Storing gasoline in cans and tanks, what are the terms and does it spoil?

What determines the storage of gasoline?

Regulatory documentation (GOST 32513-2013 “Motor fuels”) determines that fuel can be stored for 5 years. Factors influencing how fuel properties are maintained:

• Natural sedimentation;
• Degradation of contained additives;
• Vapor formation;
• Slow oxidation by atmospheric oxygen.

The main thing is that under the recommended conditions, storing gasoline is pointless; if it is not used, it will not prevent loss of quality.

Necessary conditions for storing gasoline

As mentioned above, containers for storing gasoline should be made of opaque plastic with dielectric properties. In a full container, fuel is stored longer. This is due to the lower oxygen content in the air layer, which slows down the rate of gasoline oxidation. In addition, a vaporous mixture is formed in an empty container, which is easily ignited by the slightest spark.

The volume of gasoline in a canister should not exceed 95% of the total capacity

Basic requirements for storage space:

• Dark, cool room;
• Availability of functioning ventilation;
• No open flames.

Storing gasoline in a hermetically sealed container reduces evaporation losses. To do this, rubber gaskets are installed on the canisters.

Can gasoline go bad?

Regardless of the conditions of detention, over time, the mixture of elements undergoes chemical changes, which lead to loss of properties and deterioration in quality. It is impossible to reduce them to zero, but with proper maintenance it will be possible to extend the shelf life to the maximum limit.

The main consequences of improper handling and exposure to time:

1. Evaporation. A consequence of interaction with oxygen during depressurization of the container, as well as non-compliance with the temperature regime. The fractions necessary to increase the octane number evaporate.
2. Oxidation. It also occurs when reacting with oxygen. The process is inevitable; it reduces quality every day. Therefore, it is advisable to use “fresh” dressing, which is not stored in domestic conditions.
3. Additive breakdown. Components added to increase the octane number are rapidly destroyed, since they do not imply a long life period. Some of them tend to disintegrate after just two weeks of even proper storage.
4. Formation of sediment. If the liquid remains motionless for a long time, small fractions sink to the bottom and a concentrate is formed. If it gets into the fuel system of the car, it may cause damage.
5. Delamination due to differences in the densities of the components.

Does gasoline spoil during storage?

You must understand that gasoline is not the simplest substance. It contains various hydrocarbons, the quantity and type of which are determined by the manufacturing technology, and in addition, numerous additives added by the manufacturer. At the time of leaving the factory, the product meets the requirements, but then it begins to change. And this is caused by several factors.

Evaporation

It is no secret that gasoline contains highly volatile fractions that are added to increase the octane number. The longer the fuel's shelf life, the higher the probability of its change. It is clear that this is not in the direction of improving performance. When volatile substances evaporate, the ratio between fractions is disrupted and the quality of gasoline decreases.

It is clear that if this happens in a car tank, then nothing bad will happen; as a rule, such gasoline is used in a short time. But evaporation negatively affects the storage of gasoline at home.

Oxidation

All substances interact with oxygen. Gasoline is no exception. As a result, resinous substances are formed in it. However, over time, their number increases, causing gasoline to deteriorate. Its use can lead to resin deposits on pipelines, reservoirs, as well as increased carbon deposits in cylinders and spark plugs.

The oxidation process itself takes quite a long time and over several stages. Its speed depends on environmental conditions (pressure, temperature), as well as on the fuel manufacturing technology. Here we need to make a small digression.

The ability of gasoline to interact with oxygen (to oxidize) is characterized by the induction period parameter. It refers to the time required for the onset of oxidation at a temperature of 100° and a certain oxygen pressure. This is tested in laboratory conditions. The higher this parameter, the higher the stability of gasoline.

It primarily depends on the carbon composition of the fuel, which is determined by production technology. The most susceptible to oxidation are gasolines produced by thermal cracking, pyrolysis, and catalytic cracking; their induction period is 50–250 minutes. The products obtained by direct distillation and catalytic reforming are more stable.

Induction period for gasoline obtained:

• catalytic cracking is 240-1000 minutes;
• direct flight – 1200 minutes;
• catalytic reforming – over 1500 minutes.

Shelf life depending on capacity

As we have already found out, according to GOST, fuel is stored for five years under ideal conditions. If you bury the tank in the ground, the storage conditions will be close to ideal. In other cases, gasoline will deteriorate faster.

How long fuel will be stored depending on the tank:

1. Car tank – six months.
2. Metal canister – 1 year.
3. A tank or barrel located in the basement - about two years.
4. A special tank that stands on the site in the shade - about three years.
5. A special tank completely buried underground - up to five years.

Therefore, if you do not have a special tank, then there is little point in stocking up on fuel. It is also worth considering that many gas stations in Russia sell far from the highest quality gasoline, which may not comply with GOST at all. Its shelf life is reduced already upon purchase.

What is the shelf life of gasoline according to GOST?

The shelf life of gasoline of any brand is the same for AI92, AI95 and AI98 - 5 years. This value was stated in the original standard dating back to 1977. From there the requirement moved into a newer 2013 document.

Five years is the period that the standard sets for closed containers that do not allow air to enter. For fuel containing additives, GOST sets a deadline of one year (regardless of the conditions under which it is stored). This is done due to the high activity of catalytic additives, which quickly disintegrate.

In which containers does gasoline degrade faster?

It’s no secret that gasoline loses its properties fastest when it’s already in the fuel tank of a car—we’re talking about a maximum period of six months. The fact is that in the tank, gasoline comes into contact with the intake tube and filter mesh, which accelerates resin formation. In addition, in hot weather, the degradation of fuel in the tank accelerates sharply.

Storage in canisters should be limited to one year (according to GOST). At the same time, monitor the quality of the rubber gasket on the lid. Over time, gasoline will corrode it, and the system will lose proper tightness.

So the rubber gasket should be changed periodically. Gasoline can be stored in sealed barrels and tanks for up to two years, in special technical tanks for up to three years, in recessed, or, simply put, tanks buried in the ground, for up to five years.

Shelf life of gasoline and oil

It is worth mentioning two-stroke engines separately. As you know, for them to work it is necessary to mix gasoline with oil. This mixture is prepared in advance and stored in a tank or canister. It is simply impossible to determine the exact amount of fuel. So often after finishing the work there is a ready-made mixture of it with oil. It is worth proceeding from the rule - its shelf life is less than that of individual pure products.

Although there are repeatedly confirmed facts that such a mixture with gasoline oil for two-stroke engines works even after a sufficiently long period of time after preparation, it is not recommended to store it for a long time in a canister or tank. Common practice is that six months is considered normal. The main thing is that the components of the mixture are of good quality.

Gasoline is one of the main concerns of the driver. He is constantly interested in where he can find high-quality fuel and how to survive the constant rise in fuel prices? In order to somehow protect themselves from such problems, many try to create a small supply of their own in a canister in the garage. However, long-term storage of gasoline requires compliance with certain rules. When you do them, it is quite possible to create your own fuel reserves, and for a while get rid of constant worries about fuel.

Choosing the right canister

First of all, pay attention to the material from which the container is made. Above, we have already discussed what qualities and characteristics these fuel storage products should have. Decide in advance on the volume of the canister. In this case, everything will depend on how many liters of fuel you need to fill. Most often there are models on sale with the following values:

• 5 l;
• 10 l;
• 20 l;
• 30 l;
• 40 l;
• 50 l.

And also before purchasing such plastic containers, you should pay attention to the presence of the appropriate quality marking. It is better to select models that are specifically designed for transporting and storing gasoline.

Many people argue that such flammable liquids should be stored only in metal containers, since their basic properties are much better than simple plastic samples, they are more durable and reliable, and also more resistant to various adverse influences. But it is worth considering that the level of quality of plastic models will largely depend on the specific type of material used; they also, as a rule, have a much lower cost.

How long can different types of gasoline be stored?

In Soviet reference books it is noted that the shelf life of gasoline is 5 years. Modern literature and standards (in particular, the current GOST of 1997), with rare exceptions, do not recommend using fuel that has been in a canister for more than 12 months.

The difference in standards is due to changing technologies. Previously, other substances were used for ethylation, including tetraethyl lead. Thanks to it, gasoline retained its properties much longer, but the additive was recognized as harmful to the environment and is no longer used.

The 12 months shown are an average. It does not take into account factors that could affect safety, such as brand. Storage time decreases as the octane number increases.

AI 95

The maximum permissible shelf life of AI 95 gasoline according to current standards is 2 years. The specified value also corresponds to GOST. However, the stated duration is only valid if the tank contains fuel. In a canister, AI 95 will deteriorate within the first 12 months.

AI 92

In terms of shelf life, AI 92 is practically no different from the previous type of fuel. The difference is so insignificant that it is calculated not even in weeks, but in days.

A76

According to GOST, A76 gasoline retains its properties in a canister for 2 years. A tank or recessed tank adjusts the stated time upward.

What is the general shelf life of gasoline?

A rather curious situation has also arisen with this concept. According to the Soviet GOST of 1977, the shelf life (warranty) is five years. However, the standard has been canceled, and according to the current GOST (1997) it is already equal to one year from the date of manufacture (for all brands).

Looking at these numbers, it's worth thinking about this point. In Soviet times, there were no high-octane fuels and technologies for their production. Simple straight-run gasoline was widespread, and this can explain its long-term storage. So, like ordinary food products, fuel has its own expiration date.

Survivability of gasoline and diesel fuel

The service life of gasoline is calculated from the moment of production. The GOST, which was in force during Soviet times, allowed it to be used for 5 years. It is now believed that under good conditions this period is 1 year.

IMPORTANT! The period of possible use depends on storage conditions.

View

The possibility of storage is determined by the detonation resistance of the fuel and the probability of its deterioration.
The higher the number (Au 92, 95, 98), the shorter the period of permissible use, since properties are lost faster. Diesel fuel should be stored at 20 °C for about a year, if the temperature rises - for a shorter period.

ADVICE! It is not recommended to store liquids for refueling a car. Even with full compliance with the regime, it is impossible to ensure the preservation of pristine qualities.

Capacities

The characteristics of the container where gasoline will be stored affect its quality and shelf life:

1. A steel, aluminum canister or closed barrel will retain its properties for up to a year. It is important to monitor the integrity of the rubber gasket on the lid, as this guarantees tightness and minimizes the impact of external factors. It may need to be changed periodically as the rubber will corrode. It is advisable that the canister has an internal protective coating for electrostatic safety.
2. A plastic base for a gasoline can is a less good choice. This material accelerates oxidation and accumulates static charge, potentially leading to fire.
3. Regular plastic bottles are strictly prohibited for overfilling, even for a short time.
4. A tanker truck or reservoir is the best option; they will retain the properties of the fuel for up to 2 years. If you bury them in the ground and ensure the lid is sealed, then the impact of the environment and temperature changes will be minimal.
5. When a car sits idle with a full tank for more than 6 months, it is not recommended to start it. Before doing this, all fluids should be changed.

Deadlines

The period of possible use of gasoline and diesel fuel depends on storage parameters. But it is important before each filling of the tank to carry out a visual inspection, checking sediment, separation of fractions - these factors will indicate suitability at the moment.

Extends the shelf life of containers that do not react with liquid, minimizing sunlight, temperature changes, and tightness.

Safety precautions come first

Gasoline is a flammable liquid, and its vapors are especially dangerous to human health due to their toxicity and explosiveness. Therefore, the question of whether it is worth storing gasoline in an ordinary apartment in a multi-story building will only answer in the negative. In a private house, a few options are possible: a garage or an outbuilding. Both must have good ventilation, as well as serviceable electrical fittings (most often gasoline vapors explode after a spark in poor contact).

In the premises it is necessary to maintain the proper temperature conditions, because even after 25ºC the evaporation of gasoline is unsafe for others. And it is absolutely unacceptable to store gasoline near open flame sources, open sunlight or heating devices. It doesn’t matter whether your stove is flaming, gas or electric.

The distance factor is also significant. Gasoline vapor is heavier than air and can travel across the floor to ignition sources. In the USA, for example, a safe distance is considered to be 20 m or more. It is unlikely that you have such a long barn or garage, so you should have fire extinguishing equipment on hand (remember that you cannot extinguish burning gasoline with water!). For the initial localization of the source of fire, sand or dry earth is suitable, which should be sprinkled on the floor from the periphery to the center of the flame. Then, if necessary, use a powder or foam fire extinguisher.

Gasoline expansion

Despite the fact that static is the only reason for banning gasoline in plastic containers, its tendency to expand is also a serious problem. Of course, gas station operators may not give you fuel for these reasons. However, gasoline filled in plastic still needs to be taken to the garage and stored there.

Gasoline expands very well. And its vapors are even more dangerous. Surely many people know how a plastic canister or bottle of gasoline sometimes swells. This happens precisely because the fuel itself expands as the temperature rises. But this is not critical. Gasoline vapors accumulating in the container lead to an increase in pressure, which can already lead to trouble.

To avoid them, do not store gasoline in containers not intended for this purpose. If, nevertheless, you really want to (well, you don’t have the “right” canister), then it’s worth taking some safety measures. First, do not fill plastic containers with gasoline more than three-quarters full. Second, if it's a regular beer or water bottle, squeeze all the air out of it before screwing the cap on. This way the vapors will have a place to accumulate and the container will not inflate.

In fact, for a plastic bottle to burst from the pressure of gasoline vapors, some kind of miracle must happen. This type of container can withstand very high pressure and, unless you try to destroy it intentionally, nothing will explode in the garage.

Also, to avoid problems, leave containers with gasoline for storage in a shaded place. It should also be taken into account that plastic is quite easy to puncture. Especially if the bottle or canister is under pressure. Therefore, this should not be dropped or hit on hard surfaces. A fire with an explosion may not happen. But gasoline is expensive, and it will stink for a long time.

Effect of humidity and temperature

The combustible material contains various evaporable fractions that are added to increase the octane number. When the seal is broken, the substances begin to evaporate. High humidity can change the composition of mixtures, which negatively affects the result.

The shelf life of fuel poured into an aluminum canister also depends on the temperature: at high temperatures it becomes shorter. This indicator affects the final properties of the material the most. The processes of oxidation and resin formation occur faster if the temperature is too high. Qualitative limits for this factor are set as follows:

1. No higher than 30 degrees Celsius in the case of gasoline.
2. Kerosene and diesel fuel cannot withstand temperatures exceeding 40 degrees.

Accordingly, it is prohibited to heat these liquids above these limits.

Gasoline freezes at minus 70-74 degrees Celsius.

What to do after the expiration date?

If it happens that gasoline was stored in a canister longer than required by law and regulations, you need to think carefully before pouring it into the car tank. Earlier in the article, we already said that the consequence of its long-term storage in a container is the appearance of irreversible reactions that radically change the properties of the liquid. Experts say that it is absolutely forbidden to use such fuel for a car, especially a brand with a new engine. It can cause great harm to the car, its engine and other elements.

Gasoline that has been in storage for longer than the allotted time can be used for a chainsaw, gasoline burner or other equipment. But before you pour it into the tool tank, evaluate its appearance.

If the fuel has noticeably changed its structure and has become very viscous and resinous, it is better not to use it at all or use it for any household purposes, or simply dispose of it, for example, take it to a gas station.

What to do after the expiration date

After the storage period has expired or the rules for containing a petroleum product are ignored, its use in a car is strictly prohibited.

If such products are poured into the tank, problems will arise with the fuel system and the engine may break. However, it can be used for other devices: chainsaws, walk-behind tractors, since gasoline is considered absolutely unusable only if 5 or more years have passed. Then the mixture is simply drained, without options. The equipment is first inspected for heavy contamination and damage to internal mechanisms.

Differences by gasoline brand

Probably every person has been to a gas station at least once and seen different brands of gasoline: 92, 95, and so on. Most drivers don't know the difference; they just fill in what they need.

To understand how they differ, you should know how fuel combustion occurs. This is a complex physical, chemical and technological process associated with the fulfillment of certain requirements. First of all, carburetion occurs - this is the mixing of air with an oil product. If this mixture is lean, then the gasoline is of poor quality and there is more air. Consequently, the temperature in the engine decreases. This negatively affects the internal combustion engine.

Therefore, it is better to know the characteristics of a particular fuel:

1. A-72. Automotive unleaded petroleum product of poor quality, contains no more than 0.013 g/l of lead. It contains products of catalytic and thermal cracking, pyrolysis and coking, antioxidant additives and straight-run gasoline. Octane number is 72, there are no density standards.
2. A-76. Low quality gasoline. Contains the same products as A-72. Common in agriculture. A-76 is produced both leaded and unleaded. The octane number is 76, there are no density standards.
3. A-80. This brand has the usual quality. Contains special additives. There is a leaded and unleaded type. Sulfur content - no more than 0.05%. Density - no more than 0.755 g/cmA-803.
4. A-92. Also a petroleum product of ordinary quality, which contains additives with anti-knock function. It is considered the most common in large cities of Russia and Ukraine. There is both leaded and unleaded. The octane number is 83, and the density is no more than 0.77 g/cmA-923.
5. AI-91. Regular quality gasoline. Its additives contain anti-knock properties. Sulfur content is no more than 0.1%, there are no density standards, octane number is 82.5.
6. AI-93. Petroleum product of normal quality. Leaded is produced on the basis of mild catalytic reforming gasoline, adding toluene and alkyl gasoline, unleaded - on the basis of hard mode catalytic reforming gasoline with the addition of isopentane, alkyl gasoline and butane-butylene fraction. There are no density standards, octane number is 85.
7. AI-95. Improved fuel quality. Produced from gasoline by catalytic cracking of light distillate feedstock with aromatic and isoparaffin components, as well as the addition of gas gasoline. Contains anti-knock additives. Density is not standardized. The number of octane is 85.

Tightness

It is probably not worth reminding that special attention is also paid to tightness. When the container lid is not properly closed, the fuel often comes into contact with air, and then intense oxidation occurs. It is impossible to completely avoid such contact, but it will help to minimize it:

• Tightly sealed lid.
• The container is not completely filled with gasoline, but only 95%.

How to store gasoline

Gasoline, as you know, is slowly but surely becoming more expensive. And this circumstance forces a fairly large number of car owners to stock up on fuel, which they keep, for example, in the garage or at the dacha. For this purpose, steel or aluminum cans and tanks are usually used. Moreover, the best option would be buried or semi-buried tanks.

The fact is that such containers are hidden from the sun and do not heat up. At the same time, plastic storage facilities are extremely undesirable because they provoke oxidation, chemical interaction of fuel with plastic and, most dangerous of all, the accumulation of a static charge.

Meanwhile, temperature changes, humidity and other factors lead to a gradual decrease in fuel efficiency. Fuel degrades due to four key factors: evaporation, oxidation, additive breakdown and sludge. As a result, the octane number decreases by one or two units, while at the same time the amount of resins increases due to the oxidation of hydrocarbons.

Is it possible to use expired gasoline?

Expired fuel cannot be used in its pure form. The main reason for this is that the fuel loses its detonation properties, the octane number decreases, and the catalytic additives decompose. Gasoline stored for too long can damage the internal combustion engine.

But this does not mean that the fuel will simply be thrown away. If necessary, it can be mixed with fresh gasoline in a ratio of 1:3 and then filled into the car. In addition, you can fill such gasoline into power units that are less demanding on quality.

Reasons for limited shelf life of fuel

If storage conditions are not observed, the fuel deteriorates and completely loses its properties due to changes in temperature, humidity and other factors. Of course, the loss of properties does not occur in one day, but over the course of months. Although the efficiency of gasoline will decrease every day.

There are four main factors that cause gasoline to have a limited shelf life:

• Oxidation.
• Evaporation.
• The appearance of sediment.
• Additive breakdown.

The first reason is oxidation, which is inherent in almost any liquid. When fuel interacts with air (oxygen), its quality decreases. Oxidation leads to the appearance of resin in vehicle fuel systems, as well as on cylinder walls and spark plugs. Therefore, you cannot use fuel that has been in contact with oxygen (air) for a long time.

The second reason is evaporation. The fuel contains many volatile substances that increase the octane number. If gasoline is stored in an unsealed container and at the wrong temperature, evaporated substances evaporate, and as a result, the octane number drops. Gasoline with a low octane number becomes less efficient, detonation occurs in the engine, which is detrimental to the power plant, and the consumption of such fuel increases significantly.

Gasoline shelf life

In the early 90s, car owners tried to keep a couple of cans of gasoline in the garage. The reason for such thriftiness was an acute shortage of fuel. Nowadays this situation occurs much less frequently. When going on a long trip, the driver can take a small container with him.

In case of unforeseen situations, owners of suburban areas can store 10-20 liters of gasoline. After some time, the driver may have a question: “Is it worth putting this in the tank at all?”

Long-term storage of gasoline in a plastic canister negatively affects its properties. Fuel undergoes the following natural processes:

1. Oxidation. Any active liquid reacts with oxygen contained in the atmosphere. Oxidation of hydrocarbons leads to the formation of ester resins. They reduce the octane number and negatively affect the vehicle's fuel system. The injectors will be the first to feel a decrease in fuel quality, since viscous resins disrupt its operation. Carbon deposits on spark plugs also indicate low fuel quality.
2. Evaporation. Volatile ether compounds of gasoline quickly turn into a gaseous state even at normal ambient temperatures. Storing fuel in an unsealed container will result in a decrease in liquid volume.
3. Additive breakdown. High-quality fuel contains a variety of additives. They are designed to increase the octane number and increase the detonation properties of the fuel. Some additives disintegrate after just a few weeks of storage, which negatively affects the quality of the fuel. For example, long-term storage of leaded gasoline leads to a decrease in the level of bromide compounds, the function of which is to remove lead from the combustion chambers. Long-term use of such fuel can cause engine damage.
4. Formation of sediment. During fuel storage, fine particles contained in its composition precipitate.

According to the requirements of quality standards, the average shelf life of fuel in canisters is 12 months. Manufacturers guarantee that during this period gasoline can be stored without loss of quality and performance properties. For comparison, it is not recommended to store fuel in a car tank for longer than 6 months. For northern regions with low temperatures, this period increases, and in the south it decreases.

In case of long-term storage of fuel in the tank, it is recommended to dilute it with fresh fuel. To do this, you need to mix it with gasoline with a similar octane number. The volume of fresh fuel should be three times larger. In this case, the quality of the resulting mixture will be suitable for use.

Fuel additives

The additives used in the fuel are also extremely important. They also increase the octane number of gasoline, but have a certain shelf life. When stored improperly for a long time, gasoline loses its properties due to the decomposition of additives. Some additives disintegrate after 2 weeks if storage conditions are not met. Consequently, even at a gas station there is a risk of buying gasoline that is already beginning to deteriorate, although the probability is low, since storage conditions are observed there.

The sediment that forms at the bottom of a canister or other storage container also has a detrimental effect on the quality of the fuel. The fact is that gasoline contains small heavy fractions, which, when left for a long time, sink to the bottom. If this sediment gets into the fuel system, it will negatively affect the operation of the fuel filter and is unlikely to lead to any damage.

It is because of these reasons that the shelf life of AI 92 or AI 95 gasoline is no more than five years. But 5 years is the maximum under ideal storage conditions. But the shelf life of gasoline in a canister will be no more than one year. Taking this into account, fuel must be stored in a dark place at a low temperature in a sealed metal container.

About storage

However, fuel can be stored for future use, as stated in the current regulatory documents, and the brand of fuel does not matter. The shelf life of AI 92 gasoline and the shelf life of AI 95 gasoline will be the same. However, it is worth considering that the quality of the fuel depends on the conditions under which this occurs.

Typically, storage is carried out in a metal barrel or canister; it is better not to store gasoline in plastic containers. The fact is that when it is transfused, the synthetic material becomes electrified, which can result in a spark and a fire. It is for this reason that gas stations strictly monitor this and categorically refuse to dispense fuel into such containers.

The author once had to walk several kilometers to a gas station (he dried out a few hours after buying the car - the seller assured that he had filled a lot), but since he came with a plastic canister, he literally begged the gas station workers on his knees to let him pour gasoline into it.

And although any types of gasoline can be stored for a certain period of time, it is the conditions of a particular place that determine whether the fuel deteriorates during this time. Thus, increased temperature leads to increased evaporation and oxidation. Therefore, it is recommended to store fuel in a dark, cool room and in metal containers. It can remain in such conditions for more than one year without changing its characteristics.

As confirmation of what has been said, one can regard the order of the Ministry of Defense regulating storage periods under various conditions, an extract from which is given below.

True, it is worth noting that fuel with an induction period coefficient of more than 900 is stored for a long period. Naturally, gasoline must be stored in full, closed containers, this will limit the access of oxygen to it.

In cases where the car is parked for a long period of time, the fuel will retain its characteristics for at least a year. Some drivers recommend adding fresh fuel when starting the engine after such a break.

Is it possible to transport gasoline?

Transportation of flammable substances requires compliance with special safety rules. In this case, it will be necessary to ensure that all covers, as well as ventilation elements, are closed and secured as much as possible. Containers can only be placed in a vertical position. All canisters filled with liquid should be positioned so that they are stationary.

Such containers should be left in the car for a minimum amount of time and only when necessary. It is also recommended to leave all windows open to ensure ventilation inside. And also make sure that all products are located as far as possible from sources of light and heat.

What are some mistakes when storing gasoline?

Typically, cans of gasoline are left in the garage on the floor or shelf. They coexist with winter tires, tools, spare parts all year round, sometimes for several years, and exceed all expiration dates. Lack of control is not the only mistake of vehicle owners.

Other common mistakes:

• contact with oxygen. Motorists know about the tightness of the container, but they forget to minimize the air layer and do not select the canister size. As a result, when the car is running, resin is formed and deposited;
• temperature changes. Heating, cooling, and increasing the temperature again inevitably leads to an increase in humidity, a decrease in fuel quality, and a reduction in shelf life;
• storage in the car. This applies to spare canisters. A person puts it in the trunk and carries it for several months, forgetting about safety rules. In summer, the temperature inside can exceed a maximum of +30 degrees.

Drivers check the expiration date by setting it on fire. The fuel must ignite. Conducting such experiments is life-threatening. To identify delays, it is wiser to pay attention to the gasoline smell, color, and sediment.

Many mistakes are made not only regarding gasoline. People leave medicines and cans of motor oil stored in their cars. They don't check expiration dates on fire extinguishers or antifreeze. As a result, the operation of the vehicle, the health of the driver and passengers suffer.

It is difficult to store gasoline for a long time without loss of characteristics; the shelf life is limited. We do not recommend buying large quantities for future use. Such savings will result in additional expenses.

Why did the ban happen?

As you can see, there is no intelligible explanation for the ban on plastic canisters in nature—one can only speculate.

Perhaps gas station workers don’t like the fact that such canisters are transparent, which means that underfilling will be clearly visible. And low-quality fuel can be easily seen with the naked eye.

What if the manufacturers of steel and aluminum canisters lobbied at the highest level for such an event in order to sell off their stale products? After all, the cost of such containers is several times higher than their polyethylene counterparts, and therefore the product is not in particular demand.

By the way, aluminum oxides can contaminate the fuel poured inside with finely dispersed oxides if it is stored for a long time. Manufacturers carry out special etching of containers made of this material from the inside. What if the work was not done carefully enough or in violation of technology?

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