How to Identify Good and Bad Gasoline?

[Walter]

Methods to identify the quality of gasoline: 1. Generally, inferior gasoline has an abnormal color, while high-quality gasoline appears clear and transparent, slightly yellow or colorless; 2. Inferior gasoline has a pungent and unpleasant smell, and the exhaust emitted by the vehicle may also have an odor; 3. Cars frequently using inferior gasoline may produce abnormal noises when starting. Gasoline is a volatile, flammable liquid hydrocarbon mixture distilled or cracked from petroleum, primarily used as fuel for spark-ignited internal combustion engines. It mainly consists of organic compounds obtained from crude oil distillation and various additives. The gasoline used in internal combustion engines has a significant impact on the local environment and is also a factor in global human carbon dioxide emissions.

[ParkerLynn]

After driving for over a decade, I've summarized some simple methods to identify gasoline quality. First, appearance matters greatly—good gasoline should be clear and transparent when poured into a glass bottle, free from impurities or sediment, as clean as water. Cloudiness or foreign particles indicate inferior fuel. Second, smell can also be telling: premium gasoline has a mild, non-irritating odor, whereas strong chemical smells or foul odors suggest additive issues. Driving experience is the most direct indicator: good gasoline ensures smooth starts, quick acceleration, and stable fuel consumption; bad fuel causes sluggish starts, jerky movements, or knocking sounds. Choosing reputable gas stations from major brands is crucial—avoid small, cheap vendors as substandard gasoline often contains excessive water or has mismatched octane ratings, which can clog fuel injectors and cause carbon buildup. Long-term use of poor-quality fuel increases engine overhaul risks, making regular fuel system inspections essential.

[DiAlexa]

I think the quality of gasoline can be judged from several technical points. The quality of gasoline depends on whether the octane number is appropriate, and the grade must meet the requirements of the car. For example, ordinary cars use 92-grade, while high-end cars may require 95-grade. Low-grade gasoline can easily cause knocking, and the front of the car will shake severely when driving. Testing combustion efficiency is also useful: good gasoline burns fully, with clean exhaust and no black smoke; inferior gasoline burns incompletely, fuel consumption will soar, and the exhaust may have a gray smoky smell. Use simple tools to check, such as dripping it on test paper. If there is a lot of water or residue, it is inferior. Prioritize refueling at chain gas stations, as they have strict quality control and are less likely to be adulterated. Pay attention to the condition of the car in daily use. If you find unstable idling or the fault light is on, quickly check whether the fuel pump or filter is clogged. Regular maintenance can also prevent problems, and using good gasoline can extend the life of the engine.

[VanJaxon]

Identifying gasoline quality mainly relies on daily habits. Before refueling, check the color of the oil at the nozzle—choose light and clear oil, not dark or cloudy. Take a sniff; good gasoline has a mild and pleasant smell, while poor-quality gasoline may have strange odors or smell like diesel. Test it while driving—proper gasoline provides strong power and quick response. If the engine noise increases or the car shakes at idle, there might be an issue. Stick to familiar and reliable gas stations for branded gasoline to avoid substandard products, significantly reducing risks. Regularly monitor fuel consumption—if it rises unexpectedly, get it checked promptly.