Symptoms of Bad Gas in My Car - Need Help!

Technical Issues
1

I’ve been having some serious issues with my car lately, and I think it might be related to bad gas. Here are some symptoms I’m experiencing:

  • Engine Misfires: It feels like the engine is sputtering, especially during acceleration.
  • Poor Acceleration: My car is sluggish, and it takes a lot longer to pick up speed than it used to.
  • Rough Idling: The engine idles really rough, and sometimes it even stalls at stoplights.

I’ve also noticed a decrease in fuel efficiency, which only adds to my frustration. I’m trying to figure out if this could be caused by fuel quality issues.

Possible Causes of Bad Gas

  • Water Contamination: I’ve heard that water can get into the gas tank, especially if you fill up at a station that has old tanks.
  • Sediment: Old or low-quality fuel can lead to sediment buildup, which might be clogging the fuel system.

What I’m Looking For

I’d really appreciate any advice on:

  • How to diagnose whether my fuel is bad.
  • Any remedies or solutions to help fix these symptoms.
  • Tips for preventing this in the future, like which gas stations are known for better fuel quality.

Thanks in advance for any help! It’s really been stressing me out, and any insights would be great!

8 Likes
2

I’ve experienced rough idling as a symptom of bad gas. My car would shake significantly when idling, and it was super annoying! Has anyone else dealt with this?

3

Absolutely! I had a similar issue where my car would stall unexpectedly. It really freaked me out at first until I realized it was the gas. Checking fuel quality is key!

4

I’ve also noticed decreased fuel efficiency when I accidentally filled up with bad gas. I used to get about 30 mpg, and then it dropped to 20 mpg. So frustrating!

3 Likes
5

Yikes! That’s a huge drop. Have you had a chance to check your fuel filter? Sometimes that can get clogged and mimic bad fuel symptoms.

7 Likes
6

Another symptom I’ve noticed is a weird smell when I fill up. If the gas smells off, that’s a good sign it might be bad gas! Trust your nose!

7

That’s a great point! That happened to me after a fill-up last summer. Honestly, it smelled almost like rotten eggs. Had me worried!

8

Rough starting can also be an indicator. My car turned over several times before starting after I used questionable fuel last month. Definitely pay attention to your starting habits!

9

So true! I generally look for that too. It’s alarming when your car behaves oddly, especially in traffic!

10

Does anyone have tips for diagnosing bad gas? I’m new to this and could really use some help. Forecasting symptoms before hitting the mechanic would be awesome!

11

One great approach is to inspect your gas station’s reputation before filling up. It makes a difference!

12

And remember, sometimes it can just be a bad batch of gas, right? At least we’re not alone in these struggles! Just be sure to add fuel stabilizer next time if you’re still worried.

13

I had a similar issue a while back and it turned out to be bad gas. I highly recommend using a fuel additive designed to clean your injectors. It made a huge difference in my car’s performance.

14

Thanks for the tip! Which fuel additive did you use? I’m unsure where to start.

15

Cleaning the fuel system can be pretty effective too. I used to use a good cleaner in the tank every few months. It helps keep things running smoothly.

16

Great idea! How often do you think I should do that, Eric? Monthly?

5 Likes
17

If you suspect bad gas, don’t hesitate to flush your tank. It’s a bit of a hassle, but flushing it thoroughly can save you headaches later on.

18

I had to do that once. It felt like a mini car surgery! But worth it - my car ran much better afterward.

19

Haha, that’s a good way to put it! I’m leaning towards a tank flush. Recommendations on places that can do it?

6 Likes
20

Definitely go to a reputable mechanic. They’ll know how to handle bad gas issues without damaging your system. It’s critical to choose the right place!