Can You Fill Up the Gas Tank in Summer?

[VanRose]

In summer, you should not fill up the gas tank completely. If the tank is completely filled, leaving no air inside, parking the car under sunlight may cause gasoline to leak out through the vent. Gasoline is a volatile, flammable liquid hydrocarbon mixture obtained from the distillation, cracking, or pyrolysis of petroleum. It is primarily used as fuel for spark-ignited internal combustion engines and mainly consists of organic compounds derived from crude oil distillation and various additives. The fuel tank is a container in aircraft or automobiles designed to hold fuel, or a specialized container in hydraulic systems for storing hydraulic oil or fluid. Fuel tanks can be categorized into open-type and closed-type tanks.

[MacBrady]

As an ordinary driver, I've found that you should never fill up the gas tank completely in the summer. When temperatures rise, gasoline expands, and if the tank is too full, the increased pressure can cause fuel to leak out from the cap, leaving the ground wet and emitting a pungent smell. Once, I filled my tank to the brim and parked in a spot under the scorching sun. The next morning, my car reeked of gasoline, and the charcoal canister got clogged, costing me unnecessary repair expenses. Now I've learned to only fill up to about 80% capacity, leaving some room for the gasoline to expand. This not only protects car components but also saves some fuel costs. On hot days, I also make it a habit to find a shaded parking spot to avoid overheating the fuel tank. Before long trips, I always check the fuel level to ensure a more worry-free journey.

[McColin]

From an automotive maintenance perspective, filling up the gas tank in summer carries significant risks. Gasoline has a high expansion rate under high temperatures, and a full tank can lead to excessive fuel tank pressure, potentially damaging the carbon canister system—a component specifically designed to recycle fuel vapors and prevent leaks. A fuel leak isn't just unpleasant due to the smell; it can also pose a fire hazard and environmental pollution. While modern car designs are robust, they're not invincible. On hot days, when the fuel pump nozzle automatically clicks off, don't continue filling—keep the fuel level below the 'F' mark. Regularly check the fuel tank cap's seal to ensure there are no cracks. This habit can extend your car's lifespan and avoid unnecessary repair costs.

[DeJohnny]

From a safety perspective, filling up the gas tank in summer can be a hazard. High temperatures cause gasoline to expand in volume, and if it overflows, not only is it a waste of fuel, but it can also potentially cause a fire. Especially when parking in direct sunlight, the pressure inside the fuel tank rises rapidly. I recommend keeping the fuel level at around 85% during normal refueling, avoiding a full tank; this reduces safety risks and also protects the vehicle's systems. Parking more often in the shade or in a garage can also help.