The nature of fuel problems are such that it’s difficult to predict when they will arise. The key is to take preventive measures to ensure that your fuel is reliable. We have heard a lot of horror stories of generators, vehicles, and other equipment not working when they need to be, simply because the fuel was not maintained correctly.
Not having a proactive philosophy for preventive maintenance leaves you at risk for problems because it resigns you to be strictly in a reactive state, waiting for problems to surface before you do anything about them.
All of these things increase your risk for being bitten by preventable fuel issues - as does not knowing who to call to help fix your fuel problems.
Being able to recognize a problem at the early stages, before it becomes more serious, is important. Which means seeing the signs of an impending fuel issue, judging what the signs mean, and taking preventive steps to minimize the chance of a problem developing further.
The other half is taking the correct steps to fix a problem when it finally occurs. This is more difficult if you don’t know what those curative steps should be.
Many that store fuel for emergency or other uses don’t have these answers. Why should they be expected to? They’re experts in their line of business. They’re not experts in fuels or petroleum chemistry, much less experts in fuel problem-solving.
For instance, hospitals put their energy and resources into saving lives. They are focused on creating solutions to better serve people during COVID-19 times. They don't develop the expertise needed to know how long their stored emergency fuel is going to be viable, or what to do when that stored fuel turns dark and sludgy and threatens not to be able to run their backup generator for their auxiliary or main power.
The wise man (or woman) doesn’t need to know everything. They're wise because they know where to get the answers they don’t have.
That’s why you need to know who does have the answers for what you need to do when fuel problems arise. You need to have a fuel solutions provider on speed dial.
The corollary to the above is, the wise man (woman) is wise because they learn from the mistakes of others.
Not being prepared for an emergency is a mistake. If you don’t have a solutions provider in mind, you need to get one. But who to partner up with?
They (your possible partner) should have been around a while – this means they have staying power in the marketplace and have proven they know what they are talking about. Those that don’t know what they are talking about, don’t tend to last very long.
They should be familiar with all the variety of solutions for the most common fuel-related problems that someone like you is facing or is likely to face.
The real proof is in their philosophy. Do they embrace a philosophy that demonstrates that an educated consumer is the best customer (for them)? Or do they try to protect their business by keeping people like you in the dark, so they can bring in “solutions” that will pad their budget but not really fix your problem (or not fix it in the most cost-effective way)?
Having the right person – a reliable partner you can trust to collaborate with you and look out for your best interests – they are worth their weight in gold.
So who is yours?