What to Do If a Car Uses Deteriorated Gasoline?

[Ramona]

It is necessary to completely remove the remaining gasoline in the fuel tank and refill with higher-quality gasoline. Additionally, the fuel injectors and combustion chamber need to be cleaned, and the fuel filter and fuel pump should be replaced to prevent clogging by impurities. Below are the reasons for gasoline deterioration: 1. Exceeding the shelf life: Most gasoline has a shelf life of 3 months, which can be extended to 6 months in a sealed environment. The composition of gasoline includes volatile substances such as octane, which gradually evaporate due to storage conditions and prolonged placement, leading to gasoline deterioration. 2. Water contamination: If water droplets or vapor mix into the gasoline, it can cause solidification. Water molecules mixed into the gasoline can produce bacteria in the engine, causing damage. 3. Oxidation: Among the components of gasoline, hydrocarbons are most prone to react with oxygen. After oxidation, gasoline produces an acidic odor.

[Marian]

As a seasoned long-distance driver, I have some important reminders about dealing with degraded gasoline. Degraded fuel can cause difficulty starting the engine, reduced power, and even damage to fuel injectors. First, never continue driving—turn off the engine and park in a safe location. Quickly add fresh gasoline to dilute the tank, aiming for a roughly 50-50 ratio to mitigate the issue. If the problem isn’t severe, using fuel additives to clean carbon deposits can help. However, be cautious: if the check engine light comes on or you hear unusual noises, avoid DIY fixes. I recommend visiting a repair shop as soon as possible—they can drain the tank and clean the fuel system. Prevention is key: don’t store gasoline for too long (use it within three months), choose reputable gas stations when refueling, and keep a reliable fuel additive in your car for emergencies. Safety first—don’t cut corners to save money or effort, as your health matters more.

[VanAllison]

I think the most annoying thing for young people driving today is encountering bad fuel. The car shakes a few times, fuel consumption increases, and even gaming has to be paused. The way to deal with it is to turn off the engine first, don't push it. Add a can of clean 95-octane gasoline to dilute it, then drive about 20 kilometers to see if there's any improvement. If that doesn't work, buy a bottle of high-efficiency additive online and pour it in—many brands have proven effective in real tests. By the way, download a car condition app to monitor fuel quality and prevent it next time. If all else fails, call roadside assistance or have it towed to a 4S shop. They might replace the entire system, which costs some money but saves hassle. Remember not to fill up with low-quality fuel at cheap stations, and regular air filter changes are also crucial. Enjoy driving but don't be careless—I once tried DIY cleaning the fuel tank and ended up burning a small circuit. The lesson is to leave it to the professionals.

[ElleLee]

I've repaired multiple cars damaged by deteriorated fuel, so here are a few practical tips. If you notice poor acceleration or black exhaust smoke, turn off the engine immediately to prevent spontaneous combustion. Before refilling with fresh gasoline, test the fuel quality to assess contamination level: for mild cases, add new fuel and drive a distance; for moderate cases, use fuel additives for cleaning; for severe contamination, completely drain the tank and professionally clean the fuel pump and injectors. Damaged fuel systems compromise driving safety – I've witnessed spark plug burnout cases. Afterwards, conduct fuel pressure tests and computer diagnostics to eliminate hidden risks. For prevention, always check fuel expiration dates when purchasing and avoid cheap options; store household gasoline in sealed, light-proof containers. Key point: Don't hesitate – promptly visit a reputable repair shop. Saving money isn't worth risking lives.