Simple tips to avoid problems caused by stale petrol

As we approach the colder months leaving petrol in your Honda product can cause problems. Follow our simple tips below to avoid problems caused by stale petrol:

  1. Know which type of petrol you should use. Regular unleaded 98, 95, 95 E5 or E10 can be used in Honda products. (E5 or E10 contins 5% or 10% ethanol.)

2. Do not use any petrol containing more than 10% ethanol. This will cause corrosion damage to fuel system components.

3. If your Honda product is used intermittently, e.g. more than 4 weeks between each use, use petrol treated with fuel stabiliser, at the time of purchase.  Don’t forget that fuel stabliser has a shelf life and once opened has a shelf life of 2 years.

4. Don’t add fuel stabiliser to try reconstitute or reinvigorate stale petrol. It must be added when the petrol is fresh.

5. Store petrol for a maximum period of one month – it will deteriorate if stored for any longer.

6. Add fuel stabiliser to petrol that is likely to be stored for any longer than one month.

7. Only use clean, sealed, approved fuel containers. These will be designed specifically to carry and store petrol.

8. If you use a steel container to store petrol, for example a jerrycan, ensure there is no corrosion on the inside of the container.

9. Store petrol in cool place away from direct sunlight.

10. Turn the fuel tap on your Honda product off when not being used.

11. Before using your Honda product check the engine oil level is correct and the air filter is clean.

12. Before winter storage, drain the petrol from the carburetor and fuel tank, referring to your owners manual on best procedure to do so.