If you ever want a whole tank full of stale gas without having to park your car for three months, just buy a tank of gas in Ocean City in January. Years ago, I had a friend who lived in OC. I visited him just after Christmas and filled up the tank there. I *barely* got home! the car seemed to be running on only 2-3 cylinders and would only go 50 miles per hour with the pedal to the floor.

The problem fixed itself after two tanks of "fresh" gasoline. But it was quite an eye-opener.