Since automobiles began to travel the world, there is a myth that scares all drivers: the presence of sugar in the gas tank . According to this myth, which has many variations, the consequences of this substance on the engine could be truly devastating, rendering it useless in minutes. Fortunately, this is only a myth as sugar cannot damage the engine. But even the most fearful will need some proof to justify this absolute truth, which has been the subject of serious analysis over the years. Here are some facts about what really happens if someone puts sugar in your car’s gas tank:
1. Sugar is much denser than gasoline, a quality that makes it indissoluble inside the tank . If someone adds this substance to a car’s gas tank, it would be the same as with sand, most of it would remain on the bottom, along with the dirt that accumulates over time. Therefore, all you have to do is disassemble the tank and clean it properly, a procedure that you can carry out at home by following a few simple steps and taking certain safety measures .
2. Between the gas tank and the other components of the car’s injection system there are several filters that would keep the engine safe . Many of these filters retain a large amount of particles much smaller than a sugar grain, so it is very unlikely that the grains will make it to the engine. However, what could happen in the long term is that such filters become clogged (more due to dirt than sugar), limiting the correct flow of fuel and, therefore, damaging the fuel pump or other components, such as injectors. For this reason, it is recommended to periodically check the injection system to replace these filters.
3. The only thing that can make this old myth significant is the substitution of water for sugar . The water could prevent the engine from carrying out the combustion process and produce the mechanical energy necessary for the car to start. But for this to happen, the amount of water would have to be excessive to the point of almost completely diluting the fuel inside the tank.
Although it could cause much more damage Water would not make an engine useless either than sugar. According to experts, in some cases you may experience some peculiarities in the behavior of the vehicle, but the engine would continue to work. However, if we perceive any type of fault or if we suspect the presence of other substances in the gas tank, it is best to have the car examined by an expert.
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