Winter storage: Rust protection & corrosion protection in tanks & fuel system

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Rust in the tank

Whether it's a classic car, a motorcycle, or a garden tractor – many vehicles and machines with gasoline engines spend several months a year unused in garages or sheds.

However, especially during the winter months, serious damage to the fuel system is a risk – primarily rust in the tank , but also problems with lines, injectors, carburetors, or injection pumps. Not only that, but the entire fuel system should also be regularly cleaned and thus protected.

The cause is often not the age of the vehicles, but the gasoline itself . While new fuel types like E10 offer environmental benefits, they also pose serious disadvantages for materials and technology.

In this article you will learn:

  • Why modern fuel can have a negative impact on the tank and engine

  • Why corrosion protection is more important than ever

  • What damage can occur during longer downtimes

  • Why our product Rostio BenzinPlus4 is the ideal protection for your vehicle

  • How to clean and permanently protect the entire fuel system


The invisible danger: How rust forms in the tank

When you store your vehicle for an extended period—whether for the winter or during a seasonal break—a barely noticeable but serious process begins: condensation builds up in the fuel tank . As soon as the temperature changes, humidity causes moisture to accumulate inside the gas tank. This builds up on the metal—especially on the top of the tank—and promotes corrosion .

Rust in the fuel tank isn't just a cosmetic problem. Once rust particles break loose, they enter the fuel system with the gasoline, causing significant damage:

  • Clogged fuel lines

  • Damaged injectors or carburetors

  • Deposits in the injection pump

  • Starting problems and loss of power

  • In the worst case: engine damage


E10 and Co: Why modern fuel is getting worse

The second major risk factor is the modern fuel itself , especially E10 gasoline . These newer fuels contain up to 10% bioethanol – an alcohol that is hygroscopic, meaning it attracts water from the air . This means that even during storage in the tank, the water content in the fuel can increase, which further promotes corrosion .

Further disadvantages of E10:

  • Ethanol is aggressive towards seals, rubber hoses and aluminum parts

  • E10 is less stable during storage and begins to age faster

  • If the vehicle is left idle for a long time, gasoline can decompose , leaving deposits in the system

  • The fuel mixture ratio changes – the engine runs unevenly or does not start at all

In the past, the recommendation was to fill up the tank and turn it off. Today, this is no longer sufficient. Active measures for gasoline preservation and corrosion protection are needed – for example, with a gasoline additive like Rostio BenzinPlus4 .


The tank is just the beginning – the entire fuel system is affected

When it comes to rust protection, many people only think of the fuel tank. But modern fuel systems are far more complex. Especially in vehicles with fuel injection or electronic control, even the smallest deposits can cause serious damage.

Particularly at risk:

  • Fuel lines: Rust or biofilm deposits impede flow

  • Injectors: fine nozzle openings can be blocked by particles

  • Carburettor: resinify or become clogged with deposits

  • Injection pumps: can be damaged or dose incorrectly

  • Tank ventilation: may be affected by condensation or ethanol residues

The result: starting problems, jerking, loss of power, or total failure . This not only means frustration, but often also high repair costs.


Solution: Rostio BenzinPlus4 – for reliable corrosion protection and system cleaning

To ensure that your vehicle starts reliably – even after a long period of inactivity – and to prevent damage to the fuel system, we recommend using Rostio BenzinPlus4 .

Our high-quality gasoline additive was specially developed for:

  • Rust protection in the petrol tank

  • Stabilization of gasoline over several months

  • Cleaning the entire fuel system

  • Protection against deposits in pipes, nozzles and pumps

  • Protection of seals, hoses and metals

👉 View now: Rostio BenzinPlus4 in the shop


This is how Rostio BenzinPlus4 works in detail

1. Tank rust protection

Special corrosion protection components create a thin protective film inside the tank, protecting the metal from moisture and rust formation – even in high humidity or fluctuating temperatures.

2. Gasoline stabilization

The additive prevents gasoline oxidation—that is, the "scalding" or "aging" of the fuel. This keeps your gasoline ignitable and low in emissions even after months.

3. Fuel system cleaning

Rostio BenzinPlus4 also acts as a fuel system cleaner – it removes deposits, resins, biofilms and residues from:

  • Injectors

  • carburettors

  • Fuel lines

  • Injectors

  • Injection pumps

4. Compatibility with modern fuels

The product is E10 compatible and actively protects against the typical problems of ethanol-containing fuels – a major advantage over conventional gasoline additives.


Application: How to use Rostio BenzinPlus4 correctly

Step 1: Before storage or longer downtime, fill up with fuel (preferably Super Plus)
Step 2: Pour Rostio BenzinPlus4 into the tank directly when refueling
Step 3: Let the engine run briefly (approx. 5 minutes) so that the additive fuel is distributed in the system
Step 4: Store the vehicle – done.

💡 Tip: Even with regular use, using it every 2-3 tank fillings ensures long-term system cleaning and optimal engine system protection .


Regular use: More than just a winter break

Regular use of Rostio BenzinPlus4 also helps during ongoing operations to:

  • To prevent resinification and residues

  • Keep injectors and nozzles clear

  • to reduce consumption and emissions

  • To extend the life of the engine system

This is a real advantage, especially for short-distance driving, rarely used machines or vehicles with sensitive injection systems.


For whom is Rostio BenzinPlus4 particularly suitable?

  • Classic car owners who value original parts and rust-free surfaces

  • Motorcyclists whose bikes are not used over the winter

  • Lawnmowers, tractors, garden equipment with a longer seasonal break

  • Boats and outboard motors that are stored at the end of the season

  • Youngtimers or rarely driven vehicles that are at risk from modern fuels


Conclusion: Modern fuel needs modern protection

The days when gasoline was simply added to the tank are over. With the introduction of E10 and other ethanol-based fuels, tank rust protection has become a hot topic – not just for classic car owners, but for anyone who loves their vehicle and wants to keep it that way for a long time.

With Rostio BenzinPlus4 you offer your fuel system:

  • Effective corrosion protection

  • Protection against rust in the tank

  • Long-term stability of gasoline

  • Active system cleaning

  • Safe starting behavior after downtime

  • Less workshop costs – more driving pleasure

✅ Order now and prevent: Rostio BenzinPlus4 in the shop


ROSTIO Tank Descaler – Remove rust from the inside of tanks

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