SYMPTOMS OF BAD GAS (BAD FUEL) IN A CAR -

In this article, we’re going to talk about a problem that is pretty rare, especially in developed countries, and that is a problem with bad gas quality.

If you have the bad luck of running across a bad batch of gas, you can experience some dramatic engine problems.

The important thing is to recognize that the gas is the problem and not something else, and hopefully, this video will help.

Besides this website, you can also watch videos on our YouTube channel, where we have many car-related videos that may help with maintenance, driving, etc.

SYMPTOMS OF BAD GAS (BAD FUEL) IN A CAR

1. ENGINE SPUTTERING

In most cases, the first symptom of bad gas quality is a noticeable change in how the engine runs.

You’ll notice it both while the engine is idling and when revving up.

Instead of the usual smooth running, the engine will sputter, sometimes stall a bit, and suddenly start running normally again.

The sputtering can happen occasionally or be present all the time.

2. ENGINE MISFIRE

If the fuel quality is really bad, besides sputtering, there will also be serious engine misfire.

You’ll notice it easily by the engine running rough and by the violent shaking in the engine bay.

In some cases, you may even hear a loud bang from the exhaust.

For more information about engine misfire, click here.

3. LOW ENGINE PERFORMANCE

Next, if you were to try to drive the car with this bad quality fuel, you’ll immediately notice a big decrease in engine performance.

The car will stall, the drive will be jerky, and the gas pedal response will be sluggish and very weak.

In worst cases, the car is totally un-drivable.

4. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARS

At this time, the check engine light will also appear.

This is mainly due to a big disturbance in the engine’s combustion and the abnormal exhaust fume values.

In some cases, the car may even go into limp mode.

If you want to read more about check engine problems, click here.

5. HIGH FUEL CONSUMPTION

If you manage to drive the car, you’ll soon notice a huge increase in fuel consumption.

It will be dramatic; as a rough estimate, it can go up as much as 50 percent.

6. LONG CRANKING

Finally, you may experience long cranking

It may be present as soon as you pour the bad gas or later, when the bad gas gets into the car’s fuel system.

It’s symptomatic that the cranking sounds like the engine will start, but it does not, or it barely starts after some heavy cranking.

CONCLUSION

As mentioned, it is crucial to recognize this problem on time for two main reasons.

The first one is to avoid making unnecessary repairs. Lots of people start checking the spark plugs, ignition coils, and fuel injectors for nothing. Big loss of time.

Second, bad-quality gas, if you continue driving, may damage the engine due to it running rough and poor combustion.

If you pour this kind of fuel, either find good fuel, mix it with the bad one, and hope for the best. But the better solution is to drain the bad fuel from the gas tank and fuel system as much as possible.