How Many Liters is One Small Segment on the Fuel Gauge?
3 Answers
One segment of fuel is typically around 5 liters. Theoretically, a full tank is divided into ten segments, with each segment representing 10%. However, the size of the fuel tank varies for each vehicle. Digital fuel gauges indicate the remaining fuel by the number of illuminated segments—the more segments lit, the more fuel is left. When only 1-2 segments are lit, it indicates low fuel and the need for a timely refill. Introduction to the fuel gauge: The fuel gauge is used to indicate the amount of fuel remaining in the car's fuel tank. It can be either a pointer-type or a digital display. The fuel gauge consists of a stabilized fuel level indicator and a fuel level sensor. Precautions for using the fuel gauge: Do not wait until the warning light comes on to refuel. Since the fuel pump is located inside the tank and relies on fuel for cooling and lubrication, insufficient fuel can hinder the pump's normal operation and reduce its lifespan. It is also not recommended to fill the tank completely, as gasoline expands when heated and evaporates into vapor under high summer temperatures, requiring space to accommodate these changes. Fuel-saving tips: When starting the vehicle, use a low gear, gently press the accelerator, and gradually increase speed. Avoid sudden, hard acceleration, as this can significantly increase fuel consumption. Gentle acceleration not only shortens the engine warm-up time but also improves fuel efficiency, leading to better fuel economy.
This is something I often ponder during my daily drives. The amount of fuel represented by one small segment on the fuel gauge actually varies from car to car, entirely depending on the total size of the fuel tank and the design of the gauge. For example, my small car has a 40-liter tank divided into 8 small segments, so each segment is about 5 liters. But when I drive my friend's SUV, which has a 60-liter tank with more segments, each small segment might be around 4 liters. Don't assume there's a universal standard—it's different for different car models. I recommend checking your car's manual or doing a simple calculation the next time you refuel: fill up the tank, note the mileage, and when the fuel gauge drops by one segment, note how much fuel was used to estimate. Of course, it's common for fuel gauges to be inaccurate sometimes, as issues like wiring faults or sensor problems can affect the readings, so don't rely on it too much for precise judgments. Most importantly, don't wait until the last segment to refuel, as you might end up stranded on the road.
Speaking of the small segments on the fuel gauge, I've encountered many situations while repairing cars. Generally, there's no fixed value for one small segment. My approach is to recommend car owners check the manual first, because manufacturers divide the fuel gauge proportionally when setting it up. Each small segment represents a percentage of the remaining fuel, but users need to calculate the actual volume in liters themselves. For example, in common cars, a small fuel tank like 40 liters might be divided into 10 segments, with each small segment representing 4 liters; for a larger vehicle with an 80-liter tank divided into 16 segments, each small segment would be 5 liters. When testing an inaccurate fuel gauge, I often use the full-tank method: first fill the tank completely and note the mileage, then monitor fuel consumption when the gauge drops by one small segment. This helps avoid misleading readings. It's also important to remind everyone that fuel quality or voltage fluctuations can make the fuel gauge even less accurate, so regular checks of the electrical circuits and sensors are crucial to maintain precision.
