How Much Fuel Should Be Left Before Refueling?
2 Answers
Taking the fuel tank capacity of a typical family sedan as 50 liters for calculation, since gasoline has a light specific gravity, each liter of gasoline weighs approximately only 0.725 kilograms. Therefore, a full tank of fuel weighs 36.25 kilograms, and half a tank weighs only about 18 kilograms. Even with a full tank, the vehicle is only equivalent to carrying an extra 1-2 cases of mineral water in weight. This amount of weight is almost negligible for a car, making little difference between filling half a tank and a full tank! Having discussed how much fuel to add, let's now talk about the most appropriate time to refuel. Honestly, everyone's car usage habits vary. Some people are accustomed to waiting until the warning light on the fuel gauge comes on before refueling. In fact, the most suitable answer is when the fuel tank is left with a quarter of its capacity, as this is what the car's manual specifies! If it's summer, it's best to fill your car with about 90% of its fuel capacity. If the fuel gauge shows a quarter left, you only need to add about 25 liters of gasoline! Therefore, it is recommended that car owners frequently check the fuel gauge capacity during vehicle use and not wait until the yellow light comes on to refuel. If incorrect refueling methods lead to damage to the fuel pump or electronic sensors, it would be a case of losing more than gaining, especially considering the not insignificant repair costs for these two components! Regarding car refueling issues, they can cause more or less damage to the vehicle, so car owners should pay more attention to these matters.
I think the timing of refueling is crucial, especially for protecting the fuel pump in the car. The fuel pump relies on gasoline for cooling. If the fuel level is too low, leaving only a little bit, it can easily overheat and fail, costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars to repair. Therefore, I make it a habit to look for a gas station to fill up when the fuel gauge shows a quarter left. This not only prevents the risk of sudden breakdowns but also extends the car's lifespan. For example, before a long trip, I always check the fuel level to ensure it's not below this point. City commuting consumes fuel more slowly, but safety comes first—don’t wait until the warning light comes on. After developing this regular habit, vehicle maintenance costs are significantly reduced, saving a lot of repair hassle.
