Stabilize It or Regret It:
If you’re planning to store your classic car for more than a couple of months, using a gas stabilizer isn’t just a good idea it’s essential maintenance. Over time, gasoline begins to degrade due to oxidation and evaporation. This breakdown leads to the formation of varnish-like deposits and gums that can clog fuel injectors, carburetors, and lines. Ethanol-blended fuels are especially problematic, as they attract moisture from the air, leading to phase separation, where water and fuel literally separate in your tank, causing corrosion, poor combustion, or even complete engine failure when you start it up again.
A high-quality fuel stabilizer prevents this breakdown by bonding with gasoline molecules to preserve their volatility and chemical structure. Think of it like a time capsule for your fuel—locking in freshness and keeping your tank, lines, and carburetor clean and ready for that first turn of the key months down the road. It’s a small step that protects against a whole host of expensive issues. For under $10 and two minutes of effort, you’re buying peace of mind and keeping your classic ride ready to roar when the time is right.
What’s happening, a little more technical…
Chemically speaking, gasoline is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons primarily alkanes, cycloalkanes, and aromatic compounds. When exposed to oxygen, these molecules undergo oxidation reactions, forming peroxides and resinous compounds that contribute to gum and varnish buildup in fuel systems. Ethanol, often blended in modern fuels, is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air. Over time, this leads to phase separation, where water and ethanol sink to the bottom of the tank, leaving behind lower-octane fuel that can cause poor combustion or engine knocking. Fuel stabilizers work by introducing antioxidants and corrosion inhibitors into the fuel, effectively slowing these oxidation reactions and creating a protective barrier that resists moisture absorption and degradation.