What Kind of Damage Does Sugar do to a Gas Tank?
Contrary to popular belief, adding sugar to a gas tank will not ruin your car. At most, you may have to change the filter or empty and clean the gas tank.
Other People Are Reading
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Misconceptions
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Many people believe that sugar will dissolve in gas, then harden inside the engine. In this way, a bag of sugar could permanently ruin someone's car.
Fact
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In fact, sugar does not dissolve in gas. Most of the sugar will sit at the bottom of the gas tank, and filters will catch most undissolved particles before they reach the engine.
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Tests
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The Mythbusters tested this myth in their July 17, 2004 episode and found that a car ran better with sugar in the tank.
Warning
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Large amounts of sugar can clog the fuel filter, making the car stop. You can fix this by changing the filter or dumping out the gas tank if sugar is introduced.
Fun Fact
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Eventually, people may be putting sugar in gas tanks on purpose. Scientists are working to turn sugar into a sustainable fuel that can break the dependence on oil.
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