Many people are unaware that gas can also go bad due to many factors. Gas stations do not tell the expiration date of the gas, which is almost 5 to 6 months. Mostly the gas is consumed or mixed with new gas that keeps the engine running inflow. If you haven’t used gas for six months or longer, it would be better to dispose of the old gas.
You can ask for the gas expiration date from the gas station management that may seem awkward as usual; the gas never remains unconsumed for that long time in a running car. In modern dual fuel system vehicles, there are more issues with the gas part due to bad gas. It is recommended never to leave the gas tank with gas in it not only for safety but also for the fuel tank and engine.
As there can be many factors that can make the old gas bad, some of the main factors are listed below.
Expiration
It is a surprise for many people, but gas has its expiry date. After 6 to 7 months, the gas starts going bad that can be ruinous for the engines. If the gas remains unused, you must dispose of the gas before starting the engines.
If you leave the gas in the fuel tank for more than its expiry date, it can be ruinous for the fuel tank as well as the engine.
Rust and Contamination
A rusty gas tank is another major factor of bad gas. Within the tank, oxidation takes place, and the gas reacts that is ruinous. Not only the rust but any other contaminants are also because of bad gas. The dirt and debris can also contaminate the fuel tank that is not good for the fuel tank as well as the engine.
Things Required for Old Gas Disposal
As old gas disposal is not much professional work, if you do small tasks at your home, this will not be so difficult for you. With the right tools, it will take only 20 minutes to complete this task.
If you don’t have the experience to do this stuff, you can also contact your mechanic. If you really want to save some bucks, it would be better to take out 20 minutes from your busy schedule to keep your car engine safe and sound.
Some must-have tools for gas disposal are as follow:
- Siphon Pump
- Airtight Container
- A cardboard mat
Safety Measures
When dealing with any flammable electricity stuff, safety measures must be taken. The expired gas also is highly flammable, and it is very important to keep yourself safe when dealing with it. A single minor mistake can lead to some serious loss.
Use the following safety equipment:
- Safety Gloves
- Safety Glasses
- Must wear full sleeve shirt
Removing Gas
As the professionals may use different methods to remove the gas from the gas tank, if you will be doing it yourself, you should choose the simplest and easiest method.
The step by step method of disposing gas from the container is discussed below.
- Wear safety equipment such as gloves and glasses etc. to prevent any misadventure.
- Check the gas if it’s too old or has degraded to use
- Place the airtight container near the tank on a level surface.
- Place the input tube of the siphon pump into the container.
- Make sure the siphon pump input tube reaches deep enough to remove all the gas
- Place the output tube of the siphon pump in the container
- Use the siphon pump to remove all the gas from the container.
- Use a paper towel and rag to remove any residues of old gas.
- Close the cap, and you are ready to add fresh gas into the tank.
Disposing of Gas
The old gas well as the new gas, if not disposed of properly, can be hazardous for animals, the environment, and plants. Before removing the gas, find a Hazardous Disposal Spot near your area to dispose of the gas safely.
Never treat the gas like normal stuff; it may be illegal and is an anti-environment practice not to dispose of chemicals properly. If you don’t know any disposal point, find it on the internet, and you will surely find one.
At some disposal points, there may be a little fee that is nothing when compared to its negative effects on the environment.
