Can Bad Gas Ruin Your Engine?

You might not think twice when filling up at the pump, but what if the fuel you’re pumping isn’t as clean or fresh as it should be? Bad gas in the car isn’t just a minor annoyance—it can lead to real engine problems. Contaminated or stale fuel can affect everything from performance to internal engine health, and ignoring the signs can cost you more in the long run.

How Can Gas Go Bad?

Gasoline can degrade over time, especially if your vehicle sits unused for weeks or months. It can also become contaminated by water, dirt, or even the wrong additives. Gasoline is designed to ignite cleanly and efficiently, but when it’s compromised, your car’s engine may misfire, hesitate, or stall completely.

Condensation in underground gas tanks or delivery issues at some stations can also contribute to bad fuel. And if you accidentally pump the wrong octane or even diesel into a gasoline engine, you’ll definitely feel—and hear—the effects quickly.

Symptoms of Bad Gas in Your Vehicle

Common signs of bad gas include:

· Difficulty starting the engine

· Rough idling or sputtering

· Reduced acceleration

· “Check Engine” light turning on

· Strange knocking or pinging sounds

If your car’s been acting up after a fill-up, don’t ignore it. These symptoms can also resemble other mechanical issues, which is why it’s essential to have a trusted car mechanic take a look.

The Risk to Your Engine

Over time, running your car on contaminated fuel can lead to clogged injectors, damaged spark plugs, or even wear on the engine’s internal components. It can reduce fuel efficiency and increase emissions. Worst case? Permanent engine damage that costs thousands to repair.

Getting prompt help from a reputable auto repair shop in Pinellas Park can prevent those long-term consequences.

How to Avoid Fuel Trouble

· Only fill up at reputable, high-traffic gas stations.

· Avoid letting your tank sit near empty—this can pull up residue or water.

· Use a fuel stabilizer if your car sits idle for long periods.

· Stay up-to-date on your oil change to help your engine stay clean and lubricated.

Let Platinum Wrench Auto Repair Keep You Running Smoothly

At Platinum Wrench Auto Repair, we know how damaging bad gas in the car can be. That’s why we offer full fuel system diagnostics and repairs, so you can get back on the road with confidence. From replacing clogged filters to flushing contaminated fuel, our team of expert car mechanics in Pinellas Park has seen it all.

We’re more than just one of the trusted car repair shops in Pinellas Park—we’re your one-stop shop for preventative maintenance, brake pad replacement, wheel alignment services, and car battery replacement too.

If your car is running rough after a trip to the pump, don’t wait. Get in touch with us and let us check it out and make it right—your engine will thank you.