tank, reaching as close to the bottom as possible. Place the outlet of the hose into an oil container, keeping the hose as low as possible, preferably in a squatting position. After draining, allow any excess oil in the hose to flow back into the tank to avoid waste.
I've had a few experiences where I needed to drain gasoline, mainly when preparing the car for a new owner or for long-term storage. I always find a well-ventilated area—never in the garage or indoors—since gasoline evaporates quickly and is toxic. For tools, the simplest method is to buy a manual fuel pump, which costs just a few dozen yuan online. Insert it into the fuel tank opening and slowly pump the gasoline into a metal fuel can. Remember, don’t smoke or use your phone during the entire process, and wear gloves and protective goggles. If you encounter any difficulties, keep in mind that fuel tanks are designed with anti-siphon devices, so beginners should avoid trying the siphon method, as it can easily lead to choking or spills. I usually prepare a small 5-liter can to avoid handling too much gasoline at once. After draining, make sure to secure the fuel can properly and keep it out of children’s reach. Draining gasoline is no small matter—it directly impacts safety. If you’re not familiar with the process, I recommend calling a professional mechanic for help—it’s worry-free and reliable.