Javier Sendín, Spain's best mechanic of 2023: "Mixing gasoline with water, as a gas station in Valencia has done, is absolutely crazy; it destroys engine components in just a few kilometers."

What seemed like a simple refueling has ended in a serious breakdown for dozens of drivers. A low-cost service station in Alaquàs (Valencia) is being investigated by the National Police after it was found to be dispensing a mixture of fuel and water instead of gasoline or diesel. The problem came to light when several cars were left stranded just a few meters from the pump, which clearly rules out isolated mechanical failures.

The first complaint came on April 24, after a refueling that ended with the car stopped a few meters away. In the following hours and days, more cases emerged, and in all of them, the drivers had refueled at the same Alaquàs gas station. The vehicles, after traveling just a few meters, began to experience serious mechanical failures, raising suspicions among those affected.

The diagnosis was the same in all cases. The gasoline they had received was adulterated with water, a problem that, in addition to causing serious financial losses to drivers, also poses a risk to road safety. When the engine stops, the car comes to an abrupt stop, which could lead to dangerous situations on the road.

The presence of water in the fuel has caused mechanical damage and raised alarm among those affected.

Initial investigations indicate that the proportion of water in the mixture varied between three and four parts water per liter of fuel. Although it is common for some water to accumulate in fuel tanks due to condensation, this amount is completely unusual and excessive. Suspicions point to possible leaks in the tanks, which would have allowed a large amount of water that shouldn't have been present in the pumps to enter.

The damage to vehicles has been considerable, especially in the most modern ones, where injection systems operate at very high pressures. According to Javier Sendín of Talleres Cardiocar in Salamanca, who was named Spain's Best Mechanic in 2023 , introducing water into a modern engine is "absolutely crazy." "Water, in addition to causing rust, eliminates lubrication from the pumps and the entire injection system. At 2,000 bars of pressure, this destroys components in just a few kilometers; it's lethal," he explains in a telephone conversation with Moveo .

The injectors, the fuel injection pump, and the anti-pollution systems (particulate filter and catalytic converter) are the most affected. "The car doesn't combust properly because water is being compressed instead of fuel, and this damages the emission control systems," explains Sendín.

Several drivers have filed complaints and the police are investigating the causes of the fraud.

In the case of gasoline engines, the problem is no less serious. When water remains stagnant after the engine is stopped, it rusts the injectors. "An injector that has received water and is left standing overnight will no longer spray the next day, and that car will no longer start."

In addition to mechanical damage, some of the fuel's energy is also lost. "Water inhibits the additives added to fuel to improve its performance. And if the octane rating drops, the car loses power and unwanted knocking occurs inside the engine," he says.

Repairs can also be very expensive. “A damaged particulate filter can cost between 2,000 and 3,000 euros,” warns Sendín. “An injector for a common rail system can cost between 400 and 500 euros. If we're talking about an eight-cylinder engine like that of an Audi Q7 , the bill skyrockets. And that's not even considering the injection pump or the low-pressure pump.”

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The investigation is ongoing, and those affected have already initiated legal proceedings to claim for damages, while authorities attempt to clarify the source of the problem and determine who is responsible. Until the case is resolved, the gas station will remain closed.