Bad Gas in Your Vehicle: Symptoms, Drainage & Prevention

Contaminated fuel (water, sediment, old gasoline, wrong octane) causes rough running, stalling, hard starting, check engine light.

If Engine Still Runs

• Add fuel system cleaner/dryer (isopropanol-based for water)
• Top off with fresh, correct-grade fuel
• Drive to dilute

If Engine Stalled / Won't Start

1. Siphon: Hose from tank to approved container; pump to prime
2. Drain plug/fuel line: If accessible, catch in drain pan
3. Drop tank: If no access; consult repair manual

After Draining

• Replace fuel filter
• Refill with fresh fuel + stabilizer if storing
• Consider injector cleaning

Prevention

• Buy from high-volume stations
• Avoid long-term storage without stabilizer
• Keep tank >1/4 full to reduce condensation