Have you ever thought about how long a can of gas will last? It’s a common question among people who love cars, especially those who like to keep their rides in perfect shape. It’s not as easy as you might think to find the answer. There are several things that affect this, such as the type of container the gasoline is put in and the conditions in which it is kept.
A lot of people, whether they are serious about cars or just need gas for their lawnmower or generator every once in a while, think about “How long does gasoline last in a can?” In this blog post, we’ll answer it in detail so you can keep your fuel fresh and your engines going well.
How Gasoline Degrades?
There are many things that can change the make-up of gasoline, such as temperature, air contact, and the presence of moisture. For this reason, fuel usually lasts between three and six months, with most of it starting to break down after thirty days.
- Temperature: When it comes to temperature, gasoline can be very moody. More heat can make it evaporate faster and encourage the growth of gum and oil, which can block your fuel system. It is smart to keep your gasoline in a cool place.
- Container: The container you pick for your gas is very important. It’s best to use a gasoline can made just for that purpose, ideally out of metal or a special kind of plastic. The shape of these cans keeps gas vapors inside and lowers the chance of leaks.
- In terms of additives: fuel stabilizers are like the gods of storing gasoline. They have chemicals in them that slow down the breakdown and burning of gasoline, which makes it last longer. You’re good to go after adding the right amount to your can.
- Quality of the gasoline: Higher-quality gasoline will typically have a longer shelf life than lower-quality gasoline. This is because higher-quality gasoline contains fewer impurities and additives.
How Long Does Gasoline Last in a Can?
Within a properly sealed bottle kept in a cool, dark place, gasoline will usually last between six months and a year. It is important to remember, though, that this is just a general rule. There are several things that can change how long fuel actually lasts. If you are going to store gasoline for a long time, you might want to add a fuel additive. Fuel additives can help keep gasoline from breaking down and turning into varnishes and gums.
How to Tell if Gasoline Has Gone Bad?
Gasoline that has gone bad can show a few of these signs:
- It’s very strong to smell the gasoline.
- The fuel looks like it’s cloudy.
- The fuel is a shade of brown.
- The fuel is thick and sticky, like varnish.
If you see any of these signs, you shouldn’t use the gas. If you use bad gas, it can hurt your engine and fuel system.
How You can Extend the Shelf Life of Gasoline?
Here are some tips on how to extend the shelf life of gasoline:
- Use gasoline of good quality. Most of the time, gasoline of higher quality will last longer than gasoline of lower quality. This is because better gasoline has fewer additives and impurities in it.
- Keep gasoline in a metal container that won’t let air in. It is best to keep gasoline in a container that doesn’t let air in so that it doesn’t evaporate or get dirty. Tanks made of metal work best because gasoline is less likely to leak through the sides. You can use plastic containers, but they need to be food-grade and made to hold gasoline.
- Make sure to keep gasoline somewhere cool and dark. Keep gasoline in a cool, dark place. Keep gasoline out of direct sunlight and out of hot places.
- Change the gasoline by adding a fuel booster. Fuel additives can help keep gasoline from breaking down and turning into varnishes and gums.
- Test the gasoline before using it if you are going to be keeping it for a long time. You can check this by putting a little gasoline into a clear container and looking for any signs that it has gone bad. It is best not to use gasoline that smells bad, looks cloudy, is brown, or has a consistency like gummy bears or varnish.
Please find below some more tips that might help you make gasoline last longer:
- Fill the jar all the way up. There will be less air in the bottle after this, which may help slow down the going bad process.
- Keep the bottle standing up when you store it. This should help keep the gasoline from leaking.
- Every so often, look for signs of damage in the package. If the container is broken, it needs to be changed right away.
- In order to make sure that your gasoline is fresh and ready to use when you need it, you should follow these tips.
Here is my Personal Experience
When I was younger, my dad and I were going to work in the yard. There was gasoline in a can that had been in the shed for a few months. We put gasoline in the lawnmower and tried to start it, but it wouldn’t move.
The lawnmower wouldn’t start no matter what we did. “I think the gasoline has gone bad,” my father finally said. We took a sniff of the gasoline that was in the lawnmower after emptier it. It smelled strong and bad. That’s when we knew my dad was right. Even though we had to buy a new can of gasoline, we had learned our lesson. Before we use gasoline, we always check it to make sure it’s not bad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use old gasoline in my car?
A: It is not recommended to use old gasoline in your car. Old gasoline can contain gums and varnishes that can damage your engine and fuel system.
Q: What is a fuel stabilizer?
A: A fuel stabilizer is a chemical additive that can help to prevent gasoline from breaking down and forming gums and varnishes.
Q: Where can I buy a fuel stabilizer?
A: Fuel stabilizers are available at most auto parts stores.
Q: How long does a fuel stabilizer last?
A: Fuel stabilizers typically have a shelf life of one to two years.
Q: How do I use a fuel stabilizer?
A: To use a fuel stabilizer, simply add it to the gasoline tank according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Q: Is there an expiration date for gasoline?
A: Gasoline doesn’t have a specific expiration date, but it can deteriorate over time, leading to decreased performance in engines.
Q: What are the risks associated with using deteriorated gasoline?
A: Using deteriorated gasoline can lead to poor engine performance, increased emissions, engine knocking, and even potential damage to your vehicle’s fuel system.
Q: Is it safe to utilize aged gasoline in other equipment, such as your lawnmower?
A: It’s generally not recommended to use aged gasoline in small engines like lawnmowers, as it can lead to starting problems and engine damage.
Q: What is the duration of shelf life for stored fuel in containers?
A: Gasoline can typically last from three to six months when stored properly, but its shelf life depends on factors like temperature and container quality.
Q: Can old gasoline be mixed with fresh gasoline?
A: It’s best to avoid mixing old and fresh gasoline, as the old gasoline can degrade the quality of the new fuel.
Q: How long does gasoline remain usable in a jerry can?
A: Gasoline can remain usable in a jerry can for three to six months if stored correctly.
Q: How long is the viability of gasoline in a plastic gas can?
A: Gasoline stored in a plastic gas can can last three to six months under proper storage conditions.
Q: How long does gasoline last when stored with a stabilizer?
A: Gasoline can last up to 12-15 months or longer when stored with a fuel stabilizer, depending on the product and storage conditions.
Q: What is the shelf life of gasoline recommended by Popular Mechanics?
A: Popular Mechanics doesn’t specify a unique shelf life for gasoline, but their recommendations align with industry standards, typically three to six months.
Q: What are the indicators of old gasoline, and how can you identify them?
A: Signs of old gasoline include a sour smell, a change in color, and increased engine problems. You can identify it by its appearance and odor.
Q: What’s the most effective method for gasoline storage to ensure its longevity?
A: The most effective method for gasoline storage involves using approved containers, storing them in a cool, well-ventilated place, labeling them with purchase dates, and considering the use of fuel stabilizers to extend shelf life.
Conclusion
How long does a can of gasoline keep gasoline fresh? It varies on a lot of things, but if you store your fuel correctly, you can make sure it stays fresh and reliable for longer. Pick the right bottle, keep it somewhere cool, and think about using a fuel stabilizer to make it last longer.
If you follow these easy tips, your engines will run smoothly whether you’re revving up your car, starting your tractor, or turning on your generator when the power goes out. May your gasoline cans always be green, and happy driving!
