After winter hibernation, do you drive gently with the 6 month old gas?
 

I live in Canada, and my car hibernates from October to May.

We all know you are supposed to fill up the tank before hibernation with (ideally) ethanol free gas (and optionally use fuel stabilizer).

I was told by a Nissan service tech way back in 2019 to make sure to drive like you did during the break in period (in regards to trying to keep Rpms under 3-4k and not stressing the engine with hard acceleration) until you are able to burn off the stale 6 month old gas in the tank and refill with fresh gas.

Anyone do this or heard of this? I'm assuming the rationale is old/stale gas in a high load, high rpm situation may lead to a misfire/pre-mature detonation type scenario? With an abundance of caution, I have been doing this since I purchased my car after both the winter of 2020 and 2021.

You worry too much. Burn off about half a tank driving "normally", just don't red line it, and then fill up, and you're set to go.

Nope. I, like you, store my car during winter months. I fill up with ethanol free gas (Shell 91) and add some fuel stabilizer prior to storage. When spring comes around, I drive it like I stole it to burn off the old gas as soon as possible. Never had any issues or even a hint of a misfire. Don’t worry about what a Nissan «*service tech*» tells you. If they’re anything like the Nissan techs in my area, they know nothing! Enjoy the car.

If your knock sensors pick up anything from poor gas your ECU will pull timing. As long as it is not a couple of years old, you should be fine. 6 months is not that bad at all.

I store mine from October to May of the second year (1.5 years) with a full tank of 93 premium and Stabil. I take the battery out and put desiccants in a car bag to rotate my two cars. I never have any trouble but I also never drive my two 370Zs too hard.

Use startron enzyme fuel system treatment now and next time you hibernate it and let it rip!

It even takes stale nasty smelling fuel that prevents cars from starting and refreshes it to turn them over. Speaking from experience.

Drive it like you stole it.

Im in Vancouver too!

Ya, same situation. I use Chevron 94 all season and from day 1. No issue with ethanol there.

I add 1 bottle REDLINE S-1 fuel cleaner to full tank prior to storage.

Change engine oil&filter (RL 5w30) before storage.

Hook up Battery tender.

Place on Quick Jack.


Drive normally in spring.

(it doesn't hurt to drive gently, do it if it makes you sleep better) ;)

No. and No.

Another vote for "Don't Worry About It." Six months is nothing unless storage conditions are terrible.

If your car is in winter hibernation, let it rest, do not start it up.

When I put my car away for the winter I fill it with Shell or Canadian Tire ethanol free 91 then put STP fuel stabilizer in it. I also change the oil before putting it away. In addition I keep it hooked to a battery tender.

When spring comes, I start the car and just drive how I would anyways, I don't know why I would drive any different. I mean I turn the wheel all the way left and right a few times, pump the brakes, go through the gears slowly to ensure I don't kill myself when I do a spirited drive.

I try to burn through the "old" gas as quick as I can even though I know it is perfectly good.

Anyone use fuel system anti corrosives like Bilt Hamber gas-mac?
https://bilthamber.com/product/gas-mac/