Most experienced car owners and drivers know what are the symptoms of water in the gas tank, how to get water out of gas tank in car, and what is the best additive to remove water from gas tank. But if you are a new car owner and somehow water gets into your car gas tank, you might feel highly distressed and unqualified to fix this issue. Right?
Is your car engine bothering you very often? Does it suffer from a lack of acceleration? Do you have to fight regular engine misfires? If the answer to all these questions is “Yes,” you must check your car’s gas tank for water accumulation.
The water in the gas tank of a car is generally the result of bad weather conditions that causes condensation inside the tank. Sometimes, it might also result from filling the fuel tank at a pumping station where water enters through it.
The rust in the older vehicle’s fuel tanks, along with the bad breathing conditions of the tanks, can also be considered as significant reasons for finding water in your car’s gas tank.
And if there is water in your tank, it can surely give you headaches very often as it heavily affects the car engine. There are certain ways of removing water from gas tanks (fuel tanks) that one must be aware of so that problems like these do not hinder their driving experiences.
In this article below, we shall discuss; how does water get in the fuel tank, what are the symptoms of water in your gas tank, how to get water out of gas tank in car, what is the best fuel additive to remove water from gas tank, and other similar issues. So, just keep reading to know all the information in detail.
How Does Water Get into the Gas Tank?
Many car owners have the question; what causes water to enter the gas tank? Well, there are several reasons why and how water gets accumulated in the car’s fuel tank. It can be due to bad weather conditions, a rusty fuel tank, or it can be the result of a faulty fuel pump.
We are going to discuss some of the most common reasons for water accumulation inside the gas tank of the car below. So, let’s find out how does water get in car gas tank. Here we go:
Cause #1: Low-Quality Gas Presence
If you are wondering how does water get into the gas tank, consider this a significant reason. The presence of low-quality gas often occurs due to a damaged water filter present in the fuel gas station from where you fill-up the gas tank.
When the filter at the gas pump is damaged, it determines that water is also added along with the fuel gas while pumping it inside your car. So, the next time when you choose to fill your car’s fuel tank, inspect the condition of the water filter at the gas station.
Cause #2: Water Intrusion
Sometimes it happens that rainwater or the water you use to wash your car can enter through the fuel door if you forget to close it properly after refueling your tank. When such instances occur, the water that enters through the fuel door gets accumulated inside.
And if somehow, the fuel tank has a puncture in it, then the water can enter inside that can also cause water in your car’s gas tank. So, always try to close your fuel door after refueling your car to avoid such instances.
Cause #3: Bad Weather Conditions
Although there are various methods of removing water from gas tank, why let it accumulate in the first place? Well, you can definitely prevent water accumulation in your car’s fuel tank if you know what causes them first!
One of the primary reasons for water accumulation inside the fuel tank is bad weather conditions. Hot and humid weather, along with some other significant changes, can lead to the condensation of water inside the fuel tank.
If not removed on time, the quality can grow uncontrollably. It is suggested that you check for water accumulation continuously if you notice such changes in the weather conditions.
Cause #4: Rusty or Withered Fuel Tanks
In most cases, a rusty or damaged fuel tank also paves the way for water accumulation inside it. Sometimes people use their car for long periods like, 10 to15 years, and when the vehicle is running for so long, the fuel tanks are supposed to be withered naturally.
Thus, it allows the external water vapor or dust particles to accumulate inside the gas tank. And when this occurs, the water gets inside it, causing hindrances in the operation of the car.
So, it is highly recommended that you repair the damaged or rusty fuel tank before it starts bothering you.
Cause #5: Faulty Fuel Pump
Sometimes, the fuel tank of the car is placed on the top of the car that can be seen under the car front seats. These types of vehicles are more prone to face water accumulation inside the fuel tank, generally when it passes through flooded roads if the fuel seals of the tank are damaged.
Thus, faulty top fuel pumps are one of the primary reasons why water gets accumulated inside the fuel tanks. And if you want to know how to get water out of gas tank in car, then you have to go through the next sections.
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What are the Symptoms of Water in the Gas Tank?
Many times, it happens that you face issues with your car while driving. It can be a rough acceleration problem or a painful start of the engine. Most of the time, these problems occur in the car because of the fact that there is water in your gas tank.
But as usual, most of us are not aware of the symptoms of the accumulation of water in the fuel tank. Thus, some of the major symptoms of water in gas tank are discussed below so that you get an idea of what is causing you difficulty in your driving.
Symptom #1: Steam From the Exhaust
If you are looking for signs of water in gas tank, then notice the steam that comes from the exhaust pipe of your car.
When the water gets accumulated in the vehicle’s combustion chamber, it gets evaporated when the car is heated upon starting. And the evaporated water causes the steam to come out from the exhaust pipe.
Generally, a bit of the steam comes out when you start your car, but if the quantity is more than usual and you notice a lot of steam coming out, you must take it as a symptom of water accumulation in your car’s fuel tank.
Symptom #2: Rough Acceleration
The effects of water in the gas tank of a car can be minimal to havoc, depending on the intensity of the water present inside the tank. One of the most common issues car owners face due to water accumulation in the gas tank is rough acceleration.
This happens when the water present in the gas tank tricks the fuel sensors, and the engine thinks that the water acts as the fuel. Thus, the engine sputters, which leads to a rough acceleration condition. This is considered one of the most common signs of water accumulation in the car.
Symptom #3: Hard or No Start Condition
Thinking about what are the symptoms of water in your gas tank? Well, one of the significant water in gas tank symptoms is that your car will face difficulty while starting or does not start at all!
The moment when the car engine heats up at the time of starting is the crucial one. And when the fuel-air mixture of the engine is not good, the spark plug of the engine will not get ignited.
And if the condition is worse, the engine might get hydro-locked which can result in non-starting of the engine at all. So, the accumulation of water in the gas fuel tank can be a significant cause of why your car has a painful start or does not start at all!
Symptom #4: Engine Misfires
It is one of the major symptoms of water in the gas tank of a car. When the water in the gas fuel tank enters the combustion chamber, it causes engine misfires.
The same reason why the acceleration becomes rough or the engine does not start implies the misfiring engine condition as well!
The mixture of water with the fuel is the primary cause of this problem, and if you want to get rid of consequent engine misfires, you have to check for the accumulation of water in the gas fuel tank.
Symptom #5: Slow Acceleration
When the carburetor of the car receives a correct mixture of fuel and air, the car sensors work fine. But if the fuel-air combination is faulty and water runs through the engine, it will differ in reading that will show whether the engine runs too lean or runs too rich.
And of course, this affects the engine power and reduces it. And a reduced power of the engine means reduced acceleration as well! Thus, one of the common symptoms of water in the gas tank of your car is slow or reduced acceleration.
Symptom #6: Rough Idle
It is the condition where the car does not run smoothly and has bouncy breakouts frequently. These frequent breakouts damage the car engine extensively. And the primary reason for such breakouts is the accumulation of water in the gas tank and a clogged chamber.
When a faulty air-fuel mixture finds ways through the idle engine, it paves the way for engine damages to a greater extent.
So, if you are wondering, what are the symptoms of water in the gas tank then you should consider this a significant one! Most idle engines catch up with the consequence of water present in the gas tank of the car.
Symptom #7: Poor Fuel Economy
When your car engine burns air, water, and fuel altogether, it drastically reduces the output power of the car engine. And due to this, the engine control unit (ECU) will compensate and thereby utilize extra fuel leading to more consumption than average.
Also, if you have clogged fuel filters and poor motor functioning due to water accumulation, it shall negatively affect your car’s fuel consumption. And hence, the fuel requirement will increase two-folds more than usual.
So, you need to check for water in gas tank symptoms carefully and very often so that you don’t have to feel the burden in your pocket while filling the fuel tank.
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How to Get Water Out of Gas Tank in Car (6 Simple Steps)
If there is water in the gas tank of your car, you might be having various difficulties in driving it, some of which are mentioned in the section above. But then, you cannot continue with the problem, and you need to do something about it, right?
To remove water from gas tank, you have to follow a few effective and necessary procedures mentioned below. Following these exact methods will help you quickly fix water in the gas tank issue, and you will be able to remove all the water accumulation from your car’s fuel tank effortlessly.
So, without further ado, let’s check out how to get water out of a car gas tank and what is the best way to remove water from gas tank. Here we go:
Use a Fuel Additive to Remove Water From Gas Tank
Once you know the causes and symptoms of the presence of water in your car’s fuel tank, it’s time to learn about the perfect and most straightforward solution. In case of little water accumulation in the fuel tank (of course, you have to inspect that before), you can use a fuel additive to remove water from the gas tank.
There are plenty of fuel additives and gas tank water remover available in the market, and you can easily choose one according to your requirements. But it would be best if you remembered that the fuel additives do not dissolve a lot of water from the gas tank.
If there is more water in the fuel tank than there is gas, fuel additives will not work.
So, it only has the capacity to remove a little water from the tank, and if you find that the symptoms and problems of water accumulation still persist, you must re-consider other ways of getting rid of the problem as mentioned below!
Empty the Gas Tank Completely
If using fuel additives does not show up with any positive signs for bettering the condition of your car, you must know that the problem (say the water portion) is more significant. You have to find other ways to remove water from the gas tank, and one of the prominent ways to do that is to empty your car’s gas tank completely!
Yes, you read that right! It is only possible to get rid of water accumulation from your gas tank if you drain it completely.
You might also need professional assistance to do this, depending upon the model of your car. If you own a very old model car, you have to take professional help to remove the entire gas tank from the system and then drain it manually.
If you have a new model car, it must have draining options in it using which you can drain the water from the car fuel tank completely. You must ensure that you carry on with this procedure for a few long hours so that no trace of water remains inside the fuel tank.
Replace the Fuel Filter
Sometimes it happens that removing the water from the gas tank by draining it entirely or using a fuel additive to remove water from gas tank also doesn’t give out a positive outcome. The car owners face the same problem even after following these processes.
So what’s the solution?
Sometimes, the water in gas tank effects continues because even if you drain it completely, the water or debris enters the tank again because either the fuel filter is partially damaged or fully damaged.
The high mineral content of water is sure to damage the fuel filter of the car gas tank, which can pave the way to not only water but also debris and dirt. And due to this, it can recreate the issue that you faced with water accumulation in the gas tank.
Thus, do not think twice about the expense and change or replace your car’s filter if you notice the problem persists even after draining the tank completely!
Do a Fuel System Flush (If Needed)
You are still wondering; how to get water out of gas tank of your car or what is the best way to remove water from gas tank, then you should consider doing a fuel system flush. Now let’s learn a bit about what is a fuel system flush and what does a fuel injector flush do.
In this procedure, the car mechanics generally carry out flushing of water and other debris available inside your car fuel tank to help you get rid of waterlogging or water accumulation issues.
While performing a fuel system flush is not always recommended by automobile experts, you may go for it only when you need it. Though you love your car, you need to be a little wise when spending money on its repair.
As because a fuel flush system is not always the best way to get water out of the gas tank of your car and the fuel system cleaning cost is a bit expensive, so you need to be sincere enough to decide whether your car’s gas tank actually needs a complete fuel system flush or not!
Fill Up Gas Tank
Now that you know how to get water out of fuel tank in car by using several methods, you are all set to go! So, after using the fuel additives, draining the gas tank completely, flushing the fuel system, and replacing the fuel filter (if at all you have done it), now you can fill your gas tank entirely.
This step is very crucial because only when you fill-up the fuel tank would you be able to understand whether the problem still persists or not.
If you notice that the car is running smoothly now and the earlier issues do not come haunting you again, then know that you have got rid of the water accumulation in your car’s fuel tank, and now there will be no hindrances in your driving experience.
Find a Good Auto Mechanic
Lastly, carrying on with all the solutions explained above is not always possible by a car owner without getting help from a car mechanic or a professional car service.
Whether reviewing the car gas tank for complete draining or replacing the fuel filter for any damage issues, you will need the help of a professional expert at some point.
And thus, one of the most significant steps to get all the above processes done is to find a suitable car mechanic first. When the professionals are not up to the mark, you can face similar issues all over again within a shorter period.
So, do not fall on the traps and find yourself a good car mechanic to help you deal with this issue. Probably now you know exactly how to get water out of gas tank in car by applying these 6 simple steps!
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5 Best Additive to Remove Water from Gas Tank in Car
Fuel additives, as mentioned above, are suitable for removing a small amount of water from the fuel tank. However, large quantities of water cannot be flushed out with fuel additives. But then, you can use the fuel additives frequently to prevent water accumulation on a larger scale.
And if you are curious to find out; what is the best additive to remove water from gas tank in car and how to get water out of a gas tank using the fuel additives, then the below-listed water in gas tank treatment products will surprise you.
Here we have compiled some of the top-rated, affordable, and most effective fuel additives available on the market that you can use to eliminate water from the fuel tank in your car. So, let’s check them out:
ISO-HEET Premium Fuel-line Antifreeze Water Remover
For those unaware, HEET is a premium fuel and gasoline treatment brand that comes with its unique anti-freezing formula. So, if you are looking for the best additive to remove water from fuel tank, then you can easily trust the brand for the purpose.
Apart from providing brand value, the ISO-HEET Water Remover and Premium Fuel Line Antifreeze has other amazing features that every car owner would appreciate.
To start with, this excellent fuel additive absorbs water five times more as compared to other gas dryers. The special gas additives and isopropanol present in its formula help it tackle the extra water present in the fuel to help you get rid of that.
If we talk about its work performance, then one must know that this product does not frisk out the water from the gas tank; instead, it mixes the water with the fuel by using its antifreeze formula and let the solution remain inside the gas tank and burn naturally.
In addition to treating the water in the fuel tank, the Gold Eagle ISO-HEET Premium Fuel-Line Antifreeze Water Remover and Injector Cleaner also prevents rust and corrosion inside the gas tank.
Pros:
- It has no product expiry date if the seal is closed.
- Easy to use.
- You can use it with all kinds of gasoline.
- It comes in 2 packages.
Cons:
- A bit expensive as compared to similar other products.
STP Water Remover, All Season Cleaner for Cars and Truck
This is another trustworthy fuel additive to remove water from gas tank. The STP water remover fuel additive has all the qualities needed to treat the extra water present in the fuel tank of your car. Its capacity to clean up to 21 gallons of gas with just a single bottle of the additive is noteworthy.
Also, it gives you year-round protection from water accumulation inside your fuel as a tank. If you are planning to buy this awesome fuel additive, you can be assured of getting a clean fuel injector and an antifreeze fuel line without a doubt.
The product comes with a formula that makes it compatible with “capless” gas systems. This premium fuel additive helps in removing the water without the use of alcohol. Therefore, you can consider the STP Water Remover Fuel Additive as one of the best-concentrated fuel treatments of its kind to treat the extra water present in your gas tank.
Pros:
- It comes in bottle packages of 5 that contain up to 12 packs.
- It has a methanol free formula.
- Dries out the fuel tank efficiently and quickly.
- It has antifreeze formula that protects the car fuel from freezing during the winter season.
Cons:
- Small bottle size doesn’t suffice for more than one use.
Red Line Fuel System Water Remover and Anti-Freeze
This popular gas additive to remove water from gas tank by the Red Line is specially designed to treat the extra water present on your car’s gas tank. One ounce of this solution is enough to treat a 15-gallon gas tank. The procedure that you must follow to clean your car gas tank is effortless.
You just need to pour a suitable amount of this solution into your car’s gas tank, then run it for a few kilometers so that the solution works well on combusting the water from the fuel tank. Even if you do not take out your car regularly, this solution can help you treat the water condensation issues well.
Apart from all these properties, one important property of this solution is that it has anti-freeze qualities. It is an additional benefit for people living in cold areas. This would not let your fuel freeze during the winter seasons and let your drive smoothly.
One bottle (12 Ounces) of the Red Line Fuel System Water Remover will last for a more extended period because of its ability to clean the water even when a small amount is poured inside the gas tank. In simple words, this fuel additive works like magic when it comes to removing water from a diesel or gasoline fuel system.
Pros:
- It makes the fuel pump sound smoother.
- Not too expensive.
- It comes in two packs.
- Economic bottle options.
Cons:
- A bit slow in showing action.
Sea Foam SF-16 Motor Treatment
If you are looking for the best product to remove water from gas tank and run engine equipment cleaner, you can go by this fuel treatment without a doubt! Unlike its other counterparts, the Sea Foam Motor Treatment does not come under the tag of antifreeze solutions or something like that.
It has its own identity, which is enough to prove its authenticity as a solution that deep cleanses the water from your gas tank. This fuel additive is one of the most popular automobile products that you may pick up if you have issues with your fuel tank or car engine.
It does not only help you get rid of the extra water on the gas tank but also helps in treating the fuel injectors, cylinders, valves, pistons, etc. Sea Foam Auto Marine Motor Treatment disperses the water and lubricates the fuel tank efficiently.
If you have a major issue with your gas tank, then it is advised that you empty the tank, pour the solution, and refill the tank again to get better results.
Pros:
- EPA registered product.
- 100% pure petroleum product.
- It has two styles suited for different usage.
- Very inexpensive as compared to other products.
- Treats rough idle.
Cons:
- It does not work well on “too much” water content in the gas tank.
MDR E-ZORB Ethanol Gas E-10 Water Remover
By now, we all know that the quick and simple way to remove water from a gas tank is using a fuel additive, of course, if the water content is small! And so, you need a good quality fuel additive as well. Thus, the MDR E-ZORB Ethanol Gas E-10 Water Remover acts as a good product against the needful.
In times when these products were not available in the market, our great grandparents used to use ethanol or isopropyl alcohol to get rid of water accumulation inside the gas tank. Nowadays, this formula comes modified in a bottle of solution that is used to treat the extra water presence on the fuel tank.
This product is actually the modified version of ethanol that helps treat the water from your car’s gas tank. So, if you are looking for a cheaper alternative to your car gas tank’s water accumulation problem, then the E-ZORB Water Remover is the product that you can go with!
Pros:
- Cheaper as compared to other similar fuel additives.
- It has versatile uses.
- Able to treat 20 gallons with one ounce of solution.
Cons:
- Regular usage can harm the tank due to the corrosive property of ethanol.
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How to Get Water Out of Gas Tank in Car (FAQs):
By now, you have come to know; what causes water to enter the gas tank, what are the symptoms of water in the gas tank, how to remove water from gas tank, and what is the best fuel additive to remove the water from your car’s fuel tank.
But still, some pinpoint questions might remain unanswered throughout the article, like the effects of water in a gas tank or which additive can perform a task better, etc. And to address those essential queries, this section of some of the most frequently asked questions and answers is formed.
So, just go through it and explore your answers regarding removing water from gas tank in a car or truck. Here we go:
Usually, no car owner puts water into the gas tank knowingly. But what happens if water gets in your gas tank unknowingly? Well, problems and a lot of problems!
When water gets into the gas tank either accidentally or by natural condensation, it can cause the car engine to suffer greatly. It may lead to car stalling, buckling, problematic starting process, slow acceleration rate, and other such issues.
So, it is not at all recommended to put water inside the car gas tank, even in the form of any prank, and keep on checking any cause that might lead to water accumulation inside it.
Even if people know that the presence of water in the car fuel tank damages the car engine, they do not always know how much water does it take to damage an engine.
Well, a small amount of water is anyway present in a dissolved state in the fuel that does not cause any harm to the engine. But if the amount of water present is somewhere near a cup or a bit less, there is a problem.
So anything more than 0.5% by volume of the fuel tank capacity can be dangerous to the car engine. Beyond this measure, it is fine!
Fuel additives are only helpful when the water present in the tank is of small quantity. But then regular use of fuel additives in your car’s fuel tank may help you prevent more water accumulation with time.
Some of the popular fuel additives are mentioned in the article above. Among them, the best additive to remove water from gas tanks is the ISO-HEET Water Remover and the Sea Foam Motor Treatment kit.
These fuel additives have better qualities to treat your fuel tank water and go well in the long run as well!
According to some lay mechanics, using isopropyl alcohol to remove water from the gas tank is a good idea as the alcohol sinks into the bottom and then absorbs the water inside the fuel tank. And then, the combination of gas, water, and alcohol gets burned up.
But, some automobile experts suggest that there is another side to this as well. They say that a full bottle of rubbing alcohol contains a good amount of water, and that may add to the water content already present inside the gas tank.
Thus, even if you are planning to do so, you must consult a car expert before taking any step.
How to Remove Water from Gas Tank in Car – Author’s View
If you have reached this point of the article, by now, you know all the reasons for water accumulation on a car’s gas tank, its symptoms, and the best processes of removing water from gas tank. Now, it is time to decide which water removal method is best suited for the purpose from amongst the given solutions.
If it was my car and I had to choose between some of the most effective methods to remove water from the gas tank, I would have definitely chosen to use a fuel additive and do a fuel system cleaning. I would have also preferred taking my car to a mechanic for water in gas tank treatment so that it does not bother me for a good few years.
Now when it comes to choosing the right and best additive to remove water from gas tank in car, my personal recommendations are;
These fuel additives have impeccable qualities to drain the water out of your car’s fuel tank. No wonder people have different choices and requirements, and thus, choosing a suitable fuel additive to remove water from a gas tank depends entirely on one’s needs and requirements.
Of course, these are my recommendations; you must choose yours accordingly, keeping all the points in mind that are mentioned in the article “how to get water out of gas tank in car” above.
If you found this comprehensive guide helpful for you, then feel free to let us know what’s your opinion on removing water from gas tank in car. We would really appreciate your comment!
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