What Happens If You Frequently Refuel at Small Gas Stations?
3 Answers
If you choose a legitimate small gas station, one that has all the necessary permits and procedures in place, even if it's not affiliated with Sinopec or PetroChina, the fuel quality should generally be fine. However, if you opt for an unlicensed small gas station, the poor-quality fuel may have adverse effects on your vehicle. Below are the hazards of using substandard fuel: 1. Poor-quality gasoline can easily clog the fuel system: Substandard gasoline contains excessive impurities, which can particularly affect the fuel injectors. Given that the injector nozzles are small, blockages can lead to inadequate fuel supply, resulting in reduced engine performance in mild cases or engine stalling and failure to start in severe cases. Additionally, components such as the fuel pump, fuel filter, pump screen, and gasoline filter are highly susceptible to damage and clogging. 2. Causes engine carbon buildup: Impurities in gasoline often exist in the form of gum deposits. Even if they pass through the filtration system, they can accumulate on the intake valves, intake manifold, and cylinder walls, eventually forming hard carbon deposits over time. These deposits can absorb gasoline, disrupt the air-fuel mixture, and impair engine performance. More seriously, gum deposits can cause the valves to stick, leading to collisions between the piston and unseated valves during operation, potentially destroying the engine. 3. Damages the catalytic converter and oxygen sensor: Impure gasoline fails to combust completely, directly causing poor exhaust flow, failed emissions tests, unstable engine operation, sluggish acceleration, poor overall fuel economy, and increased fuel consumption. If you experience symptoms such as jerking during acceleration, backfiring when revving, unstable RPM, or engine knocking after refueling, it may indicate the presence of counterfeit or low-quality gasoline.
I used to frequently refuel at small gas stations to save some money, but my car started running less smoothly, with frequent engine shaking and noticeably reduced power. During inspection, the mechanic said the fuel had too many impurities, causing severe carbon buildup and clogging the fuel system. It cost over 700 yuan to clean it before returning to normal. Long-term use of such fuel increases engine wear and shortens its lifespan, leading to higher repair costs later. Now I only refuel at large chain gas stations—though it's a few cents more expensive, I feel much more at ease. Regularly adding fuel system cleaner can also help mitigate some damage. Don’t be penny-wise and pound-foolish; repairing a broken car costs way more.
Safe driving is the most important thing for me. I've found that the fuel from small gas stations has unstable sources and may contain impurities or too much water, which can cause the engine to sputter when climbing hills at best, or suddenly stall on the highway leading to accidents at worst. Once, my car broke down halfway after refueling, and I almost got into an accident. Since then, I've insisted on refueling at branded stations. Poor fuel quality can also worsen emissions and pollute the air. I suggest everyone develop good habits and not always go for cheap options at small stations, especially before long-distance drives—choose a reliable station to fill up. Regularly check the engine light just in case.
