How Many Bars Left on the Fuel Gauge Before Refueling?
2 Answers
Generally, you should refuel when the fuel gauge shows the last bar. Typically, for analog fuel gauges, you should refuel when the pointer reaches the red line mark, while for digital fuel gauges, you should refuel when the display turns red or a warning appears. Avoid waiting until the fuel is completely depleted to refuel, as this can damage the car's engine. Currently, fuel gauges in vehicles on the market generally fall into two types: mechanical pointer-type fuel gauges and electronic fuel gauges. Relevant details are as follows: Mechanical Pointer-Type Fuel Gauge: The mechanical pointer-type fuel gauge is the most traditional type. It senses the fuel level in the tank through a float and cable mechanism, then relays this information to the dashboard, displaying the remaining fuel via a pointer. Typically, both ends of the pointer-type fuel gauge are marked with letters "E" and "F," representing "Empty" and "Full," respectively. It's important to note that when the pointer of a mechanical fuel gauge reaches the one-quarter or one-fifth mark, it's time to refuel. Electronic Fuel Gauge: The electronic fuel gauge operates through electronic devices in the fuel tank and the vehicle's onboard computer's digital processing system. It can display the remaining fuel level, driving range, and other information on the central control screen or dashboard, allowing the driver to better assess the vehicle's fuel status. However, compared to mechanical pointer-type fuel gauges, electronic fuel gauges are more prone to malfunctions.
I've been driving for nearly 20 years and always find it most reliable to refuel when there are three or four bars left on the fuel gauge. Once, I pushed it too far when only one bar remained and ended up stalling on the highway—calling for roadside assistance wasted both time and money, which wasn’t worth it at all. The fuel pump needs to be submerged in gasoline to avoid overheating; running too low can easily damage it, and the repair costs far exceed the inconvenience of making a few extra trips to the gas station. Especially in hot weather or frequent traffic jams, I refuel early and take the opportunity to check tire pressure and safety equipment. Once this became a habit, I never had to worry about emergencies, and it even helped extend my car’s overall lifespan. In short, it’s best to start paying attention when the fuel gauge drops below half, and maintaining at least a quarter tank is the safest and most worry-free approach.