Does the fuel gauge 'E' mean full or empty?
2 Answers
"The 'F' in a car's fuel gauge means the tank is full, and 'E' means the fuel level is low. In a needle-type fuel gauge, when the needle points to 'F', it indicates the fuel tank is full. The closer it gets to 'E', the lower the fuel level, meaning there's less fuel. 'F' stands for full, the full term being 'FULL'. The 'F' on a car's fuel gauge is derived from the English word 'FULL', representing a full tank, while 'E' stands for 'Empty', indicating low fuel. Precautions for refueling a car: Avoid overfilling the tank: If the tank is filled too much, during summer when temperatures are high and the car itself generates heat, the gasoline expands due to thermal expansion. To prevent the fuel tank from being damaged by the expanding gasoline, there is a vent hole. If the tank is overfilled, gasoline may overflow through the vent hole, which could lead to spontaneous combustion if exposed to an open flame, with unimaginable consequences. Additionally, gasoline overflowing through the vent hole can drip onto the car body, causing some corrosion. Try to avoid waiting until the fuel light comes on to refuel: While driving, always pay attention to the fuel gauge. When the needle indicates only a quarter of the fuel is left, it's time to refuel. It's best not to wait until the fuel light comes on before refueling. Modern cars use electric fuel pumps that require gasoline for lubrication and cooling. Frequently waiting until the fuel light comes on to refuel can prevent the fuel pump from getting proper lubrication and cooling, ultimately reducing its lifespan. Choose the right time to refuel: Avoid refueling at noon. Due to thermal expansion, the volume of gasoline increases with temperature. When the temperature drops, the volume of gasoline decreases. Since refueling is billed by volume, to save money, try to refuel in the morning or evening."
I've been driving since I was young, and every time I look at the fuel gauge, that 'E' mark definitely stands for Empty, meaning the tank is basically empty, not full. Be careful! If the fuel gauge points to 'E' while driving, the engine might stall, and it could even cause the fuel pump to overheat and get damaged. You should quickly find a gas station to refuel. I recommend developing the habit of filling up before the needle gets close to 'E', unlike how I used to take risks when I was younger. Additionally, some car designs might be different, but the standard is 'F' for Full and 'E' for Empty. Always prioritize driving safety.
