Contaminated gas contains debris or sediments; old gas doesn’t. Give your old gas a sniff, as well. Bad gas usually smells spoiled or sour.
Mixing new gas with old gas adds back in the combustive chemicals that evaporated out of the old gas. Even when you dilute old gas with new, it won’t be as powerful as fresh gas on its own. Your car might take a few tries to get started. If your car is full of old gas, drain its fuel tank with a siphon pump. Store the old gas in a tank to use later, or get rid your gas by taking it to your local recycling or waste disposal center.
To prevent gas from evaporating and breaking down, fill your tank all the way up. This leaves less room for air in your tank, which means there’s less for the gas to evaporate into. It also leaves less space for moisture to grow.
For the most part, old gas just loses some of its ability to combust. When used in your car, it might stall out or have difficulty starting. If you’re looking to dispose of your contaminated gas, don’t throw it down the drain or take it out with the trash. Simply pour it into an air-tight container and take it to your local waste disposal center. [6] X Trustworthy Source State of Indiana Official site for state-approved sources related to life in Indiana, including laws, services, and culture Go to source
Ethanol evaporates more quickly and is a water-loving substance, which contributes to its faster degradation compared to pure gasoline. Diesel usually stays usable for about 1 year. If you have old diesel, restore it by pouring it through a filter funnel and into a new container. The filter removes water and debris, leaving only good, usable diesel behind. [8] X Research source
Fuel stabilizers are best to use in fresh gas because it helps prevent evaporation and oxidation in the first place.