Recognizing Signs of Water Your Gas Tank

Whether it is accidental or on purpose, water can find its way into your gas tank. It’s usually due to condensation, which can accumulate and cause issues. Fuel combustion is essential for your engine to run. When water dilutes the mixture, your engine can go into hydrostatic shock. In other words, it will refuse to start.

There are many reasons why water can enter your gas tank. One is natural condensation as stated before. Others include:

A bad fuel pump.

Your chances of water entering the tank increase greatly with a bad fuel pump.

Poorly sealed gas tank cap.

If your cap isn’t properly sealed, rain or even a routine car wash can prove to be a disaster.

Regular prankster.

You would never think that it would happen to you, but it can! People, whether of malicious intent or all in good fun, will put water in your tank. Hopefully, it doesn’t happen to you. Remember to never give someone an obscene gesture in a parking lot. Your car is vulnerable when parked.

Improperly handled fuel.

Not by you, but by the refineries. If the fuel is mishandled, it can get contaminated with water and so can your gas tank.

But how do you know if you have water in your gas tank?

Biggest indicator is a sudden increase or decrease in speed while driving. Which can be an indicator of other problems, too. So, also keep an eye out for sputtering when the gas pedal is pressed and take notice if you’re making more frequent fuel ups. Have you noticed that after one of those trips to the gas station that your vehicle has starting or idling trouble? If you notice one or more of these things, you may have water in your gas tank. And don’t delay in getting rid of it; water in your tank can lead to bio-degradation of fuel, microbial growth that can damage your fuel system. It can even produce holes in your fuel tank.