How to Identify the Quality of Gasoline?
3 Answers
Methods to identify the quality of gasoline: 1. Color identification - Normally, gasoline is water-white in color. If the color darkens, it may indicate that the gasoline has been stored for too long and has undergone chemical reactions. 2. Smell test - Gasoline has a faint aromatic odor due to the presence of aromatic hydrocarbons. Therefore, you can slightly smell the gasoline when refueling your car. 3. Actual measurement - The measurement mainly involves testing the octane number and density of the gasoline. Theoretically, the higher the octane number, the more resistant it is to burning. Currently, gas stations generally sell National Standard IV gasoline with an octane number ranging between 93 and 94, while some sell National Standard V gasoline with an octane number between 92 and 93.
I've been driving trucks for long-distance hauls for nearly a decade and have seen countless fuel-related issues. The key to identifying good gasoline lies in visual inspection, smell, and driving experience. High-quality gasoline should be clear and transparent, free of impurities when poured into a glass bottle, with a uniform color resembling clean water. It should have a refreshing odor without pungency; if it smells like kerosene or has a sour stench, it's likely adulterated with water or impurities. When driving, good gasoline ensures smooth starts, powerful acceleration, and stable fuel consumption. If you experience difficulty starting, engine knocking, or a sudden spike in fuel consumption, it's probably due to poor-quality gasoline. I always refuel at reputable major gas stations and avoid small, unreliable ones because bad gasoline can clog fuel injectors and cause engine carbon buildup over time, leading to repairs costing thousands. Before daily refueling, a simple check of the fuel tank inlet—feeling the fuel's texture to ensure it's slick but not greasy—can provide an initial assessment.
As a seasoned driver, I judge gasoline quality through personal experience. First, inspect its appearance: good fuel is transparent without suspended particles, while bad fuel appears cloudy or has sediment. Smell it: pure gasoline has a faint, neutral odor; any strange smells indicate contamination. After refueling, good gasoline makes the engine run quietly and efficiently with ample power, whereas poor fuel causes excessive vibration, black smoke, and even stalling. Once, after filling up at a roadside stall, my car shook violently—tests revealed insufficient octane levels and poor anti-knock performance. I recommend choosing branded gas stations and paying attention to octane ratings (91 or above). Don’t be lured by low prices; quality fuel, though more expensive, saves on repair costs. A simple test is burning a small amount to observe the flame color: blue indicates good quality, yellow suggests poor, but prioritize safety. Regular fuel tank maintenance also helps prevent issues.
