Fuel quality

Non-compliance with standards

Fuel quality problems may have become rarer, but they are not out of the question. In some countries outside Europe, in particular, this problem still arises. Hence reports and rumours occur from time to time in the media about contaminated, poor-quality fuel abroad.

Refuelling from containers/canisters

Another reason for the penetration of water and dirt in the fuel tank is refuelling from containers that have previously been rinsed out or cleaned with water, but have not been sufficiently dried.

Badly designed filling stations

Non-compliance with the specified operating conditions during the construction or operation of filling stations may result in the penetration of water and contamination.

Ageing of the fuel

When vehicles are left to stand for longer periods, the air in the tank may give rise to oxidation. As the fuel reacts with atmospheric oxygen, a resinous product is formed (“gum” [3]), which can block or gum up the entire fuel system and pump