NTK warns of contamination of vehicle fuel by floodwater

Problem can lead to failures in acceleration and increased consumption
São Paulo, March 2025 - With the intense heat and the higher frequency of
severe storms in several regions of the country, there are constant floods
in different cities. Many vehicle drivers are caught by surprise and
they are stranded in the midst of the flood, which causes significant damage to vehicles.
One of them is fuel contamination, that can generate failures in
Acceleration and increase in consumption.
The NKT, brand of Niterra, Japanese multinational that also owns the brand
NGK and is a specialist in components for ignition systems, explains the risks
of the mixture of water and fuel:
Petrol: The entry of water into gasoline can cause ethanol to separate
present, forming two distinct phases: one composed only of gasoline and
another by a mixture of water and ethanol. This may affect the quality of the
Fuel and engine operation.
Ethanol: Flooding can increase the percentage of water in hydrous ethanol,
which can compromise its properties and fuel performance.
Diesel: There is separation into two phases: one composed of diesel fuel and the other
containing water. This can affect efficiency and combustion, as well as causing damage to the injection system and engine.
"In addition to the contamination of gasoline in vehicles, Drivers should be aware of contamination at the stations, that can occur in underground reservoirs affected by floods. This compromises the quality of the fuel and affects its efficiency. The recommendation is to consult professionals in the sector to avoid the use of contaminated fuel", afirma Hiromori Mori, Niterra Technical Assistance Consultant. "Modern stations have displays at the pumps, allowing you to check the density and color of the fuel, which may indicate the presence of water or impurities, In addition to having a set of valves that prevent the entry of water and contaminants into their reservoirs, ensuring the quality of the fuel and the environment."

Impact of contamination on the fuel level sensor
Fuel sensors, present in some vehicles, are not designed to identify fuel contamination. Yet, if it is significant, especially with ethanol or water, can trigger warning lights on the dashboard, due to readings outside of the specified.
After a flood, The recommendation is to remove a sample of the fuel for visual analysis and, if necessary, Remove the fuel pump to check for residue at the bottom of the tank. If any problems are identified, Removal of the tank for cleaning may be indicated.
Furthermore, Contamination by water or impurities can cause oxidation problems in the fuel level sensor and other components, such as pump and filter. In more serious cases, Sensor replacement may be required, But cleaning the tank and components is often sufficient. In this case, NTK offers fuel level sensors for the aftermarket market, além de um suporte técnico disponível através de seu SAC 0800 019 7112.