Gasoline powers a wide range of tools and vehicles, from cars and boats to lawnmowers and weed eaters. While essential for everyday tasks and yard work, gasoline has a limited shelf life. As it degrades, it becomes unsuitable for use, and improper disposal poses environmental risks. Handling old gasoline responsibly is essential to ensuring safety and sustainability.
How Long Does It Take for Gasoline to Go Bad?
Gasoline naturally degrades in 3 to 6 months due to oxidation and evaporation.
While fuel stabilizers can’t reverse this process, they act as a preventative measure, keeping your fuel fresh and effective. Depending on the product you use, a stabilizer can lengthen gasoline’s shelf life to 1 to 3 years.
Storing gasoline long-term requires the right type of container. You’ll want a gas can that won’t easily be compromised and can stand the test of time. An excellent seal is equally important to keep moisture out and prevent vapors from escaping.
Can You Use Old Gasoline?
As gasoline ages, it loses its ability to combust effectively, leading to reduced engine performance. Fuel that is a few months old is generally safe to use and can often be refreshed by topping off the tank with fresh gas. However, older gasoline may cause problems such as engine knocking, sputtering, or other performance issues. In such cases, draining the tank and replacing the fuel is recommended to avoid potential engine damage.
How Can You Tell if Gasoline Has Gone Bad?
Old gasoline is easy to identify if you know what to look for.
- Bad gasoline emits a sour, varnish-like odor.
- It appears denser and darker, with an orange or brown hue.
- Engines fueled with bad gas can have difficulty starting, not accelerate as they should, stall, or sputter.
How Do You Dispose of Old Gasoline?
Gasoline is a hazardous substance that poses safety and environmental risks if not handled properly. Disposing of it incorrectly can cause fires, pollute our drinking water, and contaminate our soil. Fortunately, there are three ways you can safely dispose of gas.
- Search online for the nearest hazardous waste disposal center.
- Call your county or city waste management agency to ask where you can safely dispose of gasoline.
- Check with your local fire department.
All in all, go with what your town recommends.
Find the Right Gas Can Spout
Properly storing your gas, preventing spills, and refueling your equipment is made easy with EZ-POUR®! We have four replacement spout and vent kits to choose from, and they come with the following parts.
The base cap secures the spout to the gas can and is designed to fit 98% of all plastic gas cans. Solid base caps are also included, providing an airtight seal to prevent spills, vapor leaks, and oxidation. Plus, a push-in vent allows for a steady flow of gasoline, and a flame arrestor prevents vapors inside from igniting.
Shop online today, and if you have any questions, our knowledgeable team is here to help!