Fuel Stabilizer: Friend Or Foe For Your Car And Generator?

Fuel stabilizers are commonly used to store lawn mowers, snowblowers, rototillers, chainsaws, generators, and vehicles for a month or more. They help keep the fuel from becoming stale or oxidized and clogging up small ports in the fuel system. However, it is important to note that fuel stabilizers are not a miracle additive and only help slow the aging process. Some anecdotal evidence suggests that fuel stabilizers can be used with ethanol-free fuels without any side effects.

Fuel stabilizers slow the aging process of gasoline and diesel fuel

Gasoline and diesel fuel are perishable commodities, so before storing machines like lawn mowers, snowblowers, rototillers, chainsaws, generators and vehicles for a month or more, it’s a good idea to add a small amount of fuel stabilizer to the tanks. That will help keep the fuel from becoming stale or oxidized and clogging up small ports in the fuel system. Most stabilizers also help with water accumulation and allow the old fuel to burn acceptably until the next fill up.

Stabilizers essentially extend gasoline’s lifespan by a couple of years or more. Alcohols that act as solvents and antifreeze agents, helping to dissolve water and prevent ice formation in the fuel system. Naphthenic distillates, which are petroleum-derived solvents to dissolve and disperse the other fuel additives as well as improving the lubricity and stability of diesel fuels. Antioxidants that prevent the oxidation of fuel components that cause gum formation, color change, and loss of octane rating. Metal deactivators that prevent the fuel oxidation caused by catalyst effect of metal ions, which can cause corrosion, and gum formation.

Among other things, fuel stabilizers act as a layer of protection by stopping chemical reactions between fuel and oxygen, light, heat, or metals. Fuel stabilizers are critical in helping to maintain the quality and efficiency of diesel fuel, particularly fuel that sits for long periods of time. A fuel stabilizer additive works by neutralizing and inhibiting the chemical reactions that lead to fuel degradation. Leaving untreated diesel fuel in a car or other piece of machinery, like a tractor, for an extended period is not recommended. However, adding a dedicated diesel fuel stabilizer according to manufacturer directions ensures that diesel fuel stays fresher longer, promoting engine longevity in the process.

Stabilizers help keep fuel from becoming stale or oxidized

Gasoline and diesel fuel are perishable commodities, so before storing machines like lawn mowers, snowblowers, rototillers, chainsaws, generators and vehicles for a month or more, it’s a good idea to add a small amount of fuel stabilizer to the tanks. That will help keep the fuel from becoming stale or oxidized and clogging up small ports in the fuel system. Most stabilizers also help with water accumulation and allow the old fuel to burn acceptably until the next fill up.

Fuel stabilizers typically have bold claims printed on the label, designed to appeal to the type of person who cares more about protecting their engine than buying the right pet food. It only helps slow the aging process and it will only provide a couple of more months.

Gasoline and diesel fuel are perishable commodities, so before storing machines like lawn mowers, snowblowers, rototillers, chainsaws, generators and vehicles for a month or more, it’s a good idea to add a small amount of fuel stabilizer to the tanks. That will help keep the fuel from becoming stale or oxidized and clogging up small ports in the fuel system. Most stabilizers also help with water accumulation and allow the old fuel to burn acceptably until the next fill up.

Fuel stabilizers typically have bold claims printed on the label, designed to appeal to the type of person who cares more about protecting their engine than buying the right pet food. It only helps slow the aging process and it will only provide a couple of more months.

Gasoline and diesel fuel are perishable commodities, so before storing machines like lawn mowers, snowblowers, rototillers, chainsaws, generators and vehicles for a month or more, it’s a good idea to add a small amount of fuel stabilizer to the tanks. That will help keep the fuel from becoming stale or oxidized and clogging up small ports in the fuel system. Most stabilizers also help with water accumulation and allow the old fuel to burn acceptably until the next fill up.

Stabilizers help with water accumulation in fuel tanks

Gasoline and diesel fuel are perishable commodities, so before storing machines like lawn mowers, snowblowers, rototillers, chainsaws, generators and vehicles for a month or more, it’s a good idea to add a small amount of fuel stabilizer to the tanks. That will help keep the fuel from becoming stale or oxidized and clogging up small ports in the fuel system. Most stabilizers also help with water accumulation and allow the old fuel to burn acceptably until the next fill up.

Water can enter the fuel system from contamination at the pump, condensation in the tank, or a poor-fitting fuel cap. Once the water and ethanol combine, they drop to the bottom of the tank, forming a thick sludgy-goo that contains all the combustible octane. This is called phase separation. First off, there is no fuel stabilizer that removes water from your gas. (For that, you’ll need a water-separating fuel filter.)

The Fix New fuel stabilizers are formulated not just to stop varnishing, but also to mitigate the effects of phase separation. Lubrication is part of the mix too, and you can feel the viscosity of the fluids between your fingers. This is what helps lubricate parts and prevent corrosion, along with the ability of the products to retard phase separation and keep small amounts of water in suspension. If phase separation does occur in a tank, the process is immediate, complete and irreversible. The Chemistry Through conversing with chemists at ValvTect, we learned that E10 gas could absorb 500 ppm of water before phase separation.

Sea Foam is another oldie and has been trusted since 1942. It’s not just a marine fuel stabilizer but an all-around utility player that cleans and lubricates fuel systems. The recommended treatment is one 12-ounce bottle per tank of fuel.

Stabilizers help old fuel to burn acceptably until the next fill-up

Gasoline and diesel fuel are perishable commodities, so before storing machines like lawn mowers, snowblowers, rototillers, chainsaws, generators and vehicles for a month or more, it’s a good idea to add a small amount of fuel stabilizer to the tanks. That will help keep the fuel from becoming stale or oxidized and clogging up small ports in the fuel system. Most stabilizers also help with water accumulation and allow the old fuel to burn acceptably until the next fill-up.

Fuel stabilizers typically have bold claims printed on the label, designed to appeal to the type of person who cares more about protecting their engine than buying the right pet food. Chris “Moose” Pyle, an automotive expert with JustAnswer, says, “Know that this is not a miracle additive, however,” “it only helps slow the aging process and it will only provide a couple more months.”

Fuel stabilizers are often used to protect the engine of motorcycles and cars. Some people use it for their outdoor equipment and generator to keep the fuel from becoming stale or oxidized and clogging up small ports in the fuel system.

Fuel stabilizers are often used to protect the engine of motorcycles and cars. Some people use it for their outdoor equipment and generator to keep the fuel from becoming stale or oxidized and clogging up small ports in the fuel system.

Fuel stabilizers are often used to protect the engine of motorcycles and cars. Some people use it for their outdoor equipment and generator to keep the fuel from becoming stale or oxidized and clogging up small ports in the fuel system.

Stabilizers are not miracle additives and only provide a couple of months of protection

Fuel stabilizers typically have bold claims printed on the label, designed to appeal to the type of person who cares more about protecting their engine than buying the right pet food. Some fuel stabilizers can be harmful to your car, so it is important to research the best stabilizers for your car.

Gasoline and diesel fuel are perishable commodities, so before storing machines like lawn mowers, snowblowers, rototillers, chainsaws, generators and vehicles for a month or more, it’s a good idea to add a small amount of fuel stabilizer to the tanks. That will help keep the fuel from becoming stale or oxidized and clogging up small ports in the fuel system. Most stabilizers also help with water accumulation and allow the old fuel to burn acceptably until the next fill-up.

Fuel stabilizers typically have bold claims printed on the label, designed to appeal to the type of person who cares more about protecting their engine than buying the right pet food. Some fuel stabilizers can be harmful to your car, so it is important to research the best stabilizers for your car.

Gasoline and diesel fuel are perishable commodities, so before storing machines like lawn mowers, snowblowers, rototillers, chainsaws, generators and vehicles for a month or more, it’s a good idea to add a small amount of fuel stabilizer to the tanks. That will help keep the fuel from becoming stale or oxidized and clogging up small ports in the fuel system. Most stabilizers also help with water accumulation and allow the old fuel to burn acceptably until the next fill-up.

Frequently asked questions