FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) – Heavy rain could affect more parts of your car than just the windshield wipers.

We’ve seen multiple anecdotal accounts of cars stalling out due to water-diluted gas on social media and in our Valley News Live tipline.

Experts confirm that this can happen — but it’s not part of any sort of nefarious plot.

“When you get an excess amount of water, it could possibly pool around those tanks,” said automotive technician Devin Siegle, referring to the gasoline storage found at all gas stations.

“They usually try to design them not to pool around them, but there is always a chance of flooding. And water will seep down into those covers, down into the fuel.”

When that happens, it can lead to the car riding uncomfortably, or stalling out entirely. In the latter case, it’s almost certain the tank will have to be flushed.

“We’d have to drop the tank. Drain out all the fuel and the contaminants. Drain out all the fuel lines, replace the fuel filter, and depending on how bad the running issue is, we may have to inspect the engine,” Siegle explained.

He did emphasize that water dilution is not something gas stations do intentionally to try and cut corners or save money. It’s entirely a byproduct of misplaced or aging infrastructure.

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