Is Your Fuel Contaminated? Important Things To Know

Whether you use fuel for your car, truck, or home equipment, you want your fuel to be clean and free of harmful contaminants and pollutants. Contaminated fuel can lead to expensive repairs and unwanted downtime.

Unfortunately, fuel contamination can be a common issue for diesel, kerosene, and biodiesel users. But by understanding the signs of contamination, you are better positioned to take preventative measures and avoid costly damages. Read on to learn everything about fuel contamination and what to do about it.

What Is Fuel Contamination?

Fuel contamination occurs when foreign particles enter the fuel system, whether from liquid or solid material from outside sources. These contaminants can damage your fuel injection system, resulting in reduced engine performance and even complete failure.

What Are Signs of Contaminated Fuel?

If your fuel has contaminants, you may experience one or more of the following signs.

Cloudy Fuel

Normally, fuel should be clear. So, if you notice a cloudy or murky appearance, it's a sign that your fuel has been contaminated. Water contamination is the main cause of fuel discoloration, but other issues, such as microbes, may also contribute to the darkening of the fuel.

Poor Fuel Economy

Contaminated fuel does not burn as efficiently as clean fuel. As a result, you may experience reduced engine performance and poor fuel economy. In addition, if your vehicle consumes more fuel than usual or the engine is slow to respond to acceleration, the fuel is likely contaminated.

Frequent Filter Replacements

The contaminants may clog your fuel filter and reduce fuel flow to your engine. So if you find yourself replacing your filters more often than usual, start by checking your fuel for contamination.

Frequent Engine Failure

When your fuel system is contaminated, the engine may not receive enough fuel, leading to stalling or complete failure. You may notice that your engine takes a few tries to start or stalls soon after starting.

Tank Corrosion

When your fuel tank is contaminated, you may notice corrosion or discoloration inside the tank. The issue may result from bacteria and water, both of which are contaminants.

Your tank may also look dirty due to sludge buildup, so one of the easiest ways to identify fuel contaminations is to conduct regular visual tank inspections.

How Do You Avoid Fuel Contamination?

Contaminated fuel can cause serious damage to your vehicle and equipment. But you can avoid such issues with a few tips as follows.

Empty Your Tank When Not In Use

If you don't intend to use your equipment soon, you may not need to use the fuel tank. But before you put the tank to rest, drain it to prevent erosion. Store your fuel in an airtight storage container instead to keep the air away.

Leverage a Fuel Stabilizer

A stabilizer comes in handy if you wish to store the fuel for a long time. But don't store more than one month's fuel supply at once, as exposure to the atmosphere may cause fuel to degrade fast.

Invest in a Storage Container

Have a container specifically dedicated to fuel storage. Ensure the container is airtight, and store the container in a dry place, away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.

Fill From a Reliable Provider

Most importantly, source your fuel from a reputable supplier. Don't let low prices lure you into getting fuel from an unreliable source, as it can contain contaminants that will cost you much more in the long run.

You can trust us at Biltmore Oil for quality, contaminant-free fuel. We offer different fuel products, from biodiesel to kerosene, heating oil, and diesel, for residential and commercial applications. Also, we will advise you on how best to store and protect your fuel from contamination. Contact us for more details.