Drivers complained about fuel quality at 24 Triangle gas stations. What tests found
Consumers complained about fuel quality at two dozen gas Triangle stations recently, and state inspectors found issues at a handful of them. Between Aug. 19 and Oct. 31, customers submitted complaints about 24 stations in Wake, Durham, Chatham and Johnston counties to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The Standards Division didn’t receive any complaints about Orange County stations during that time. Complaints were made about 20 Wake County stations, two in Johnston and one each in Durham and Chatham, according to records obtained by The News & Observer. In the complaints, drivers reported a variety of issues with their vehicles including: losing power, having difficulty starting; check engine lights turning on; and engines stalling. Some people reported taking their cars to mechanics, who said the cars were filled with contaminated fuel. Inspectors followed up on the complaints and discovered fuel quality problems at five stations, all in Wake County. Tests are conducted at stations and in the lab to ensure that fuel meets the advertised ethanol content, octane rating and other specifications. That way, consumers get what they’re paying for , and don’t inadvertently damage their vehicles with contaminated fuel. Here’s what the tests showed. Fuel
