AUTONEWS

Are vehicle breakdowns related to poor-quality fuel? What does an expert say?

Currently, vehicles are equipped with various sensors that can measure the presence of water in the fuel, as well as the accelerated deterioration of engine oil caused by low-quality fuel.

HAK's roadside assistance service has a large number of operations and significant experience each year. Technical consultant Marin Morava answers the question of whether there have been any vehicle breakdowns in recent years that could be related to low-quality fuel.

He believes there is no problem with fuel quality, as it would be difficult to supply low-quality fuel to end consumers today. Modern vehicles constantly measure the composition of exhaust gases while driving using sensors integrated into the vehicle, and even in the event of small deviations, the system reacts and activates the exhaust gas fault monitoring icon, writes Revija HAK.

Errors recorded in the vehicle may indicate that certain engine components are not adequately processing exhaust gases, which may indirectly indicate that fuel quality should also be analyzed.

Low-quality fuel would not be suitable for gas station operators, as vehicles manufactured after 2014, which are in high demand today, could experience numerous problems if the fuel quality standards strictly prescribed by the Euro 6 standard were not met, resulting in numerous complaints to gas stations and the companies responsible.

Change the Fuel Filter Regularly....Regardless, when it comes to maintenance, vehicle owners can do a lot, and that includes changing the fuel filter regularly. It is recommended to follow the vehicle's maintenance schedule prescribed by the manufacturer so that the fuel filter, and possibly other parts, are replaced on time, if so prescribed. Regularly replacing the fuel filter protects the injection system from the ingress of dirt, water, and other separated compounds that can accumulate in the filter bowl, thus preventing further damage to the injection system.

Today, vehicles are also equipped with various sensors that can measure the presence of water in the fuel, as well as the accelerated deterioration of engine oil caused by low-quality fuel.

The exhaust gas monitoring system mentioned above will register various problems if low-quality fuel is found in the vehicle. Today's higher fuel quality standards have a much more favorable effect on fuel injection systems and vehicle engines. It's safe to say that vehicle breakdowns are far fewer today than in the past.

Note: Today, it is no longer necessary to add gasoline to diesel for better cold starts in winter, as it was in the past, nor to add two-stroke engine oil for better lubrication of the moving parts of the injection system. Both factors can have a very detrimental effect on modern vehicles.

Fuel Additives...When it comes to fuel additives, consult a specialist before using them to determine if you need them. Not all additives have the same effect or preventative properties, so additives for older and newer vehicles may differ when purchased.

Always be careful with additive dosages; be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and avoid overdoing it with proportions or quantities. Let's be figurative: overdoing it is like taking a double dose of a medication to resolve health problems more quickly, and that's not a good thing. In general, experience shows that modern fuels don't require special treatment, but if they do, be careful.

Conclusion: Yes, vehicle breakdowns are directly related to the use of poor-quality or adulterated fuel, and the damage can be serious. Substandard fuel affects engine performance, increases fuel consumption, and can lead to costly repairs to important components.

Problems caused by poor-quality fuel:

Engine failures: Adulterated fuel can cause misfires and difficulty starting, resulting in rough engine operation.

Reduced power: Impurities and low octane in the fuel can reduce combustion efficiency, leading to loss of power and performance, especially when climbing hills and accelerating.

Component clogging: Impurities in the fuel can clog fuel filters, injectors, and the fuel pump. This obstruction hinders proper fuel flow, causing serious failures.

Wear and corrosion: Improper substances can oxidize engine parts and cause premature wear. In diesel engines, excess sulfur in low-quality fuels can generate acidic compounds that corrode components. Fuel pump damage: The fuel pump, which is cooled and lubricated by the fuel itself, can overheat and shorten its lifespan when the tank is filled with adulterated fuel or when the fuel level is consistently low.

Emissions system problems: Low-quality fuels with a high sulfur content, for example, can damage the oxygen sensors and catalytic converter, increasing the vehicle's pollutant emissions.

Engine damage: In more severe and long-term cases, the use of adulterated gasoline can lead to serious engine problems, even causing engine damage.

How to identify the problem:

Watch for the following symptoms, which may indicate the use of improper fuel:

A malfunction or injection light on the dashboard.

Increased fuel consumption.

Strange engine noises, such as knocking or grinding.

Excessive smoke coming from the exhaust.

Difficulty starting or engine "stuttering."

What to do if you suspect something is wrong

If you notice any of these signs, take your vehicle to a mechanic to check the problem. If the gas station is at fault, keep the receipt to prove the location of the fueling. Some fuel companies offer insurance that may cover the damage.