Does a New Car Need a Full Tank of Gas?
2 Answers
New cars do not require a full tank of gas for the following reasons: 1. For fuel economy, filling up to two-thirds is sufficient; 2. Avoiding overloading a new car reduces engine pressure; 3. Overfilling can lead to fuel spillage as there is no space left in the upper part of the fuel tank; 4. Excessive fuel in the tank may cause liquid gasoline to enter the carbon canister, damaging it; 5. Overfilling can trigger the fuel warning light. Precautions for refueling a new car include: 1. Refuel immediately after purchasing a new car; 2. Choose the appropriate fuel grade based on the engine's compression ratio; 3. Try to refuel during cooler times of the day.
After buying a new car, I was initially conflicted about whether to fill up the tank every time. As a new car owner, dealership salespeople usually recommend starting with half a tank during the break-in period, since the fuel system is still settling in and there's already some residual fuel to get you to the gas station. However, driving with an empty tank for extended periods poses risks like fuel pump overheating or sediment buildup. Following a friend's advice, I kept the tank between half and three-quarters full for the first few months—this reduces fuel sloshing's impact on sensors while adapting to driving habits. After 5,000 km, filling up completely is fine. For short daily trips, half a tank lightens the load and saves money. The owner's manual similarly suggests moderate refueling early on to prolong fuel component lifespan—don’t fall for gas station upsells.
