How many kilometers can one bar of fuel run?
3 Answers
One bar of fuel can run 80 kilometers. Constant-speed fuel consumption refers to the fuel economy indicator when a car is driving at a constant speed on good road conditions. Since constant-speed driving is a basic operating condition for cars on highways, and this type of fuel consumption is easy to measure, it is widely adopted. The fuel consumption per 100 kilometers indicated in the manuals of domestic cars is generally the constant-speed fuel consumption. However, since cars often experience various working conditions such as acceleration, deceleration, braking, and engine idling during actual driving, the constant-speed fuel consumption is often lower than the actual fuel consumption, resulting in a significant difference. This difference is even more pronounced for cars frequently used for short-distance urban driving.
You asked how many kilometers one bar of fuel can run? That's an interesting question. I've been driving for twenty years and have tried many car models, so I can share some experience. Generally, for small cars like economy sedans, the fuel tank is about 50 liters, divided into seven or eight bars. For those with low fuel consumption, say 8 liters per 100 kilometers, one bar is roughly six to seven liters, which can run about 70 to 100 kilometers. But for SUVs or larger vehicles, although the fuel tank is bigger, the fuel consumption is higher, like 15 liters per 100 kilometers, so one bar might only get you 20 to 30 kilometers. The key is the driving conditions—city traffic with frequent stops consumes more fuel, so one bar runs less; on the highway, it's easier to cover more distance. I suggest you keep a notebook next time you refuel to see how far one bar actually takes you. Don’t rely too much on the gauge; sometimes it’s not accurate. Remember, don’t wait until the fuel gauge hits zero to refuel, as it can damage the engine. When it’s down to one bar, it’s time to fill up.
From a mechanic's perspective, there's no fixed distance for one fuel gauge segment—it depends on the car's design and actual fuel consumption. Dividing the fuel tank capacity by the number of gauge segments gives the approximate volume per segment. For example, a common 50-liter tank divided into 10 segments means roughly 5 liters per segment. Multiply this by your car's fuel efficiency, say averaging 10 km per liter, and one segment would cover about 50 km. However, gauge accuracy isn't always reliable, especially in older cars or with faulty electronic systems. Many factors affect this: low engine efficiency, rough road conditions, or underinflated tires can reduce the distance per segment by several kilometers. I recommend checking your owner's manual for tank size and segment count to calculate it yourself. A simple method: fill up, note the mileage, drive for a few days, then divide the remaining segments to estimate the value. Don't overlook maintenance—regular oil changes can improve fuel efficiency, helping each segment go further.
