Will gasoline evaporate if a car is left unused for a long time?
2 Answers
Gasoline will evaporate if a car is left unused for a long time. Evaporation occurs without a carbon canister: Between the engine's intake manifold and the fuel tank, in addition to a main fuel supply line, there is also a branch line equipped with a carbon canister. When the engine is not running, the fuel tank generates relatively high pressure due to the evaporation characteristics of gasoline. Without a carbon canister, these evaporated gasoline vapors will be released into the atmosphere through the fuel tank vent. Precautions: Try to avoid refueling immediately after a gas station has just unloaded its oil supply. This is because the bottom of the oil tank always contains some water and sediment impurities, which can be stirred up and mixed with the fuel during the unloading process.
Gasoline does indeed evaporate, especially when a car is left unused for an extended period. From a car enthusiast's perspective, gasoline itself is a volatile liquid that evaporates even faster in warm weather, leading to a decrease in the amount left in the fuel tank. If parked in a garage or enclosed space, flammable gases can accumulate, posing safety risks. I remember once when my own car was left unused for three months; upon opening the fuel cap, there was a strong smell of gasoline, and the fuel gauge showed a noticeable drop. Although modern car fuel tank designs have improved, older cars are more prone to this issue. Solutions include filling up the tank to reduce air space, using fuel stabilizers to prevent degradation, or periodically driving short distances to circulate the fuel. Additionally, seasonal changes also affect the evaporation rate, with spring, summer, and fall being more noticeable.
