Moisture in fuel - how to avoid it? | Ask Honest John

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Moisture in fuel - how to avoid it?

You recently referred to modern fuel being hygroscopic (absorbs moisture) and the problems this can cause with emulsified fuel blocking fuel lines.

My wife owns a Kia Picanto with a 1.25 petrol engine which does a low mileage. She uses high grade BP or Shell fuel but to avoid moisture problems would it be more effective to keep the tank fully topped up to reduce the air space in the fuel tank, or to run the car with fuel at a low level and achieve a faster use of the fuel?

Asked on 22 November 2011 by B M , Folkestone

Answered by Honest John

She probably on't have any problems, but you are right that the less air in the tank the less possibility of hygroscopic absorbtion of moisture in it.

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