How Much Fuel Should You Generally Add to a Car?
3 Answers
It is not advisable to fill the tank completely. For prolonged city driving, filling the tank to 70-80% capacity is sufficient, while for highway driving, you can fill it up to 90%. If the fuel exceeds the tank's capacity too much, it can easily enter and block the vent hole. A blocked vent hole poses a safety hazard. Here are some tips to reduce fuel consumption: 1. Start the car slowly, which not only saves fuel but also creates a smoother driving environment. 2. Maintain a steady speed while driving. A speed of 60-90 km/h is considered fuel-efficient and is often referred to as the economical speed. 3. Gently press the accelerator when accelerating. Avoid sudden acceleration and flooring the pedal, as it not only wastes fuel but also causes wear and tear on the engine. 4. When choosing tires, opt for ones with lower rolling resistance, as this can also help reduce fuel consumption.
As someone who drives frequently, I believe the amount of fuel to add depends on personal habits. I usually choose to fill up the tank, especially for long-distance trips, to avoid the hassle of frequent refueling. When the fuel level is too low, such as when the gauge shows a quarter left, I refuel to prevent sediment from being sucked into the fuel pump and damaging the engine. The tank capacity of a typical family car ranges from 40 to 60 liters, while SUVs may have larger tanks. Although filling up is convenient, avoid overfilling beyond the tank opening during hot summers to prevent leaks due to thermal expansion. For occasional short trips in the city, filling half the tank can reduce weight and save some fuel, but doing this long-term might affect the fuel system. Overall, it's much better to make a choice that balances safety and convenience.
When I first started learning to drive, I was always worried about the high cost of fuel and only filled up 100 yuan worth at a time. Later, I realized this wasn't good because a half-full tank could cause the fuel pump to overheat and fail easily. Now, when the fuel warning light comes on, I fill up to about 50 liters, which means fewer trips to the gas station and saves time. Vehicle manuals often recommend the optimal refueling point, with SUVs and smaller cars typically requiring between 30 to 70 liters. It's best to watch while refueling to avoid overfilling, which can lead to spills and damage the car's paint. Learning this method has made driving much more worry-free.
