GAINESVILLE, TX-- Holland Weaver says she stopped at the Q Stop Gas Station in Gainesville, filled up and hit the road, headed for her home in Fayetteville Arkansas, a 300 mile drive. She made it to Whitesboro, 14 miles down the road, when her car died. Fortunately she was right next to a local car dealership who diagnosed the problem --contaminated fuel.

"I put in premium gas, so I payed $50 for 17 gallons", said motorist Holland Weaver.

"Usually, the best way to tell is to pull a fuel sample right out of the fuel rail," said Joel Sanders, a service consultant for Holiday Chevrolet.

"They pulled out this awful looking stuff. Its completely red with all kinds of sand and dirt in it, and there is this much water in it," said Weaver.

The damage to the car was extensive.

"I had to replace the fuel pump, so its about a $1,300 day", said Weaver.

"It's not going to make your engine blow up by any means but it can definitely cause some severe damage," said Saunders.

Experts say one of the ways you can protect yourself from the high repair bills that can come from buying contaminated fuel, is to always get a receipt when you buy gas so you can prove where and when it was purchased.

Weaver say's she just wants to warn people- be wary of where you buy your gas.

"its a very expensive fix, so I hope it helps somebody else." said Weaver.