What are the consequences of poor-quality gasoline?
3 Answers
Poor-quality gasoline can lead to a loss of vehicle power in mild cases, while in severe cases, it may cause engine knocking, cylinder scoring, and ultimately engine failure. Gasoline is produced by refining various components such as straight-run gasoline, catalytic cracking gasoline, and catalytic reforming gasoline derived from petroleum refining, which are then blended with high-octane components. It is primarily used as fuel for spark-ignition internal combustion engines in automobiles. At room temperature, gasoline is a colorless to light-yellow, highly mobile liquid that is difficult to dissolve in water and highly flammable. The octane rating of gasoline measures its resistance to knocking in specific gasoline mixtures. Based on different octane ratings, gasoline is classified into several grades. Chemical additives are often mixed into gasoline to enhance chemical stability and other performance characteristics, control corrosiveness, and maintain the cleanliness of the fuel system.
Speaking of bad gasoline, I have a deep personal experience. Last time on a business trip, I filled up at an unknown small gas station by the highway. After that, the engine started shaking badly, acceleration became sluggish, and even climbing hills was a struggle. When I tried to start the car again at night, it almost stalled. After towing it to the repair shop, the mechanic said the gasoline had too many impurities, causing incomplete combustion and severe carbon buildup, which clogged the fuel injectors and even affected the catalytic converter. The repairs cost me nearly two thousand yuan, not to mention the wasted time. Now I only refuel at well-known gas stations and regularly clean the fuel system, which also helps save some fuel costs. Bad gasoline not only makes you anxious on the road but also shortens the engine’s lifespan over time—it’s really not worth it. New drivers should be especially careful.
As a car enthusiast who loves tinkering with vehicles, I find gasoline issues really frustrating. Last time after filling up with cheap fuel, my car had trouble starting, unstable idling, and even knocking sounds from the engine. Diagnosis revealed that poor fuel quality led to low combustion efficiency, increased carbon deposits, and clogged fuel injectors. This not only affects power output but also causes fuel consumption to skyrocket, worsens emissions, and damages components like oxygen sensors. I've made it a habit to use fuel additives to clean the system and only refuel at major brand gas stations - it's not worth risking damage to save a few cents. Regular checks of filters and fuel pumps are also crucial. Using bad gasoline can amplify minor issues, but addressing them promptly can avoid major repair costs, making car maintenance much more worry-free.
