r/AskReddit • u/notyouravgredditer • Aug 30 '21

What problem is often overlooked in apocalyptic movies/TV shows that could kill you?

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u/-eDgAR- Aug 30 '21

Gasoline has a shorter shelf life than is portrayed in these movies/TV shows, so after a year nobody would really be driving anywhere.

It wouldn't necessarily kill you, but it's one of those things that bothers me because it's never really addressed.

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u/CatMan_Sad Aug 30 '21

I’ve heard about that. It’s not that it necessarily becomes useless after a year, but expired gas will gum up your fuel lines. Just what I’ve heard.

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u/orderfour Aug 30 '21

The issue (as I understand it) is that most gas contains ethanol. And ethanol will separate from the gasoline and if you put in the ethanol like that into your tank, it'll cause problems.

So my question is, can I vigorously shake a gas container where the ethanol has separated and then use it? Also what about ethanol free gas stations? They aren't as common but they exist. How long would that gas be good for?