Fuel may be the one primary source that is responsible for giving your vehicle the power it needs, but fuel is often also blamed when something mechanical is going on. While getting bad fuel is certainly something which can occur, this is actually a rarity. So if you believe your vehicle is not running right because you managed to get gas that contains water or other contaminants, you may want to take a second look. Here are a few of the likely automotive components that could be the cause of problems which make you believe you have somehow managed to get faulty fuel in your fuel tank. 

Check out your fuel pump. 

If you climb in your car, turn the ignition, and all you hear is the whir-whir-whir of an engine that turns but will not start, the first thing you will probably blame is the fuel. However, there is a good chance you are dealing with a problem with the fuel pump. Have someone stand beside your vehicle near the fuel tank where the fuel pump is located as you try to start the car. The fuel pump makes a telltale sound when it kicks on. If this sound is absent, it is a sign that the component has failed and will need to be replaced. 

Check out your fuel filter.

The fuel filter rests just at the top of the fuel tank, having the responsibility of filtering out fuel contaminants before it makes its way to the engine. If your vehicle is acting like there is something wrong with the fuel, the issue could be relative to a clogged fuel filter--especially if you have problems starting your vehicle once the fuel level in the tank gets low, Track down the fuel filter on your vehicle, remove it, and replace it. You will likely see the problem resolved. 

Check for problems with vacuum lines. 

Fuel may be important to your vehicle, but so is air pressure and vacuum action. Most modern vehicles have a series of lines which house pressurized air that is responsible for everything from the transmission shifting atthe right time to delivering fuel to the correct places during startup. Therefore, problems with vacuum lines could easily make you believe you are having issues because you got bad fuel. Take a look under the hood and under your engine for small black lines that are either disconnected, broken, or damaged. If you spot anything out of place, have your mechanic take a look. 

For more information, contact companies like Arringdale's Engine Rebuilding & Auto Repair.