The gas tank of every vehicle is delicate because it houses the gas itself, the fuel filter, and the fuel pump responsible for pumping fuel to the engine. If you however put something that should not be added to the tank, it can cause severe problems.
Since the only thing allowed inside the gas tank is gas, fuel filter, fuel pump, and fuel additives such as catalytic converter cleaners and fuel injector cleaners, etc., what are the worst things to put in a gas tank?
The worst things to put in a gas tank are water, sugar, coke, diesel fuel in a gasoline engine, oil, sand, brake fluid, excessive use of paint thinner, adhesive or sealant, alcohol, acetone, and excessive fuel additives. Adding these substances to your gas tank can lead to engine damage and safety risks.
Worst Things to Put in a Gas Tank
Here are the worst things to put in your gas tank and the consequences of putting them:
1. Water
Water is one of the worst substances you can put into your gas tank. The reasons for this are twofold:
- Firstly, water does not combust like gasoline, and
- Secondly, it can lead to corrosion and contamination.
When water enters the fuel system and reaches the engine, it can disrupt the combustion process.
Since gasoline and water don’t mix, when water gets into the combustion chamber, it can prevent the fuel-air mixture from igniting properly leading to a reduction in engine power, poor performance, and, in severe cases, engine stalling.
Furthermore, water in the fuel tank can lead to corrosion. It can cause rust and corrosion in various parts of the fuel system, including the tank itself, fuel lines, and injectors.
Corrosion can weaken these components and lead to leaks, which can be dangerous and costly to repair.
2. Sugar
The myth of adding sugar to a gas tank as a method of causing engine damage is prevalent, but it is largely ineffective.
While sugar doesn’t dissolve in gasoline, it doesn’t have the catastrophic effects often depicted in movies and urban legends. However, it can cause problems for your vehicle.
When sugar is added to the gas tank, it can clog the fuel filter, resulting in reduced fuel flow to the engine and cause poor engine performance.
While the engine may not be destroyed, the repair costs associated with cleaning or replacing the clogged fuel filter can still be considerable.
3. Diesel Fuel in a Gasoline Engine
Imagine putting diesel fuel into a gasoline tank. What do you think would happen? This is a mistake that can have dire consequences because diesel fuel has different combustion characteristics and lubricating properties compared to gasoline.
When you put diesel fuel into a gasoline engine, it can lead to “diesel knock” or knocking, which is a rapid and uncontrolled ignition of the air-fuel mixture.
This can result in engine damage, including bent or broken connecting rods and damaged pistons. The engine may also stall, and starting it again can be challenging.
Repairing the damage caused by using diesel fuel in a gasoline engine can be extremely expensive, costing thousands of dollars.
4. Oil, Alcohol, and Household Chemicals
Substances like oil, alcohol, or household chemicals should never be added to the gas tank because these non-fuel substances can disrupt the combustion process, damage the engine’s components, and result in poor engine performance.
Furthermore, they can lead to safety threats, such as leaks, fires, or explosions.
Moreover, why would someone put cooking oil or alcohol in your gas tank? What is it doing there? What work do you want your household chemical to do inside your gas tank? Are they fuel additives?
5. Sand or Dirt
Adding sand or dirt to your gas tank is a surefire way to damage your vehicle’s fuel system. These abrasive substances can lead to wear and tear on the fuel system components.
As they circulate through the fuel system, they can damage fuel lines, filters, injectors, and even the engine itself. This is why it is important to always drive with a gas cap.
When you drive without a gas cap covering your gas tank, sand, dirt, and road debris may find their way into the gas tank, causing damages that will cost you money to fix.
6. Brake Fluid
Brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid designed for use in a vehicle’s braking system, not the engine. If you mistakenly pour brake fluid into the gas tank, it can have devastating effects on the fuel system.
Brake fluid is not meant to be combusted, and when added to the engine, it can disrupt the combustion process, leading to poor engine performance, knocking, and possible engine damage.
It can also damage the fuel system components, causing expensive repairs.
7. Paint Thinner or Solvents
Paint thinners and solvents are highly flammable and corrosive substances. Pouring them into the gas tank all the time to clean your catalytic converter can lead to consequences. These substances can damage the fuel system components and the engine itself.
The corrosive nature of these solvents can eat away the internal parts of the fuel system, leading to leaks and performance issues. Also, their flammability can pose a significant risk of fires or explosions.
Therefore, if you wish to use thinner to clean your catalytic converter, don’t form the habit of using it every time. Once in a while should be okay.
8. Adhesives or Sealants
Substances like superglue or epoxy should never find their way into your gas tank. When introduced into the fuel system, these materials can cause clogs in the fuel lines, filters, and injectors, leading to restricted fuel flow, reduced engine performance, and costly repairs.
9. Acetone
Adding any flammable liquids, such as alcohol, acetone, or lighter fluid, to your gas tank is extremely dangerous. These substances are highly volatile and can easily ignite when exposed to heat or sparks.
In a running vehicle, the engine generates heat, and the electrical system can produce sparks. However, mixing flammable liquids with gasoline can create a volatile mixture that can lead to fires or explosions, putting the safety of the vehicle’s occupants at risk.
10. Excessive Fuel Additives
While some fuel additives can improve fuel efficiency or engine performance when used as directed, overusing or using the wrong type of additive can lead to problems.
Adding excessive amounts of additives can disrupt the fuel-to-air ratio, leading to engine knock, poor performance, increased emissions, and even damage to the catalytic converter.
It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for fuel additives and avoid using them excessively or without proper knowledge.
11. Mentos
I’ve seen so many people experimenting with putting Mentos in gas tanks to see how it will work. That’s a very bad thing to do.
I strongly advise against putting Mentos into a gas tank to avoid damaging the engine or fuel system of your vehicle.
Mentos may not dissolve completely in gasoline and can form clumps that can clog fuel filters, fuel lines, or fuel injectors; thereby disrupting the flow of fuel to the engine, and leading to poor engine performance or stalling.
Moreover, Mentos are made of ingredients that can react with the components of gasoline or the metal surfaces inside the fuel system. If you put it inside your gas tank, it will cause a reaction that can lead to corrosion, which can cause damage to the fuel tank, fuel lines, or other parts of the engine.
Even if the Mentos don’t cause immediate problems, the residue left behind from their interaction with gasoline could accumulate over time and cause damage to the engine or fuel system. Therefore, putting Mentos in a gas tank is not a recommended or safe practice.
Conclusion
The consequences of adding the worst substances to a gas tank can range from poor engine performance and increased maintenance costs to severe engine damage and safety threats.
To avoid these issues, always use the appropriate type of fuel recommended for your vehicle and never introduce foreign substances into the gas tank.
If you mistakenly added any of these to your gas tank, don’t start the car, seek help immediately from your mechanic to minimize the damage it may cause to your car and to also ensure the safety and longevity of your vehicle.
