Car Sputtering After Getting Gas - Any Ideas?

Car Maintenance & Repairs
1

I’ve recently been having a frustrating issue with my car sputtering right after I fill up with gas. It starts running rough and feels like it’s misfiring or struggling to get enough fuel.

Possible Causes:

  • Contaminated Fuel: It’s possible that the gas station I frequent might have bad fuel. Has anyone else experienced this?
  • Fuel Filter Issues: Could a clogged fuel filter be the culprit? It might not be allowing enough gas to flow.
  • Evaporative Emission Control System: I’ve heard this can cause issues after refueling. What do you think?
  • Air Leaks: Are there any common air leak spots that would cause these symptoms?

I’ve tried checking for codes with a scanner, but nothing has come up. If anyone has had similar experiences or knows what might be going on, I would love to hear your advice or troubleshooting steps. Looking forward to your thoughts!

Thanks for sharing!

2 Likes
2

I’ve had similar issues with my car sputtering right after filling up. I suspect it might be due to the quality of gasoline from certain stations. Some brands definitely seem to perform better than others.

3

I’ve noticed that when I use premium fuel, my engine runs smoother compared to regular. Not sure if it’s all in my head though!

4

I think the octane level plays a big role. I once filled up at a cheaper station, and my car started sputtering almost immediately. Now I stick to a trusted brand.

5

Trust is key! I’ve had my fair share of issues with unknown stations. Do you guys think additives are worth it?

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6

Absolutely! Additives can help clean your engine. But, I also wonder how different fuel formulations affect performance long-term. Any mechanics here?

7

It might be a combination of things. Sometimes it could be a fuel filter issue too. Has anyone checked their filter after filling up at a new station?

8

That’s a good point! I usually forget about that until it becomes a bigger problem.

9

You guys bring up valid points. I often wonder if gas stations cut corners, especially when it comes to quality control. Anyone had issues with a specific chain?

10

Oh, totally! I had a terrible experience with a local station. My vehicle was sputtering for days after. I switch to a major brand now.

11

That’s frustrating! I guess it’s a lesson learned—always research the station before filling up.

8 Likes
12

I’ve been using mid-grade fuel and noticed fewer issues. It’s more expensive, but it might save me headaches in the long run.

6 Likes
13

You could say I’m the price-sensitive driver among us! I usually stick to the cheapest option and hope for the best. Is that really a bad idea?

14

Living on the edge, huh? But in all seriousness, cheap gas can lead to more problems. It’s a gamble!

15

Oh boy, I learned that the hard way! I once filled up at the cheapest place and had to call a tow truck shortly after. Lesson learned: Don’t skimp on gas!

16

Sounds like a nightmare! I’m glad I’m not alone in this. What do you all think about ethanol blends?

17

Ethanol can be tricky. I find that it can cause sputtering in older cars. However, newer vehicles handle it better. It really depends on your engine.

5 Likes
18

I had a similar issue last year. Check your fuel injectors! They might be clogged and causing that sputtering.

19

That’s a good point. I also wonder if the fuel filter might be dirty, restricting the flow and leading to sputtering.

20

Honestly, if the spark plugs are old, they could be a culprit too. Check their condition—if they’re worn out, it could cause misfiring!