How to Get Rid of Old Gasoline from Your Car’s Fuel Tank

Learn the safest and most effective ways to remove old gasoline from your car’s fuel tank. Get tips on proper disposal, why you should drain old gas, and tools to make the job easier.

Shreyansh Tamboli
By Shreyansh Tamboli - Automotive Journalist

Introduction

Old gasoline can wreak havoc on your car if left unattended. Why? Because, obviously, gasoline doesn’t stay fresh in perpetuity. It eventually becomes old and starts breaking down, and at that point, it begins raising huge problems with the fuel system of your car. In this guide, we will focus on how you can safely get rid of old gasoline from your car’s fuel tank, why that is such a concern, and how to prevent this problem for good in the future.

Whether your car sits in storage or you are the owner of a newly purchased vehicle which has sat around for a long time and not been run, it’s pretty important to know how to deal with old gasoline. So let’s get started.

What Happens to Gasoline Over Time?

Gasoline isn’t quite as stable as we’d like it to be. Eventually, gasoline degrades due to exposure to oxygen, moisture, and heat. The process might as short as 3-6 months depending on storage conditions. In the process of degradation, gasoline creates gummy substances resembling varnish, which clog your fuel system. More importantly, it starts to lose volatility, meaning it will not burn as efficiently.

Signs of Old Gasoline:

  • Strong, sour smell: If the gas smells more like varnish than fresh fuel, it’s probably gone bad.
  • Discolored appearance: Fresh gasoline is usually clear or slightly yellow. Old gas can appear darker or cloudy.
  • Engine trouble: Difficulty starting, rough idling, or poor acceleration could be linked to old fuel.

Why Should You Get Rid of Old Gasoline?

get rid of old gasoline from car fuel tank

Keeping old gasoline in your tank is bad news for your engine. It can cause several issues, including:

  • Reduced performance: Your engine may struggle to run properly on degraded fuel.
  • Potential damage to the fuel system: Gummy deposits can clog up the fuel injectors, lines, and filter, leading to costly repairs.
  • Increased emissions: Burning old gasoline can produce more harmful emissions.
  • Environmental hazards: Old gas that isn’t disposed of correctly can contaminate soil and water.

Tools You’ll Need to Drain Gasoline

Before you start draining your tank, you’ll need a few essential items:

  • Siphon pump: A manual or electric siphon pump can make it easier to remove gas from the tank.
  • Safety gear: Wear gloves, protective eyewear, and a mask to avoid inhaling fumes or coming into direct contact with gasoline.
  • Fuel container: Have a certified container ready to collect the old gasoline.
  • Wrench and screwdriver: These may be necessary for disconnecting fuel lines or opening the fuel tank.

Safety First: Precautions to Take

Gasoline is extremely flammable, so taking proper precautions is essential to avoid accidents. Here’s how to stay safe:

  • Work in a well-ventilated area: Gasoline fumes are dangerous to inhale and can ignite if not properly ventilated.
  • Avoid sparks and open flames: Even a small spark can ignite gasoline vapors, so keep any fire sources far away.
  • Wear proper clothing: Avoid loose-fitting clothes, and make sure you’re wearing fire-resistant materials if possible.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Remove Old Gasoline from Your Car

how to get rid of old gasoline from your car fuel tank

Here’s how to safely drain old gasoline from your car’s fuel tank:

Step 1: Locate the Fuel Tank

This is usually located underneath the car towards the rear. Check your car’s manual for precise details.

Step 2: Disconnect the Battery

To prevent any sparks while you work, disconnect the car battery.

Step 3: Use a Siphon Pump

Insert the siphon pump’s intake tube into the fuel tank through the gas cap opening. Make sure the other end of the tube is in your fuel container. Pump manually or use an electric siphon to remove the gas.

Step 4: Drain the Remaining Gas through the Fuel Line

If some gas remains in the tank, disconnect the fuel line to allow the rest to drain. Make sure to collect it in a container.

Step 5: Clean the Fuel Tank

Once the tank is empty, consider cleaning it with a fuel tank cleaner to remove any remaining varnish or sludge. This will help prevent future problems with your fuel system.

What to Do with the Old Gasoline?

Proper disposal is as important as extraction. Never spill gasoline on the ground, water, or storm drains. To get rid of old fuel, take it to a local recycling centre or a hazardous waste facility. Some auto shops and gas stations also accept old gasoline for recycling.

Proper Disposal Methods:

  • Contact your local waste disposal service for guidance.
  • Look for hazardous waste disposal sites nearby.
  • Some community programs may offer specific days for gas disposal.

Signs You May Need to Replace Your Fuel Tank

If you notice severe rust or contamination in the fuel tank, cleaning might not be enough. In such cases, it’s better to replace the tank entirely to avoid recurring problems.

How to Prevent Gasoline from Going Bad

Old gasoline is best avoided by preventing it from deteriorating in the first place. A fuel stabilizer should be added to your tank if your car is going to be idle for a long time, as this will help extend the life of the gasoline by inhibiting oxidation and building up of moisture.

The Importance of Regular Car Maintenance

Regular maintenance, such as using fresh fuel and ensuring the fuel system is clean, can help prevent performance issues. This includes regularly replacing fuel filters and keeping the fuel injectors clean.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

how to get rid of old gasoline from car fuel tank
  • Not using the right tools: A siphon pump is essential for safely removing gasoline.
  • Ignoring safety guidelines: Always take fire and explosion risks seriously.
  • Improper disposal: Dumping gasoline inappropriately can lead to serious environmental consequences.

How Long Does Gasoline Last in a Car?

Gasoline generally lasts around 3-6 months in a car’s tank. After that, it starts to degrade, leading to potential engine performance issues.

How Old Gasoline Affects Your Car’s Performance

Driving with old gasoline can reduce your car’s fuel efficiency, cause rough idling, and even damage your engine over time. Clogged fuel injectors or fuel filters are common problems caused by degraded gasoline.

Professional Help: When to Call a Mechanic

If you’re not comfortable handling gasoline yourself or you run into issues, it’s best to call a professional mechanic. They have the expertise and tools to safely and effectively drain and clean your fuel system.

Conclusion

For your old gas, you must extract it from your car to ensure the performance of your vehicle and avoid any damage to the fuel system. Using the correct equipment and following all the necessary safety precautions, you can drain your tank and get rid of old fuel by means of environmentally friendly methods. Also, when you keep your vehicle in long term storage, do not forget to use fuel stabilizer and also apply good car maintenance.

FAQs

1. How do I know if the gasoline in my car is too old?
If your car has trouble starting, runs rough, or the gas smells like varnish, it’s probably too old.

2. Can I mix old gasoline with fresh gas?
It’s not recommended. Old gasoline can reduce the performance of fresh gas and cause engine issues.

3. How should I store gasoline for long-term use?
Use a fuel stabilizer and store it in a sealed, approved container in a cool, dry place.

4. Is there a specific tool for siphoning gasoline?
Yes, a siphon pump, either manual or electric, is designed to safely remove gasoline from a fuel tank.

5. Can a mechanic remove old gasoline for me?
Yes, if you’re uncomfortable doing it yourself, a mechanic can safely drain the old fuel and clean your fuel system.

Also Read: Electric Power Steering Fluid: What You Need to Know

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