What are the effects of water in gasoline on the engine?

[IanFitz]

If there is water in the gasoline, it will affect the normal combustion of the gasoline in the cylinder, leading to symptoms such as abnormal engine shaking, poor acceleration, and difficulty starting. Below is some relevant information about automotive gasoline: 1. Overview: Automotive gasoline is a liquid fuel refined from petroleum, mainly used for cars and motorcycles. 2. Classification: In China, automotive gasoline is divided into unleaded and leaded types. The unleaded types have octane ratings of 90, 93, and 95 RON (Research Octane Number). The leaded types have octane ratings of 90, 93, and 97 RON. Among them, the lead content in 90 RON does not exceed 0.35g/L, while the lead content in 93 and 97 RON does not exceed 0.45g/L.

[SanSienna]

I once encountered a situation where water got into the gasoline while driving. It happened after refueling at a suburban gas station. The car started shaking violently while driving and almost broke down. It turned out that water had mixed into the gasoline. When water is sucked into the engine, it cannot burn, leading to incomplete combustion. The engine made crackling sounds, and the horsepower dropped sharply. Over time, it can also corrode fuel injectors and pistons, increasing repair difficulty. That time, I spent over 3,000 yuan replacing parts and also delayed my trip. Since then, I've only gone to major brand gas stations to avoid fuel with water content, and my car hasn't had similar problems again.

[VonBrianna]

As a seasoned auto repair craftsman, I find water in gasoline to be a fairly common yet highly detrimental issue. Water settles at the bottom of the fuel tank and, when drawn into the fuel system, can cause knocking and abnormal vibrations during combustion. This often manifests as white smoke emission or unexplained engine stalling when driving. In severe cases, it accelerates component corrosion—particularly in fuel injectors and valves—leading to premature failure. If you notice hard starting or power loss, promptly inspect the fuel system and drain any accumulated water. Neglecting this can turn minor issues into major overhauls, doubling your troubles.

[StChristian]

I usually enjoy delving into vehicle technology, and mixing gasoline with water is absolutely unacceptable. Water does not participate in combustion under high temperatures, causing uneven cylinder operation, leading to severe engine vibrations and a surge in fuel consumption. This can also dirty the spark plugs, increasing the likelihood of malfunctions. The key is prevention: choose reputable gas stations when refueling, pay attention to the seal of the fuel tank cap after rain, or add special additives to absorb moisture. During regular maintenance, a simple check of the fuel filter can help detect issues early.