How long can you keep gas in one of those red plastic containers you get for emergencies? does the gas go bad?

Answer 1

Many varied answers here. Yes Gas can go bad, not in a few weeks, not in three months, but if it is going on a year, even in a sealed container, it evaporates, gets gummy and goes bad. However, you should be asking this question: "How do I keep my gas from going bad in a storage container?" I am assuming it is for a lawn mower or other gas powered item not used much. so here goes.

You could use a product called "StaBil" which keeps gasoline from degrading. As the name suggests it stabilizes the gasoline on a molecular basis. If you have old gasoline that has started to get gummy, you can add a small amount of Acetone to it and it will reverse the effects of time and make the gasoline usable. This also works wonders on a machine that the carb has dried out on, IE your motorcycle or lawn mower. Add fuel with acetone in it and the carb will ungum itself. Only about a capfull per gallon though.

Answer 2

Yes, gas can go bad. After about 6 weeks. You shouldn't be driving around with a container of gasoline. You keep the empty container in case you need to walk to a gas station.

Answer 3

Like mentioned above, properly stored it will be fine for up to 3 months, if you want to store it longer a gas stabilizer, like "Stabil" is needed.

I keep a 5gal gas can in my truck at all times. I just make sure to dump in in the truck once a month before I refuel. then fill the tank, and go.

This helps keep the gas fresh, and also insures that i have the same blend as the tank im using. In different parts of the country they will change the fuel blends to compensate for high heat, or extreme cold. Here in the mid-west we do have summer and winter gas.

Answer 4

Gasoline is a mixture. As it stands the more volatile parts will evaporate. The old gas can be used. It would be better to use it in a car than a lawn mower or bike, because it can mix. It is better to use it than to try to dispose of it. Also don;t ever store gasoline in a non standard gasoline container. (red)

Answer 5

I think gas won't go bad if you keep it well in the container with
the cap close tightly and store it at room temperature. For best
results and unnecessary worry, use it up by pouring it into
the car's tank within 1 week for emergency. Happy motoring!

Answer 6

Gasoline can be kept for several months if you store it properly, although you might want to add a stabilizer to it. Even if it does not become contaminated, gas can go bad. If it smells or looks strange, dispose of it in the proper manner.

Answer 7

gas won't go bad unless it gets water in it, but don't keep it for more than a few months.

Answer 8

Chevron says . . .

. . . for a year without deterioration when the storage conditions are good -- a tightly closed container and moderate temperatures.

Answer 9

it evaporates