DIY Builds
Photo by Gustavo Fring Pexels Logo Photo: Gustavo Fring

What is considered old gasoline?

Regular gasoline has a shelf life of three to six months, while diesel can last up to a year before it begins to degrade. On the other hand, organic-based Ethanol can lose its combustibility in just one to three months due to oxidation and evaporation.

How big can I have a porch without planning permission?
How big can I have a porch without planning permission?

3m Building a Porch Without Planning Permission You will not require planning permission for a porch if the porch does not exceed 3m when measured...

Read More »
What is the strongest type of concrete anchor?
What is the strongest type of concrete anchor?

Wedge anchors Wedge anchors are typically the strongest anchors, but not every application requires a heavy-duty anchor. Some will do just fine...

Read More »
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Since the start of the global health crisis earlier this year, the number of miles driven daily by car owners has dropped off sharply. For many, their daily commute to the office has been eliminated altogether. Furthermore, road trips to see friends and family members have seen a drastic reduction. In short, this means there are cars sitting in driveways for longer periods of time than ever without being driven.

So, what happens to the gasoline inside these vehicles when it stagnates for weeks or even months? How long can gas sit in a car before it goes bad?

The Shelf Life of Fuel The length of time fuel will remain useable in your gas tank is dependent on the fuel type. Regular gasoline has a shelf life of three to six months, while diesel can last up to a year before it begins to degrade. On the other hand, organic-based Ethanol can lose its combustibility in just one to three months due to oxidation and evaporation. Tracking the age of the fuel in your tank can be a challenge. Its life begins in a refinery where it may have been stored for an indefinite period before being transported. That period could be a few days to a few weeks. Once it reaches a gas station, it is possible the fuel can again sit for an extended time depending on how busy that particular gas station is. It is possible the gas in your tank could be over a month old when it was pumped. Identifying Bad Fuel When gasoline gets old, its chemical properties change. As a result, the engine cannot process the fuel correctly. There are several indicators if the gas in your car has gone bad. The simplest is your “check engine” light. If the car is running fine and the engine has oil, this light may have been triggered by gasoline that is burning improperly. Take your vehicle to a certified mechanic or dealership to investigate. Another key indicator that fuel has gone bad is if the car suffers from operational problems. That could mean failure to start, a hesitant ignition, a rough-sounding idle, or loss of power while driving, especially when accelerating. The state of gasoline can also be determined by its look and smell. Bad fuel will have a darker or muddier appearance. It will also have a sour or disagreeable odor not typical of normal fuel. Some may even describe the gasoline as smelling spoiled. In all these cases, it is necessary to remove the bad fuel from the tank. Not only because the vehicle will not operate as it should, but also because bad gasoline can cause damage to the internal engine components as well as produce a gummy residue that could create blockages in the fuel line. Bad fuel, especially gas containing Ethanol, can also draw in water vapor which can corrode the tank and fuel system. If left for a long period of time, the damage can be costly to repair.

Will an infrared heater heat a shed?
Will an infrared heater heat a shed?

For this reason, infrared heaters aren't just good for humans – they're also great for heating a shed for animals. Sep 2, 2021

Read More »
How do you deal with annoying neighbors?
How do you deal with annoying neighbors?

How to handle bad neighbors Call ahead and pick a time to talk. Meet on the sidewalk or on the property line. Don't accuse; let them know how the...

Read More »
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Why can't you live in a shed?

This is because your standard shed is classed as a 10a building making it non-habitable. Sheds, carports, private garages and similar structures fall under this category. If you want to live in a shed, it must meet the criteria of a Class 1a building.

Question: Am I allowed to live in a shed?

Answer: Maybe

There are a number of reasons why you might be considering the idea of living in a shed. These include: You’ve bought a block of land and are waiting for your main house to be built. You have a block of land and are looking for a cost-effective housing option. You are looking to expand the living space of your current property to accommodate guests, teenagers or elderly parents. You are looking to build an investment shed to accommodate holidaymakers and supplement your income. Sadly, there are also people living in sheds who were left homeless after the Black Summer Bushfires. Whatever the case may be, a livable shed is a smart solution to a myriad of housing problems. Here’s what you need to know about building and living in a shed home.

What happens if you live with mold for years?
What happens if you live with mold for years?

Toxic mold exposure is also connected to more serious, long-term effects like insomnia, memory loss, trouble concentrating and confusion. Mold...

Read More »
What materials do I need to build a 10x10 shed?
What materials do I need to build a 10x10 shed?

Material and Cut List FLOOR. 9 – 2×6 Pressure Treated Lumber 10′ (cut to 9′-9″) ... WALLS. 8 – 2×4 Lumber 8′ (cut to 7′-4 1/2″) ... SIDINGS. 10 –...

Read More »
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »
Should you caulk inside of shed?
Should you caulk inside of shed?

Caulking your wooden storage building won't make it last forever, but the shed and the storage items inside will last a lot longer. A little caulk...

Read More »
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »
Are screws or nails better for a shed?
Are screws or nails better for a shed?

So, what is better for shed building, screws or nails? The quick answer is to use nails for framing and screws for finishing – sheathing and...

Read More »