What to Do After Adding Low-Quality Gasoline to Your Car?

[Yarrow]

Adding low-quality gasoline to your car can affect its performance, leading to poor fuel supply and severe shaking while driving. 1. If the car is currently running normally without the above symptoms, you should promptly go to the nearest 4S shop for the following treatments: completely drain the remaining fuel in the tank, refill with high-quality gasoline, clean the fuel injectors, clean the combustion chamber, and replace the fuel filter. 2. If the car is running normally but the engine idles with slight shaking, you should promptly go to the nearest 4S shop for the following treatments: completely drain the remaining fuel in the tank, refill with high-quality gasoline, clean the throttle body, clean the fuel injectors, clean the combustion chamber, and replace the fuel filter and fuel pump. 3. If the car has difficulty starting, cannot start, the engine shakes, lacks acceleration power, experiences gear shift shocks, or the valves make noise, you should immediately stop driving and request rescue from a 4S shop. Measure the cylinder pressure; if the cylinder pressure is normal, disassemble the cylinder head for cleaning, completely drain the remaining fuel in the tank, refill with high-quality gasoline, clean the throttle body, clean the fuel injectors, clean the combustion chamber, and replace the fuel filter and fuel pump.

[KyleAnn]

A few days ago, my car was filled with low-quality fuel, causing severe shaking and black smoke upon startup. I immediately pulled over, turned off the engine, and called the insurance company's free towing service to take it to a small repair shop run by a friend. The mechanic first drained the fuel tank, replaced it with genuine 95-octane gasoline, and then added a bottle of fuel system cleaner before taking it for a high-speed run to flush the fuel lines. He explained that low-quality fuel contains many impurities, which can clog fuel injectors and cause engine carbon buildup. If not addressed promptly, it could lead to burnt spark plugs or damaged oxygen sensors. The repair cost a few hundred yuan, but it prevented worse consequences. Since then, I've made it a habit to only refuel at Sinopec gas stations, always checking the fuel grade label before filling up, and I carry a small bottle of fuel additive for emergencies on long trips. While this issue may seem minor, delaying repairs can lead to costly and dangerous consequences.

[Charlie]

After filling up with cheap fuel last time, my car's engine light came on and it lost power during acceleration. I think immediate action is needed: turn off the engine and don't drive, call for roadside assistance to change the oil. Using an OBD tool to check the fault code revealed abnormal oil pressure. It's recommended to add higher-octane gasoline for dilution, and mix in fuel system cleaner to wash the fuel injectors and throttle body. Low-quality fuel contains high sulfur content, which corrodes fuel lines and increases carbon deposits. Over time, this leads to soaring fuel consumption and excessive exhaust emissions. After dealing with it, I often drive on highways to flush the system, and only choose gas stations with high APP ratings to avoid shady ones. Safety first - delaying repairs could lead to engine failure which is harder to fix. Knowing some technical knowledge can save you from big troubles.

[VanDonovan]

If you accidentally filled up with low-quality gasoline and your car starts acting up, stop driving immediately. Have it towed directly to a repair shop to clean the fuel tank—professionals know how to handle it without causing damage. Afterward, refill with good-quality gasoline and add a fuel system cleaner, then drive it for a while. Low-quality fuel is harmful; impurities can clog the fuel lines, causing shaking or stalling, which affects safe driving. I never take chances and only trust reputable gas stations. In short, don’t hesitate—act fast.