What to Do If There's Water in the Gasoline?
4 Answers
Solutions for water in gasoline: 1. If there is only a small amount of water in the gasoline and the fuel tank is not full, you can continue to add water-free gasoline to dilute the water content. Alternatively, you can add fuel additives such as fuel tank water removers or fuel system cleaners to help the engine burn more efficiently. 2. If there is a significant amount of water, it is necessary to drain all the fuel from the tank and refill it with water-free gasoline. If the car exhibits symptoms like engine shaking or poor acceleration, it is advisable to visit a 4S shop to clean the fuel filter, fuel lines, and fuel injectors. Otherwise, severe cases may result in the car failing to start. Gasoline has strong hydrophilic properties and can absorb moisture from the air, so a low water content is generally not a problem.
I recently encountered a similar situation where my car had difficulty starting after refueling, which was clearly abnormal. I immediately parked in a safe spot and turned off the engine, as this could lead to water entering the engine or damaging components. Don’t attempt to start the car right away—open the fuel tank cap to check for any water layer and use a small tool to extract the water. If that doesn’t work, quickly call a tow truck to take it to a professional repair shop where technicians can clean the fuel tank, fuel lines, and even replace the fuel filter if necessary. Reflecting on this, to prevent such issues, it’s advisable to check the gas station’s reputation when refueling and regularly inspect the fuel tank’s seal to avoid rainwater seepage. Always remember safety first—don’t attempt DIY repairs that could cause more serious damage. While towing fees aren’t cheap, they’re far more economical than engine repairs.
After discovering gasoline mixed with water, I usually turn off the engine and park the car immediately. This can cause components like spark plugs and pistons to rust or trigger warning lights. It's best to use an oil suction tube to remove the water as soon as possible or seek professional cleaning. Spending some money is better than replacing the entire engine. I've also developed good habits: refueling at reputable stations like Sinopec or PetroChina, checking that the fuel tank cap is tightly closed when parking in the rain, and inspecting the fuel tank condition every six months to prevent leaks from aging cracks. The key is to act decisively—don't take chances by continuing to drive, as it could damage the car further.
Once I accidentally added water to the fuel tank, and the car started shaking violently. I immediately stopped and turned off the engine. I tried to siphon out the water myself, but it didn't work, so I contacted a repair shop to have it towed and fixed. Fortunately, the issue was addressed in time without costing too much, otherwise the consequences could have been more troublesome.
