Sugar in a gas tank is a longstanding myth that claims adding sugar will disable a car by creating a gooey substance that clogs the fuel system. However, this is false for several key reasons:

Fuel Filter Protection

• Modern cars have fuel filters that block debris and impurities
• Sugar crystals would be caught by the filter before reaching the engine
• The filter prevents potential engine damage from contaminants

Sugar and Gasoline Don't Mix

• Sugar does not dissolve in gasoline
• It simply sinks to the bottom of the gas tank
• Berkeley research (1994) showed less than a teaspoon of sugar dissolves in 15 gallons of gas

Modern Fuel System Benefits

• Electronic fuel pumps are more resilient than older mechanical versions
• Even if sugar reaches the fuel lines, it only requires cleaning
• No permanent damage occurs to the engine

Real Fuel System Threats

• Water is more dangerous than sugar for engines
• Large amounts of water prevent proper fuel combustion
• However, fuel treatments can remedy water contamination
• Engine damage from water is typically not permanent

While sugar in a gas tank requires cleanup, it won't destroy an engine as the myth suggests. Modern fuel systems have multiple safeguards against such contamination, making this revenge tactic largely ineffective.

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