By Ashley Ball
News 3 On Your Side
We have received viewer e-mails and calls about car problems caused by water in gas tanks. Some are saying it's from the gas they pumped. But is that true? We wanted to get some answers. News 3 On Your Side
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Stumble It!The Alabama Department of Weights and Measures regulates gas quality and gas pumps across the state. They say water does occasionally get in the fuel stream, but not in large amounts.
We talked with the Larry Markham, the Regional Director of Operations for Circle K. He told us how Circle K prevents water from getting in their gas.
“Our stations have hydro-sorbed filters so if any water is detected in the fuel, as it goes through the filter, the filter shuts off a valve and shuts of the flow of fuel.”
Markham told News Three if lots of water gets into the fuel, anyone who use the pump at the same time will have problems.
Markham says it happened roughly six months ago at a Circle K location. Markham says that is part of the reason they now have water filters on all of their pumps.
He also added they are becoming a standard across the industry.
If you find yourself in this position, we are on your side with some things steps you can take to get up and running.
Mark Morrison is a the co-owner of Tires First in Columbus.
He says he has seen a spike in customers with water in their tanks over the past two months.
He can't tell where it comes from but he did tell us some signs to look for.
Morrison says, “You really won't notice it unless all of the sudden, if it is coincidental, and you fill up and all of the sudden your engine starts performing poorly.”
Morrison says if you notice a difference in the way your car drives, you should take it in to your local mechanic.
If water is in your tank Morrison says the mechanic could change your fuel filter and mix a drying additive into your gas tank.
Morrison also said it is good practice to change your fuel filter regularly, and periodically mix additives in with your gas.
If you do think you have pumped bad gas, there are some numbers you can call.
If you pumped the gas in Alabama you can call 1-800-642-7761. If you bought gas in Georgia you can call 1-800-282-5852.
There is a sticker with these numbers on every gas pump in Alabama and in Georgia
