Posted on 7/18/2025
Fuel Degradation Gasoline begins to break down and lose its volatility after about 3–6 months (even faster with ethanol blends). Old fuel becomes gummy and sticky, which can: Clog fuel lines, filters, and injectors Make starting the engine difficult or impossible Reduce combustion efficiency 2. Water Contamination Over time, condensation can form inside a sitting fuel tank, especially if it's not full. This introduces water into the fuel system, which: Can cause rust inside the tank and lines Leads to poor engine performance May trigger corrosion in fuel system components 3. Sludge and Varnish Buildup Old fuel leaves behind residues that gum up critical components: Fuel pumps and injectors can seize or clog Carburetors (on older vehicles) may become unusable The fuel f ... read more