What Happens If You Frequently Refuel at Small Gas Stations?
1 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.
