I can’t think of any downsides, but in a sealed fuel system on obd2 cars the fuel is not exposed to outside air and it will last for many months. IMO if you’re storing a car for 12 months or less I wouldn’t bother. If storing more than 12 months then I’d suggest a fresh tank of fuel with a fuel stabilizer.

 

Agree, you're probably over-thinking this...gas has built-in additives and stabilizers. Save thy cash!

 

E10 mixed fuels are probably fine. E85, nope.

 

I also drive little, so will only fill to half tank so that fresh gas is added within a couple to 3 weeks.

Here's what BP says:

https://www.bp.com/content/dam/bp/country-sites/en_au/australia/home/products-services/fuels/opal-factsheet-storagehandling.pdf

 

Ethanol separates from the gas in a short period of time, leaving a very low octane gas on the bottom for the first few miles. In my opinion the 2.4L with twin overhead cams is a performance engine , so I use super. No ethanol, and its cleaner than the regular.

 

Ethanol separates from the gas in a short period of time

Not according to THIS study. The study was performed for the small engine industry and I would speculate that in new cars with the high level of sealed fuel systems the time is even more.

In my opinion the 2.4L with twin overhead cams is a performance engine , so I use super. No ethanol, and its cleaner than the regular.

This has been debunked many times. The "no ethanol" will give better MPGs, but there is a cut off of price difference versus mpg gains. I know because I did an extensive test when I could get non ethanol gas in regular grade. Now only the mid grade is offered as non ethanol - at least in my locallity.

 

It's the other way round. Ethanol is slightly heavier than petrol so if separation occurs a higher octane product will fal to the bottom. Saying that the stoich air fuel ratios are also very different and the ethanol will burn lean. 6-12 months won't be a problem. Isn't it ironic we have the cheapest fuel in decades and can't use it.

 

Isn't it ironic we have the cheapest fuel in decades and can't use it.

Are you enjoying the clean air you breath?

 

So who's rotating the gas at the fueling station storage tanks?

 

Ive always kept the fuel tanks on anything I own (cars, trucks, motorcycles, mowers, generators, pressure washers etc) full to minimize the chance of condensation build up and water in the tanks. If Im not going to use them for more than 6 months Ill put some "Sta-Bil" in the tank. Then top off after use.

Ive had bikes and a generator that only gets run every 12-15 mo. and never a problem.

 

Condensation, when it occurs, forms at the top...there is little you can do to eliminate it happening. Dense vapor may help...the fuel system is design to deal with it to a point.

 

Yes, that is why I was always told to keep the tanks full so there is minimal exposed area to collect condensation. Its very common to see tanks with surface rust in them especially on bikes, jet ski that are only used seasonally and the tanks are not kept full.

 

I agreaa with Xaran...Stabil and top the tank is best for long term storage, though i do not think what we are experiencing now can be considered long term.

 

My point is, it's near impossible to maintain 100% fuel in a tank...it may be pointless to try. It really depends (surmising here) on how well the dense vapor inhibits the condensation. Something you assume all your life doesn't make it true. Toilets don't flush in the opposite direction in the Southern Hemisphere compared to the Northern!

 

My point is, it's near impossible to maintain 100% fuel in a tank...it may be pointless to try. It really depends (surmising here) on how well the dense vapor inhibits the condensation. Something you assume all your life doesn't make it true. Toilets don't flush in the opposite direction in the Southern Hemisphere compared to the Northern!

I also see your point. Fact is for the time people are "storing" their vehicles due to COVID. Condensation wont become a issue of concern and wont cause corrosion in that time frame. My stuff gets stored in a temp controlled basement with a dehumidifier. LOL so im good either way

 

Are you enjoying the clean air you breath?

Absolutely. Also the fact when I have to drive somewhere the traffic flows free. Ah what it used to be 40 or so years ago.

 

Absolutely. Also the fact when I have to drive somewhere the traffic flows free. Ah what it used to be 40 or so years ago.

Very true here too in NJ,but,the people on the highways are driving faster and even more moronic than they used to.Some days its like I am on a race track.

 

I10 going into Houston from the west has a 60MPH speed limit. Houston PD won't even look at you at 80MPH. Then again, it is a 7 lane freeway running at about 30% capacity these days.

 

Thanks for the info everybody. That BP chart was especially interesting.
I had already bought a small StaBil, not worth returning, so I put it in.
Will just add small quantity of gas from now on, to keep fuel as fresh as possible.