South Carolina Gas Station Forced to Stop Selling Gas After Inspection

Department officials went to investigate the gasoline quality at the station after they received some complaints. After inspection, it was determined that the gasoline was contaminated.

After the Department of Agriculture completed their inspection, they were forced to issue the Sav-Way a “fail” result. They had discovered water in the gasoline sample they gathered.

The gas station may resume their sales of regular gasoline only after the Department has passed the product. Once the issue is addressed, the Sav-Way location can contact the Department and request a re-test of updated product.

The station will need to bring the issue up with their gasoline provider, MPLX Terminals LLC. After they resolve their supply issues, either by receiving purity samples from their original supplier or locating a new one with purity samples on-hand, they’ll need to properly dispose of their contaminated gas and resupply. Then, they can have the state come down to re-sample and re-test their product for a passing certification.

Gasoline tested through a process involving a number of professionals. State officials collect samples from station storage tanks and send them for laboratory testing by chemists. The laboratories then analyze the gas for various properties and contaminants using ASTM certified methods. Based on the results, stations receive certifications of “pass” or “failure” by the state government.

It can damage vital components within your engine, such as the fuel injector, fuel pump, fuel filter, and gas tank. Eventually, it can wreak irreparable damage on your entire gas tank.

The damage occurs primarily due to the fact that water will rust certain metal aspects of a vehicle’s engine as well as disable vital electronic functions. If left undiagnosed and untreated, total engine failure can occur.

Symptoms of water contamination in your engine include a drop in overall power when accelerating, a loss of normal fuel economy, rough idling, and difficulty starting your engine. If you suspect water contamination and your engine is jolting and sputtering, you need an inspection.

A report by CheapCarInsurance.net has identified major trends in gasoline contamination. The survey found that 20.7% of gasoline inspection failures in Georgia were due to water presence, while around 20% of inspection failures in North Carolina arose from the same issue. This doesn’t mean there aren’t similar issues in other states–these states simply have the best data.

If there is any way for free water to get into a fuel tank, it will find its way. Free water comes primarily from rain and condensation, which ground and air temperatures contribute to. At the pump, water violations arise due to leaky filtration systems during rainy months.

You can do this by having a certified auto mechanic inspect your engine and gas tank. Specifically ask them to save a sample of your gasoline for proof and have them note the presence of contaminated gas on your invoice. Next you’ll want to contact your state’s consumer services and follow their instructions to properly submit your complaint and evidence.

First, recognize that not all gas is created equal. You may need to avoid the most convenient gas station and opt for a station that provides top-tier gasoline instead. Top-tier gasoline goes above and beyond the Environmental Protection Agency’s minimum for vehicle performance and follows much more stringent standards for fuel economy and emissions.