How Much Fuel Does One Bar Represent?

[VanGabriela]

Depending on the vehicle model, the amount of fuel represented by one bar on the fuel gauge varies. Taking the Volkswagen Passat as an example, the Passat has a fuel tank capacity of 66 liters, and the fuel gauge is divided into 8 bars, so one bar represents 8.25 liters. Below is an introduction to how to read the car fuel gauge and its working principle: How to Read the Car Fuel Gauge: Generally, there are two English letters on the fuel gauge: E stands for empty, and F stands for full. Inside the fuel gauge, there are two coils located on the F and E sides respectively. The sensor is a variable resistor controlled by the float height. The change in resistance determines the magnetic field strength of the two coils, which in turn determines the direction of the pointer's deflection. Working Principle of the Fuel Gauge: There is a float ball in the car's fuel tank, which drives a sliding resistor. As the fuel level in the tank changes, the potential at the measuring terminal also changes. The car's instrument processes this signal and displays it, with the corresponding display value indicating the remaining fuel in the tank.

[StNatalie]

Having driven for over a decade, I've gained some insights about the meaning of one fuel gauge segment. Different car models have significantly varying fuel gauge designs, where one segment represents different fuel amounts. For example, my old car has a 50-liter fuel tank with 10 segments, so each segment equals about 5 liters of fuel. In city driving conditions, one segment lasts around 25 kilometers, while on highways with better fuel efficiency, it can cover approximately 35 kilometers. I recommend developing a habit of refueling when two segments remain to avoid overheating and damaging the fuel pump. Also, clean the fuel gauge sensor during regular maintenance to prevent misreadings. In cold weather, fuel consumption increases, making each segment less durable, so don't procrastinate until the warning light comes on.

[AlainaLynn]

How much fuel does one gauge block represent? It depends on the car. For small cars like the Fit with a 40-liter fuel tank and a 6-block gauge, one block equals about 6.7 liters. In city traffic, one liter might only get you 10 km, so one block can last up to 70 km. On the highway with less wind resistance, one block can stretch over 80 km. I recommend driving at a steady speed and using the AC less to save fuel, making each block more valuable. Also, don't wait until the last block lights up to panic and look for a gas station to avoid the hassle of breaking down halfway.

[Kyle]

The amount of fuel represented by one gauge segment on a car's fuel indicator is not fixed. In older vehicles with mechanical fuel gauges, one segment might represent about 5 liters of fuel, while newer electronic gauges are more precise, with each segment roughly equating to 4 liters. During regular driving, I've noticed that one segment of fuel typically lasts just over 20 kilometers in city driving, while on the highway, it can go a bit further due to better fuel efficiency. I recommend that new drivers not assume one segment will last a long time and to refuel early to ensure safety.