* Engine misfires: Bad gas, whether contaminated with water, dirt, or containing a significantly lower octane rating than your car requires, can cause the engine to misfire. This means the engine cylinders aren't firing properly, leading to rough running, loss of power, and potentially damage over time.
* Reduced fuel economy: Poor quality fuel won't burn as efficiently, resulting in lower gas mileage.
* Check engine light: The car's onboard computer will likely detect a problem and illuminate the check engine light. This will require a diagnostic scan to identify the specific issue.
* Damage to fuel injectors: Contaminants in the fuel can clog fuel injectors, preventing proper fuel delivery. This can be expensive to repair or replace.
* Damage to the fuel pump: Water in the fuel can damage the fuel pump, which is submerged in the fuel tank. This can lead to fuel pump failure.
* Damage to the catalytic converter: Contaminants or low-octane fuel can damage the catalytic converter, a costly component responsible for cleaning exhaust emissions. The catalytic converter might fail prematurely.
* Stalling: In severe cases, the engine might stall completely due to insufficient or contaminated fuel.
What to do if you put bad gas in your car:
* Don't drive: If you suspect you've put bad gas in your car, avoid driving it as much as possible. Continuing to drive can exacerbate the damage.
* Refuel with good gas: Fill the tank with high-quality fuel to dilute the bad gas.
* Add fuel system cleaner (with caution): Some fuel system cleaners might help, but follow the instructions carefully. Too much cleaner can damage the fuel system.
* Get it checked: Take your car to a mechanic for a diagnostic check. They can determine the extent of the damage and recommend necessary repairs.
The severity of the consequences depends on several factors:
* How much bad gas was used: A small amount mixed with a full tank is less likely to cause major problems than a nearly full tank of bad gas.
* The type of "bad gas": Water contamination is particularly damaging, while low-octane gas might only cause mild issues (depending on the octane rating difference).
* The car's engine: Some engines are more sensitive to fuel quality than others.
In short, preventing the problem by always using high-quality fuel from reputable stations is the best approach.
