What effects can substandard gasoline have on a car?

[AliviaLee]

Substandard gasoline can lead to carbon deposits, oxygen sensor and catalytic converter failures in a car. Here are the detailed explanations: Carbon Deposits: Impurities in gasoline usually exist in the form of colloids. Even after passing through the filtration system, they can accumulate in the intake valves, intake manifold, and cylinders, forming hard carbon deposits over time. These deposits have an adsorption effect on gasoline, leading to the formation of mixed gases and affecting engine performance. More seriously, the colloids can stick to the valves, causing the piston to collide with unreturned valves during upward movement, resulting in engine damage. Oxygen Sensor and Catalytic Converter Failures: Gasoline containing impurities cannot burn completely, directly causing poor exhaust flow, unqualified emissions, unstable engine operation, weak acceleration, poor overall economic performance, and increased fuel consumption. If symptoms such as jerking during acceleration, backfiring when suddenly accelerating, unstable RPM, or knocking occur after refueling, it may be due to the effects of inferior gasoline.

[DelMackenzie]

Having worked in the auto industry for so many years, I've encountered numerous cases where customers' cars developed serious issues due to using substandard gasoline. The most common problems include severe engine carbon buildup, fuel system clogging leading to poor acceleration and skyrocketing fuel consumption. Then there's spark plug fouling causing ignition difficulties, with terrifying vibrations during cold starts. The worst cases require catalytic converter replacements costing thousands, leaving owners with hefty repair bills. I strongly advise against using cheap, low-quality fuel. Regularly check fuel quality and fill up with reputable brand gasoline before long trips to prevent most issues. During routine maintenance, have technicians clean the fuel system and injectors to maintain combustion efficiency and extend vehicle lifespan. These minor oversights are quite common, but timely attention can save significant money.

[VonThomas]

I've been driving my old car for over a decade. Once, trying to save money, I filled up with low-grade fuel from an off-brand gas station, and it didn't take long for things to go south. The car shook violently when starting, couldn't pick up speed even with the pedal to the metal on the highway, and fuel consumption noticeably increased. Later, a check-up revealed clogged fuel injectors, costing me over 800 yuan to clean, and the engine noise became louder. The mechanic said substandard gasoline contains more impurities, which easily form deposits. Now, I only refuel with 95-octane or higher at reputable stations, and it's been much more worry-free. Experience has taught me that fuel quality directly impacts daily driving experience. Once problems arise, repairs are costly and time-consuming—it's better to carefully choose gas stations from the start.

[Peter]

From an environmental perspective, substandard gasoline poses a tremendous hazard to air pollution. That low-quality fuel burns incompletely, emitting excessive nitrogen oxides and particulate matter—not only worsening smog but also damaging the ozone layer. I recall a friend whose car used problematic fuel, resulting in exhaust emissions twice the legal limit, which got him fined. Long-term use can deactivate the catalytic converter, releasing pollutants directly into the atmosphere and degrading our city's air quality. As someone who cares about the planet, I always advocate for choosing high-grade clean fuels or hybrid vehicles—reducing emissions is key to protecting our blue skies. These small habits, when combined, make a significant environmental contribution.