Fuel additive

[RichD1]

Just laying the car up for the winter, probably till March. I've got about half a tank of fuel. Should I add a fuel preserver? If so which one?

[PeterK]

Ideally drain the tank and use the fuel elsewhere, then refill next year.  If that's not on, then I use Millers Oils VSPe at every fill, all year around.  That's all I use, so no comparator though.

[Type911]

I prefer to have a full tank with some additive in it, empty tanks are prone to rust

[RichD1]

Tank is about a 1/3 full and no SORN. What additive prevents the fuel going gloopy.

[Phill]

I’ve used this in a big Jerry can in the shed and the petrol is still good after nearly 2 years.

[mean in green]

I drained a tank once before vehicle storage. When I went back to it - admittedly fifteen years later - the tank's lower seams had completely rusted out, something that only became apparent after the petrol I'd just put in it leaked straight back out onto the floor...

I wondered if condensation had been a factor over the years. If I was to do long term storage again I'd probably just take the tank out and store it such that any moisture could run out. Perhaps less of an issue for short term lay ups.

[RichD1]

Never really thought about a fuel additive for storage but the mother-in-law had a problem with her mower having not been used for a year and wouldn't start. The service guy said the petrol had gone gluppy and clogged the fuel system up. 

[Northy]

Or you could use the car year round 😱

[Type911]

Nutter! I bet you drive yours in the rain too?

[PeterK]

…. and snow

[anglophone1]

On 01/10/2024 at 14:32, PeterK said:

Ideally drain the tank and use the fuel elsewhere, then refill next year.  If that's not on, then I use Millers Oils VSPe at every fill, all year around.  That's all I use, so no comparator though.

Me too!

[sopor]

As an aside… for infrequently used small engines I use Aspen Fuel. Much dearer than petrol but v stable and means the leaf blower and chainsaw start right up with zero faff, even if left for a year.

[70sThrowback]

I've only ever put super unleaded in my lawnmower, less ethanol and never had an issue.

Winter lay up for the car, I try and leave it full with Shell VPower, its on a trickle charger anyway. But If there are any salt free days I will try and take it for a spin, even if its only 45mins so enough to get everything up to temperature.