How can a 50-liter fuel tank be filled with 60 liters of fuel?
2 Answers
In reality, when refueling to full capacity, the amount of fuel added may exceed the rated capacity of the fuel tank. Most car manufacturers set the standard at 90% or 85% of the maximum capacity to enhance vehicle safety. Due to the irregular shape of the fuel tank and the extended fuel delivery lines, the difference between the standard capacity and the maximum capacity of a car's fuel tank is even greater.
I'm a veteran driver with decades of experience and have seen all sorts of weird fueling situations. You mentioned a 50-liter tank taking 60 liters of fuel—theoretically impossible since tank capacity is fixed. But in reality, some illusions occur: when fueling in high temperatures, the fuel expands and appears larger in volume; after cooling, it contracts, making the fuel level in the car seem lower, creating the false impression of overfilling. Another issue is inaccurate or tampered fuel pumps, showing 60 liters dispensed when only 50 were actually pumped—pure deception. My advice: always record the starting fuel level and amount filled, choose reputable gas stations, and check for calibration certification stickers on the meter. If you suspect overcharging, report it to metrology authorities to avoid losses. Also, pay attention to fuel temperature—filling up when the car is cold yields more accurate measurements. While rare, some do use these tricks to scam car owners.