Two different gas stations, one in the Twin Cities area, have been found to have water in their "premium gas" options. This was discovered after customers' cars broke down due to "water in the gas tank." The Minnesota Department of Commerce has taken action with these gas stations, pausing their sale of premium gasoline until the gas can be retested.
At least two customers found out that the gas they filled up their vehicles with had water in it, causing vehicle issues. One of them spoke to WCCO News about the incident.
The locations are seen below on the map.
One of the gas stations that had to temporarily stop selling premium gasoline was the Holiday gas station located at 9456 Medicine Lake Rd. in New Hope, MN 55427. The other gas station is in Mankato, MN.
The Minnesota Department of Commerce must retest the gas before the premium gas can be sold again. Until then, only unleaded gas will be sold.
BMW Owner's X3 Broke Down After Getting Fuel
WCCO News reported that Kim Hecomovich had trouble with her BMW X3 after getting '91 Premium gas on 2 May 2023. She took it to the dealership and they found "mostly water" in her gas tank, and they even filled up a clear plastic bottle with fuel from her gas tank for further testing and to show how bad the fuel had been watered down.
Her vehicle was at the dealership for two weeks, and the repairs were costly.
She read the report from the dealership to WCCO News, saying:
"They found over 90% of the sample from the bottom of the fuel tank is water." -Kim Hecomovich
She said what happened after fueling.
"It sat for about an hour before my husband got in to go run an errand and I got a call from him about a minute later saying the car was violently shaking and it died about a hundred yards down the street." -Kim Hecomovich
Kim reported this to the Minnesota Department of Commerce. They went to the gas station, tested, and confirmed that the fuel did have water in "their premium options." The sale of premium gas was immediately shut down after this was confirmed.
They recommend that you make sure the gas pump has the sticker visible at the pump and has been "tested and found correct 2023" by the Minnesota Department of Commerce. (Source: MN Department of Commerce)
Suggested Actions if There is Water in Your Gas Tank
Take note of the following if you suspect that you filled up your car's gas tank with water. These tips were sourced from ChatGPT (AI).
- "Stop driving: If you notice symptoms of water in the gas tank, such as a sputtering engine or difficulty starting the vehicle, it's best to pull over and stop driving. Continuing to drive with water-contaminated fuel can cause further damage.
- Drain the tank: Consult your vehicle's owner manual or seek professional help to locate the fuel tank drain plug. The drain plug allows you to remove the fuel from the tank. It's advisable to have a professional mechanic or technician handle this task if you're unsure or unfamiliar with the process.
- Remove the fuel filter: In some cases, water may have reached the fuel filter. If you have the necessary tools and experience, you can remove the fuel filter and inspect it for signs of water contamination. If water is present, replace the filter with a new one.
- Dry the tank: After draining the fuel tank, you'll need to dry it thoroughly. You can do this by leaving the gas tank cap off and allowing the tank to air dry naturally. In some cases, using a small amount of compressed air or a shop vac can help expedite the drying process. However, exercise caution to prevent any sparks or ignition sources near the fuel tank.
- Refill with fresh fuel: Once the tank is dry, refill it with fresh gasoline from a reputable source. Ensure that the fuel you use is free from water or other contaminants.
- Add a fuel treatment: To further address any remaining water or moisture in the fuel system, you may consider adding a fuel treatment product designed to absorb water or improve fuel combustion. These products can be found at automotive stores and are typically added to the fuel tank according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Monitor for issues: After following the above steps, monitor your vehicle's performance closely. If you continue to experience problems or notice persistent issues, it's advisable to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic who can diagnose and address any remaining concerns."
(Source: ChatGPT)
Thoughts
Have you ever suspected that you had water in your gas tank? What did you do?
(Share your experience in the comments section.)
Please share this article with family and friends so they can stay informed.
Sources
ChatGPT: "What do you have to do if you have water in your gas tank." Date of query: 25 May 2023.
Mohs, Marielle. "Watered-down gas found in Minnesota gas stations leads to costly repairs for local drivers." WCCO News/ CBS News Minnesota. 24 May 2023.
Minnesota Department of Commerce official website.
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