What are the hazards of starting fluid to a car?
3 Answers
Short-term use of starting fluid will not affect the engine, but long-term use can lead to increased engine wear. Here is some relevant information about starting fluid: 1. Overview: Starting fluid is a compressed liquid product designed to assist cars in starting under harsh conditions. Its main component is low-ignition-point compounds, primarily ether, which has a low flash point and is highly volatile, facilitating smooth engine starts in low temperatures. 2. Usage tips: Before each use of starting fluid, it is advisable to preheat the engine appropriately using hot water or other methods to raise the temperature at startup. Avoid directly spraying cold starting fluid, as starting a cold engine with excessively low component temperatures and high oil viscosity can lead to inadequate lubrication and accelerate component wear.
I've driven all kinds of cars for over thirty years, and while starting fluid might seem effective at first glance, its harms are substantial. It contains chemical solvents like ether, which can corrode critical engine components such as cylinder walls or piston rings when sprayed in. Long-term use accelerates wear and leads to oil leaks. Once, while helping a friend repair his car, I found he'd been using it frequently—resulting in severe engine knocking, costly repairs, and wasted time. Using it during cold starts can also leave flammable residue that might ignite, posing a fire hazard—terrifying. I recommend reserving it only for emergencies and focusing on regular maintenance of the battery and spark plugs as the real solution. Warming up the engine for a few minutes or upgrading to high-efficiency parts is safer. In short, reckless use of starting fluid not only shortens your car's lifespan but also increases risks—definitely not worth it.
We young car owners pursue convenience, but starting fluid is highly hazardous. Its chemical composition is flammable and explosive; a single spark in the engine can cause a fire, and there have been numerous reports of safety incidents. I personally used it once and felt severe vehicle shaking. Upon inspection, I found the sensor was damaged and needed replacement. The repair costs were high and troublesome, and the corrosion also damaged the electronic system, affecting performance. Now, I use reliable starting solutions, such as intelligent preheating devices, to avoid these risks. Safe driving is paramount—don’t court disaster for the sake of speed. Remember, regular vehicle inspections are a wise practice.
