Most people look for cheap gas prices when they’re looking to fill up. This is understandable, as the prices can be daunting. However, people should also know that some gas is contaminated and that putting bad gas in a car can cause serious problems. Because of this, knowing the warning signs of bad gas is essential. Auto mechanics can help drivers determine if their gas is truly contaminated.
It’s not uncommon to have bad gas in a car
There’s no way to know what percentage of gas is impure. However, we know this isn’t uncommon, as there are often stories of specific gas station brands selling contaminated gas. There have already been several stories from this year. According to NJ.com, this happened mere months ago at a New Jersey gas station, and many drivers had mechanic issues due to bad gas in their cars.
Many people may wonder what causes contaminated gas. Typically, water contaminates gasoline. This high water content can happen either at the refinery, during the delivery process, or even after it arrives at the gas station. However, storing the gas is another significant cause of contamination and why some drivers have bad gas in their cars.
Engine issues can be a sign of bad gas in a car
Naturally, bad gas in a car will show itself through engine issues. One sign of bad gas in a car is difficulty starting the vehicle. The same is true for the car shaking or jerking while idling and trying to accelerate. Speaking of accelerating, you’ll also notice a problem here, as getting the car up to speed will take a lot of work. You may also notice misfiring, and the check engine light will come on.
Transmission issues
If you start experiencing transmission issues, it could be a sign of bad gas in your car. These issues might manifest as delayed gear shifts, unintentional gear shifts, or slipping. In such cases, it’s crucial to seek professional help from auto mechanics to diagnose and fix the problem.
Lowered fuel economy
Another sign that your car has bad gas is decreased fuel economy. Of course, it may take a while to notice the difference, but this is one of the most common signs of bad gas. It’s also important to note that the contaminated gas could take a couple of days to impact the vehicle. However, there are cases when the effects show up sooner.
Readers should also know there is a high chance that contaminated fuel can cause real damage to their vehicle. This potential damage is one reason why knowing the signs of bad gas is essential. Sadly, drivers have to look out for more than just cheap gas prices.
