How Far Can You Drive with a Reserve Fuel Tank?

[LeMia]

Under normal circumstances, the gasoline in a car's reserve fuel tank can allow you to drive approximately 20 to 30 kilometers. Below are the factors affecting fuel consumption and methods to reduce it: Factors Affecting Fuel Consumption: There are numerous factors that influence fuel consumption, including driving conditions, driving habits, engine displacement, vehicle load, etc. However, under normal circumstances, fuel consumption typically falls within a certain range. Methods to Reduce Fuel Consumption: Shift gears promptly. Prolonged driving in low gears not only limits speed but also increases fuel consumption, especially when driving on slopes. The shorter the time spent shifting gears, the more fuel you can save. Minimize idling time. In urban driving, you often encounter long waits at traffic lights. Turning off the engine during these times can help save fuel. Drive at an economical speed. For most passenger cars, the economical speed range is between 60 km/h and 90 km/h. Fuel consumption is minimized when driving within this range.

[Fonseca]

I once modified my car for a self-driving trip by adding an auxiliary fuel tank with a capacity of 30 liters. The car's original fuel tank is 55 liters, so the total fuel capacity is 85 liters. My SUV has an average fuel consumption of about 10L/100km, theoretically allowing me to travel an additional 850 kilometers, but the actual range depends on road conditions and driving habits. For example, on the highway, if I drive steadily at 100km/h, the fuel consumption can drop to 8L, extending the range even further. However, if the road is bumpy or the load is heavy, the fuel consumption can rise to 12L, significantly reducing the range. The installation must be secure—I used a steel frame to fix it firmly, avoiding any risk of leakage. Now, long trips are much more convenient, as I don’t need to frequently stop at service areas to refuel. I recommend calculating your average fuel consumption and tank size first, then planning your route accordingly.

[Ivy]

Calculating how much farther you can drive with an auxiliary fuel tank is actually quite straightforward—it all comes down to tank capacity and fuel consumption. For example, my car has a 20-liter auxiliary tank added to the standard 60-liter tank, totaling 80 liters. With an average fuel consumption of 9L/100km, the extra range is 222 kilometers. However, real-world conditions vary significantly. In city traffic, if fuel consumption rises to 11L/100km, the extra range drops to 181 kilometers; on the highway, if it decreases to 7.5L/100km, the range increases. Factors like fuel quality and seasonal effects also matter—cold winter starts increase fuel consumption. The general formula is: Extra distance = Auxiliary tank volume (liters) ÷ Fuel consumption per 100km × 100. From my experience, regular maintenance of the tank to ensure good sealing prevents fuel wastage.

[LeHadley]

I often drive on rural roads for cargo hauling, so I installed a 40-liter auxiliary fuel tank on my pickup. With a fuel consumption of 12L/100km, the original range was only 500 km, but the extra tank adds 330 km. Fuel efficiency drops on muddy roads, but overall it saves refueling time. Professional installation is crucial—I had a car-savvy friend reinforce it. Considering weather and cargo load, the range remains relatively stable.