How Much Fuel Should Be Left Before Refueling a Car?
3 Answers
It is advisable to refuel when the fuel gauge needle reaches the one-quarter mark, as this can significantly protect the fuel pump. When the warning light comes on, there is still some fuel left in the tank, and this is generally the time to refuel. It is recommended to refuel before the warning light comes on. Drivers should frequently check the remaining fuel level indicated on the gauge and avoid waiting until the fuel warning light alerts them to refuel. Precautions for refueling a car: For drivers in suburban or highway areas, it is best to refuel when one-quarter of the fuel remains. This amount provides sufficient mileage to locate a gas station. If driving primarily in urban areas, it is best to fill the tank to half or two-thirds capacity each time. Frequent stop-and-go driving in the city can place additional load on the engine if the tank is full, leading to sluggish acceleration. When refueling, avoid filling the tank to its maximum capacity. It is best to keep it around 90% full. A full tank can cause fuel expansion due to heat, potentially leading to overflow and increasing the risk of spontaneous combustion.
I've seen too many people wait until their fuel tank is nearly empty before refueling, which is actually very harmful to the car. The engine fuel pump relies on gasoline for cooling, and insufficient fuel levels lead to poor heat dissipation, making the pump prone to burning out. I recommend refueling when there's about a quarter to one-fifth of the tank left, as this protects the car and provides a buffer. Those who always wait until the warning light comes on generally experience a shortened fuel pump lifespan. Different fuel gauges have varying sensitivities, but you should refuel when the needle enters the red zone. On long trips, it's especially important to leave some extra fuel—being stranded in remote areas without a gas station is a hassle. I remember my last trip to Tibet; I made sure to fill up at every gas station I saw, preferring to stop more often rather than take chances.
I usually refuel when there's only one bar of fuel left. The fuel warning light typically comes on when there are 8-10 liters remaining, which can last for dozens of kilometers. However, consistently waiting until the light comes on can expose the fuel pump above the liquid level, especially prone to malfunctions during hot summer days. I've done the math, and adding 200 yuan worth of fuel each time is more economical than filling up completely—it saves fuel and avoids long-term full tank loads. A friend who modifies cars told me that turbocharged cars may suck in sediment impurities if the fuel tank is too low. Nowadays, with convenient fuel apps, it's best to refuel when passing by a station without hesitation.
