Does filling up the gas tank affect the car?
2 Answers
Filling up the gas tank has the following effects on the car: 1. A full tank of gas increases the vehicle's load relatively, leading to a slight increase in fuel consumption compared to having half a tank. 2. In the event of accidents like scraping the bottom, a full tank of gas poses a higher risk of fuel leakage. 3. Continuing to add fuel after the pump automatically stops is a bad habit. Since gasoline is a volatile liquid, the fuel tank often contains vapor at room temperature. The fuel vapor emission control system is designed to introduce and burn fuel vapor to prevent it from evaporating into the atmosphere. The activated carbon canister storage device plays a crucial role in this process. If the tank is overfilled, liquid fuel instead of vapor enters the carbon canister, which can damage its structure.
Last time I saw a gas station attendant forcefully filling an old car until fuel spilled out of the tank opening, I immediately warned him to stop. Forcing fuel in after the pump nozzle clicks off can cause gasoline to enter the charcoal canister, rendering the activated carbon ineffective—replacing it costs several hundred yuan. It's even more dangerous in summer when temperatures are high, as expanding gasoline may leak from the pressure relief valve onto the exhaust pipe. I've seen vehicles catch fire due to this. I always stop refueling at the pump's automatic shut-off, which prevents evaporation pollution and extends the charcoal canister's lifespan. Also, I've calculated that carrying an extra 50 liters of fuel is equivalent to adding an adult passenger on a long trip, increasing fuel consumption by at least 0.3L/100km. It's more economical to refuel when half-empty than to always top up the tank.
