Q: Bad gas in car

asked by on February 15, 2016

My car has a tank full of three year-old gas. It cranks, but does not start.

Car is not starting Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

It is possible that the gas has gone bad. When gas goes bad it can turn into a gooey mess. This will clog up your fuel system and cause you to not have fuel for the engine to run. The old gas will need to be drained out, and the entire system will have to be cleaned out, so your vehicle will run properly. I would ask for help from the mechanics at YourMechanic to help get your car running again, beginning with a diagnosis of the problem causing your engine not to start.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Drives rough on highway
One of the most common causes of a vehicle to ride poorly is a wheel and tire issue. If your tires are worn unevenly, or if any of them have a slipped belt, a vibration or rough ride may result....
Fuel pump noise
A loud fuel pump often indicates either excessive cavitation, or mechanical failure is eminent. Either of these issues will lead to fuel starvation and drivability issues. My recommendation is to have a mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, replace the...
Check engine light came on, took to Autozone, diagnosis is Evaporative Emissions Canister.
The EVAP canister is simply used to store fuel vapors until the engine control module is ready to burn the fuel vapors in the engine. Although the EVAP canister can fail, it should not be replaced without a proper diagnosis...
Water got into my motor
The first thing to do is to remove all the spark plugs (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/spark-plugs-replacement), air filter (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/air-filter-replacement), and check the engine oil to see if it has not been overfilled. Then turn over the motor to see if it will turn....
Car odor, coolant leaks, and low oil light on - 2010 BMW X6
Hello. It sounds like there is still some coolant leaking, and it may be leaking on the exhaust. The low oil light may be on because it is time for an oil change (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/change-oil-and-filter) or because there is also an...
Transmission 2007 Nissan Altima
Hello - the transmission in your model (RE0F10A) is a Continuously Variable Transmission that was installed in the '07-08 Altima's, and also in some models of the the non-hybrid Nissan Rogue and Sentra those same years. I would not venture...
evap. purge solenoid valve?
Hello, testing the EVAP purge solenoid can be relatively simple, with the right tools and knowledge. A technician such as those we have here will have the right tools, but I will provide you with the right knowledge. Testing the...
2009 Honda Accord EXL VSA an engine light still comes on after the crankshaft sensor was replaced. The inspections said it was the
The VSA warning light means that there is a fault somewhere in the complex sensor system that makes the system work by regulating the engine's output and selectively applying braking. There are wheel speed sensors, brake pressure modulators, interconnecting wiring...
Can the timing being off on my 2001 Toyota avalon cause the rpms to go up and down
Fluctuating RPM is not a typical symptom of a mispositioned timing belt. To rule a mispositioned timing belt in or out, though, check engine vacuum. If intake vacuum is 4-5 inches below spec., then that would be consistent with incorrect...

Related articles

How Can Moisture Get Into an Ignition System?
All All ignition systems use electricity to crank and run the engine. This is true whether you have a conventional, electronic, or distributor-less ignition system. Water is the enemy of electricity and if it intrudes into the ignition system, it...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
Chevrolet Chevrolet has always had a good name when it comes to the vehicles they make, and that is doubly true for their SUVs. The 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid has all of the great features that you would want from...
2012 Toyota Prius vs. 2012 Chevrolet Volt: Which One Should I Buy?
While these two vehicles are both certainly cost-effective to drive, they can be difficult to compare due to the Prius’ entry in the mid-size category and the Volt living squarely in the compact car category. Both of these vehicles are...