Should the fuel tank be emptied when a car is parked for a long time?
2 Answers
It is necessary to empty the fuel tank when a car is parked for a long time. The specific reasons are as follows: There are two quality indicators for gasoline, namely actual gum and induction period, which represent the stability of gasoline. If gasoline is stored for too long, it will oxidize severely and form gum. Gum can cause the valves to stick and not close tightly. At high temperatures, it decomposes into carbon deposits that accumulate on the cylinder walls, piston tops, and cylinder heads, leading to poor engine performance, knocking, and increased wear. Other precautions for long-term parking of a car are as follows: 1. Inflate the tires as much as possible: Prolonged parking without movement may render the tires unusable. The best way to avoid this is to periodically adjust the position of the tires during the parking period to distribute the continuous pressure on specific areas of the tires. If this is not possible, inflating the tires as much as possible before parking is also a solution. The higher the tire pressure, the less the sidewalls compress, resulting in less localized deformation after long-term parking. 2. Disconnect the battery to prevent power loss: Many people have experienced the situation where a car that was previously functioning normally has difficulty starting after being parked for a long time. The battery charges automatically during normal driving, but it also discharges when the car is idle. However, the rate of discharge varies depending on the battery's model, usage time, and type, so it is necessary to check the battery's condition accordingly.
As a veteran mechanic with over 20 years of experience, I recommend not running your fuel tank completely empty. When storing a vehicle long-term, keeping some fuel in the tank actually protects metal components from rusting because the fuel layer blocks air and humidity, preventing corrosion. Gasoline does degrade over time, but modern additives extend its shelf life - typically remaining usable for 3-4 months. If completely drained, internal fuel lines can accumulate moisture and rust, potentially clogging the fuel system upon restart, which would require expensive repairs. The safest approach is to either fill the tank before storage or add fuel stabilizer for extended protection. Additionally, don't forget to check the battery charge, tire pressure, and hood seals - these small precautions prevent many issues. Choose a dry garage for parking and use a car cover for dust protection to complete the storage preparation.
