Are you having trouble starting your car after a while? If so, the gas in your car might be too old and be the reason behind the issue.
Starting car with old gas can be a common concern for many car owners, as old gasoline can cause a range of problems with the performance and reliability of the car.
Old Gas In Car Symptoms
Below is a list of the most typical indications of old gas in a car.
Unusual Speed Change
Suppose you notice that your car’s acceleration is sluggish or suddenly speeding up without warning. It could be a sign that you have bad gas in your vehicle.
Bad gas can cause unusual speed changes, affecting the fuel delivery system and the engine’s ability to combust the fuel efficiently.
Additionally, it could make your vehicle hesitate or stall out when accelerating.
Damaged Gas Filter
The fuel filter is responsible for removing impurities and debris from the contaminated gasoline before it reaches the automotive engine.
When bad gas enters the fuel system, it can clog the filter, making it harder for gas to pass through.
This can lead to several problems, such as reduced fuel efficiency, engine misfires, and stalling.
When you notice a decrease in your engine performance, it’s important to check the gas filter for signs of damage or wear.
Operating Issues
Bad gas may be the cause of any operational problems your automobile is having, including hard starting, rough idling, and decreased power and acceleration.
Bad gas can also affect the fuel system, clogging or harming the spark plugs, fuel injectors, and other engine parts.
When these components malfunction, the vehicle’s performance may be impacted, causing operational problems.
Check Light On
The check engine light on your car’s dashboard may indicate that you have stale gas in car.
Bad gas can affect the fuel delivery system, causing the engine to run inefficiently and resulting in operating problems that turn on the check engine light.
As other issues can also trigger the light, it’s essential to have your car checked by a professional mechanic to identify the root cause of the problem.
Is Starting Car With Old Gas Possible?
Yes. Starting a car with old gas is possible, but it may not be ideal for your car’s performance or health.
Gasoline can begin to degrade over time, particularly when it’s been sitting in the tank for an extended period.
This can cause the gas to lose its combustibility, leading to rough idling, starting issues, and reduced acceleration and power.
Suppose you are planning to start a car with old gas; it’s best to do so with caution. You may perform a quick bad gasoline test first.
Then, consider adding a fuel stabilizer to your tank if needed to help prevent further fuel degradation. You may also drain the old gas and replace it with fresh fuel to get the car running efficiently.
Keep in mind that it’s always a good idea to check with a professional mechanic to assess the situation and determine the best course of action.
In case you’re not comfortable starting the car with old gas, it is advisable to have it towed to a mechanic for proper inspection and repair.
What Will Happen When Using Old Gas In Car?
Here are some consequences you will encounter if you let stale gas sit in your automobile’s fuel tank.
Engine Sputtering
When you let old gas sit in your car’s fuel tank, you may notice your engine sputtering or running rough.
As gasoline ages, it can lose its combustibility, making it difficult for the engine to burn the fuel efficiently. This can cause misfires, stalling, and other performance issues, leading to engine sputtering.
Lack Of Engine Power
Over time, gas can begin to break down, losing its ability to ignite and burn efficiently. This can cause the engine to struggle to produce power, leading to a lack of overall performance.
You may also notice that your vehicle has difficulty starting, rough idling, and other issues mentioned above.
Clogged Injectors
Starting a car with old gas can lead to clogged fuel injectors.
As gasoline ages, it can form varnish and other deposits that can accumulate in the fuel system and clog your injectors, preventing fuel from reaching the engine efficiently.
Several problems, such as poor fuel economy, may also result from this.
How Long Can Gas Sit In Your Car?
How long can gasoline remain in a car? It depends on what type of gas you use.
Pure Gas
Pure gasoline, also known as “clear” gasoline, can typically sit in the fuel tank for about three to six months before it starts to degrade.
However, the actual length of time can depend on several factors, such as the gasoline quality, the car’s age, and how your automobile is stored.
Ethanol-Blended Gas
Ethanol-blended gasoline, which consists of 10% ethanol and 90% petroleum, can typically sit in the tank for up to three months without significant degradation.
As you can see, it has a shelf life compared to pure gasoline. Ethanol-based gas absorbs moisture more readily than pure gasoline, resulting in contamination.
Shelf-Stable Gas
Shelf-stable gas, also known as non-ethanol or premium gas, can typically sit in the tank for up to six months. It is produced using additives to stabilize the fuel and prevent it from degrading.
This assists the gasoline in maintaining its quality for an extended period of time compared to other gas types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Using Old Gas Dangerous? Should I Drive With Old Gas?
While it’s not necessarily unsafe right away, using outdated gas can harm your automobile and provide safety risks.
Thus, it is never advisable to drive with old gas because it might damage other engine components or clog the fuel system in your car, among other issues.
It’s preferable to get it drained and topped up with brand-new gas before driving.
Can I Mix Old With New Gas?
Yes. Even though it’s not ideal, you can do so if you have to use the old gas for some reason.
It’s crucial to bear in mind that the performance of the new gas may be affected by the old gas, which could also lead to problems with your vehicle’s fuel system.
For more info on this topic, check out this guide.
The Bottom Line
Starting car with old gas can lead to a number of performance and dependability problems, ranging from fuel system damage to reduced engine power.
By using fresh instead of old gas, you can save yourself the hassles and expenses that come with it.