How do I Remove Old Gas From a Car?

Old gas can damage your car's engine.

After several months of inactivity, it is possible for the gas in a car to become to old and spoil. Given enough time, gas loses its ability to properly ignite in your car's engine. Running a car with old gas still in it can lead to mechanical issues and breakdowns. If you wish to use a car that has old gas in it, you will want to remove that old gas by draining the gas tank through either the tank's drain cock or fuel lines.

Things You'll Need

• Gas container

Instructions

1. Locate the gas tank's drain cock. The drain cock is a removable seal typically located at the lowest part of the gas tank.

2. Place your gas container directly below the drain cock with the container open.

3. Remove the drain cock from the gas tank. This will cause the gas tank to drain the old gas from the drain cock into your gas container.

Tips & Warnings

• To avoid having your gas turn bad, consider using a fuel system stabilizer to mix in with the gas before putting the car into storage.

• Never use a lighter when working with gasoline, as the flame may cause the gas to combust.

References

• Carpartplus: Your Car's Gas Tank Draining Removing And Installing
• AOL: Does Gas Go Bad?