Summer/winter gas

[forgotten_aria]

Has anyone ever had a problem with a car (or heard of a direct friend) that didn't get driven much that had the wrong season's gas in it? I've heard that in extreme cases it can cause starting problems, but perhaps the Boston formulas aren't that extreme?

Comments

[binkbink.livejournal.com]

Winter gas in summer may emit excess emissions and cause your car to fail to comply with regulations, but it shouldn't be that much harder to start on a hot day. Vapour lock is now a rare thing with modern fuel delivery systems, fuel injectors, and pollution scavengers.

Summer gas in winter isn't likely to be a problem unless the day is very (painfully) cold.
You are more likely to have your washer fluid turn to slush on a day like that.

The big concern is how long the gas is in the tank.
Older gas loses its light ends and makes starting harder.

Cat: it would be in the tank about twice as long as it now, which is maybe... a month or two.
- Not too much of a problem. Maybe on a really cold day you will have a hard start, but I don't think you should consider it an issue.


Though it did take a bit more cranking, I have managed a cold start on gas that was over a year old. On the other hand, I will need to replace the fuel in the De Lorean before attempting to start it even on a warm day.

And of course you already know not to get high octane (which is more stable) unless your car specs require it or the engine is knocking.

If you are worried about summer gas in winter, there is one more option. After the heat of summer is past, you can fill up at Sunoco on the sub-regular grade they offer.