Shelf life of gasoline
Most people stock gasoline for a two-week period. This should be more than enough to cover any type of unforeseen emergency. However, it is important to know that gasoline has a shelf life and will go bad over time. Gasoline will start to degrade after about six months.
2-3 months
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the American Petroleum Institute (API) set voluntary standards for manufacturers of gasoline to help ensure that it meets certain minimum requirements for quality, consistency, and performance.
According to the DOE, the typical shelf life of gasoline is between two and three months. After that time, it begins to break down and form deposits on engine parts, which can lead to starting and performance problems.
To extend the shelf life of your gasoline, store it in a cool, dark place in a clean, sealed container away from any sources of heat or ignition.
Up to a year
Some quick tips:
-Store your gasoline in an airtight, sealed container
-Store your gasoline in a cool, dry place
-Replace the gasoline every three to six months
-Add a fuel stabilizer to your gasoline if you are going to store it for longer than six months
Assuming you follow these tips, your stockpile of gasoline should last for up to a year.
Storage of gasoline
The rule of thumb is that gasoline can be stored for up to six months. However, this is only true if you store it properly. If you do not store gasoline properly, it can degrade and become unusable. Gasoline should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Store in a cool, dry place
To extend the shelf life of your gasoline, it’s important to store it in a cool, dry place. If possible, keep your gas in a garage or shed where it won’t be exposed to extreme temperatures. Heat and sunlight can cause the gas to degrade faster, so avoid storing it in direct sunlight if possible. You should also keep the gas tightly sealed in its original container to prevent evaporation.
Store in an airtight container
You can store gasoline in an airtight container for up to three months. Be sure to use a container that is explicitly designed for gasoline storage; do not use a food-grade container, as these are not airtight. Store the container in a cool, dry place away from any potential sources of ignition.
How to tell if gasoline has gone bad?
Gasoline has a shelf life of three to six months, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. After that, it starts to degrade, and eventually, it will go bad. The exact time frame depends on a few factors, such as the temperature and whether or not the gas has been treated with stabilizers. Here are a few ways to tell if your gasoline has gone bad.
Check the color
One way to tell if gasoline has gone bad is to check the color. Fresh gasoline should be clear or have a very slight yellow tint. If it’s darker than that, it may be starting to degrade.
Check the smell
One of the easiest ways to tell if gasoline has gone bad is to simply check the smell. Fresh gasoline should have a light, sweet aroma. If your gasoline smells harsh, bitter, or otherwise unpleasant, it has most likely spoiled and gone bad.
Check the texture
If the gasoline has been stored for a long time, it will have a gummy texture. This is because the volatile compounds have evaporated, leaving only the heavier molecules behind. The gummy texture is an indication that the gasoline has lost its potency and will not work as well in your engine.