With many cars sitting idle during the pandemic, gasoline in your tank can degrade over time, leading to potential engine trouble. Here's how to keep your fuel fresh and ensure your car stays in good shape.

Why Gasoline Goes Stale

Chemical Breakdown
- Gasoline begins degrading in as little as three months, as lighter components evaporate.

Moisture and Air Exposure
- Low fuel levels can allow condensation in the tank, accelerating the breakdown process.

Signs of Bad Gas
- Smells like varnish.
- Appears darker and gummy, which can harm your fuel pump and injectors.

Steps to Keep Gas Fresh

Fill Up Your Tank
- Why: A full tank reduces air exposure and limits condensation.
- Add a fuel stabilizer before refueling to ensure it mixes thoroughly.

Use a Fuel Stabilizer
- How It Helps: Stabilizers, like Sta-Bil or Sea Foam, slow the breakdown of gasoline.
- Only works on fresh gas—it cannot reverse existing degradation.
- Stops further deterioration even if added later.

What Not to Do

Don’t Stockpile Fuel
- Even with stabilizers, stored gas breaks down over time.
- Disposing of old gasoline requires a recycling facility—not your drain!

Avoid Low Fuel Levels
- Low tanks can lead to sweating and moisture buildup, speeding up fuel breakdown.

Long-Term Storage Tips

Store Gas in Approved Containers
- Use DOT-approved sealed gas cans to prevent evaporative emissions and extend gas life.

Keep Containers Full
- Reduces exposure to air and moisture.

Plan for Use
- Rotate through stored fuel within a few months to avoid waste.

Pro Tips for Maintaining Fuel and Engine Health

• Drive Occasionally: Short drives can keep your car’s systems running smoothly.
• Use Top-Tier Gasoline: Helps maintain engine performance and fuel stability.
• Dispose of Old Gas Properly: Take it to a recycling facility if it’s no longer usable.

By following these tips, you can protect your car from stale gas and ensure it’s ready to hit the road whenever you are.

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