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12-01-2006, 01:14 PM
Okay, longer answer now that I have time.
Here's a quote directly from a ChevronTexaco website. This is typical of all gasoline:
"22. How long can I store gasoline without it going bad?
Gasoline stored in a tightly closed container in a cool place will stay good for at least one year. It is better if the container or fuel tank is almost (95 percent) full. If the container or fuel tank will be in the direct sun or will be heated above 30°C (80°F) much of the time, add an aftermarket fuel stabilizer to the gasoline when you first buy it. Gasoline-oil blends for two-stroke cycle engines stored under the proper conditions will keep as well as gasoline itself."
The key is the full tank. Gum formation happens through an oxidative process, if the tank is full, there is no oxygen to get into the fuel - assuming that the tank is well sealed. Gasoline doesn't readily absorb oxygen, although, high ethanol content gasolines will absorb more O2. If you are on the east coast during the winter, the temperatures are well below 30C and the oxidation process is even slower, so you have no fear at all of degradation of the fuel.
Not only does a full tank of gas help keep your fuel stable, but it also is safer. A full tank prevents a head-space of flammable gasoline vapor and will prevent ignition. As an aside, you can stick a match into fuel and it will not burn, only the fuel vapor is flammable.
If you're in California or Florida during the Summer, then the story is different, but we're talking about Winter storage here. If you have your car sitting with a full tank of gas over the Winter you will see no issues.
Hopefully this will help you feel a little more comfortable.
Here's a quote directly from a ChevronTexaco website. This is typical of all gasoline:
"22. How long can I store gasoline without it going bad?
Gasoline stored in a tightly closed container in a cool place will stay good for at least one year. It is better if the container or fuel tank is almost (95 percent) full. If the container or fuel tank will be in the direct sun or will be heated above 30°C (80°F) much of the time, add an aftermarket fuel stabilizer to the gasoline when you first buy it. Gasoline-oil blends for two-stroke cycle engines stored under the proper conditions will keep as well as gasoline itself."
The key is the full tank. Gum formation happens through an oxidative process, if the tank is full, there is no oxygen to get into the fuel - assuming that the tank is well sealed. Gasoline doesn't readily absorb oxygen, although, high ethanol content gasolines will absorb more O2. If you are on the east coast during the winter, the temperatures are well below 30C and the oxidation process is even slower, so you have no fear at all of degradation of the fuel.
Not only does a full tank of gas help keep your fuel stable, but it also is safer. A full tank prevents a head-space of flammable gasoline vapor and will prevent ignition. As an aside, you can stick a match into fuel and it will not burn, only the fuel vapor is flammable.
If you're in California or Florida during the Summer, then the story is different, but we're talking about Winter storage here. If you have your car sitting with a full tank of gas over the Winter you will see no issues.
Hopefully this will help you feel a little more comfortable.