* Water contamination: Water in the fuel can cause corrosion, clog fuel injectors, and prevent the engine from getting the fuel it needs to start.
* Ethanol separation: Ethanol can separate from gasoline over time, especially in older or improperly stored fuel. This separation can lead to poor combustion and starting problems.
* Contaminants: Dirt, debris, or other contaminants in the fuel can clog fuel filters and injectors, hindering fuel flow.
* Low octane: Using gasoline with an octane rating lower than recommended for your engine can lead to poor combustion and difficult starting.
* Fuel going bad: Gasoline itself degrades over time, losing its volatility and ability to ignite easily. Older gas is more prone to this.
If you suspect bad gas, the first step is to drain the tank (or have it done professionally) and refill it with fresh, high-quality gasoline from a reputable station. If the problem persists after that, you may have other issues that need to be investigated, such as a problem with the fuel pump, fuel injectors, or ignition system.
