Will there be any problems with gasoline if the car is not driven for a long time?
4 Answers
There will be problems with gasoline if the car is not driven for a long time. Over time, the quality of gasoline deteriorates. If left unused for too long, the gasoline will oxidize and degrade, which may lead to incomplete combustion, carbon buildup, clogged fuel lines, unstable idling, and impaired engine performance, among other issues. Here are some precautions for using the fuel tank: 1. Do not wait until the fuel warning light comes on to refuel: Before driving, check the fuel gauge and calculate whether you need to refuel based on the distance of your trip and the fuel gauge reading. It is advisable to refuel in advance rather than waiting for the fuel light to come on. The fuel pump is located inside the tank and operates at high temperatures when continuously working. Being submerged in fuel helps to cool it effectively. When the fuel light comes on, it indicates that the fuel level is below the pump. Refueling only when the light is on will shorten the lifespan of the fuel pump, and having too little fuel in the tank may even cause the pump to burn out. 2. Choose to refuel in the morning or evening: Generally, temperatures are lower in the early morning and evening, and the vaporization point of gasoline is relatively low, so it is best to refuel during these times. Gasoline expands with heat and contracts with cold, and it is charged by volume. At lower temperatures, gasoline has a higher density, meaning the mass per unit volume increases, allowing you to get more fuel for the same price. 3. Avoid filling the tank completely when driving in the city: When driving in urban areas, there is no need to fill the tank completely. A full tank adds extra weight to the engine, increasing fuel consumption. Since refueling is convenient in the city, there is no need to fill the tank to the brim.
As an experienced driver, I often remind everyone that leaving a car parked for too long without driving can cause real problems with the gasoline in the tank. The biggest issue is gasoline oxidation and deterioration, which produces sticky gum-like deposits that can clog fuel injectors or filters, making the engine hard to start. Additionally, moisture from the air condenses inside, leading to tank rust or fuel stratification—especially in cars using ethanol-blended gasoline, where water-fuel separation can corrode parts, resulting in expensive repairs. Once, I left my car untouched for six months while on a business trip, and upon returning, it struggled to start. A check revealed the fuel pump had rusted. Prevention is simple: Regularly start the car and let it run for about 15 minutes to warm up and expel moisture, or add a fuel stabilizer to block air and slow oxidation. For long-term parking, keep the tank half full to minimize air exposure. These small habits can save you both hassle and money.
When it comes to leaving a car unused for extended periods, gasoline can indeed cause problems. The main issues are oxidation and moisture: gasoline exposed to air gradually oxidizes, forming resin-like substances that clog fuel lines; with significant temperature changes, moisture condenses into the fuel tank, potentially causing fuel stratification or rust, especially with ethanol-blended fuels. I always pay attention to this when maintaining my car, and the solutions are straightforward: add fuel stabilizers to extend shelf life; start the engine every three to four weeks and let it idle for 10 minutes to drive out moisture; if parked for more than three months, consider using fresh fuel or completely draining the system. Practical tests show that untreated gasoline left for six months can clog fuel injectors, affecting combustion efficiency and ultimately damaging the engine. Adopting these maintenance habits can help extend your car's lifespan.
Leaving gasoline unused for extended periods definitely causes problems. Oxidation forms gum that clogs filters, moisture buildup leads to rust, and ethanol-blended fuel is prone to separation, causing rough starts and poor fuel economy in engines. Money-saving tips: Add fuel stabilizer to the tank; start the engine monthly and let it warm up for a few minutes to expel moisture; take short drives when possible to keep fuel circulating. This prevents costly repairs.
