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Can gas freeze in your car?
I just moved up North, and I’ve never had to deal with temperatures this cold. I’m worried—can gas freeze in your car?
Pat Roache · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Gas can freeze at a temperature typically between -40 and -200ºF, depending on its octane rating. While gas technically could freeze in your gas tank, it’s highly unlikely that you’d experience temperatures this low even in the northernmost parts of the United States.
Keep in mind: Cold temperatures can still negatively affect your car’s gas, though not necessarily to the point of freezing. Consider the following side effects of cold weather on your gas tank:
- Yourfuel pumpwill work harder to move cold gas through your engine, which could exacerbate wear and tear on this component.
- Cold gas becomes thicker and can trick your fuel gauge into displaying more fuel than you actually have in your tank.
Take the following precautions to protect your car’s fuel system in cold weather:
- Warm up your car before you tackle any serious driving or acceleration.
- Keep your fuel tank at least a quarter full at all times.
Take the following safety precautions when storing gasoline in cold temperatures for other purposes, like snowblowers or generators:
- Store gas in a cool, dry place away from direct exposure to the sun.
- Don’t store gas in your home or car interior.
- Keep gas out of reach of children.
- Avoid half-filled containers of gas.
View full answer
- Gregory R.
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