How to Check if a Car Has Fuel Left?
3 Answers
To check if a car has fuel left, simply look at the fuel gauge on the dashboard. 'F' indicates a full tank, while 'E' means the tank is empty. The fuel gauge is divided into four main sections, with the section near 'E' further divided into four smaller segments. When the needle points to the last small segment, most cars can still travel approximately 30 kilometers. Different car models have varying fuel tank capacities. Small sedans typically have tanks ranging from 50L to 55L, while SUVs and off-road vehicles have larger capacities. The fuel gauge displays the fuel level through a float in the fuel tank connected to a metal rod. This mechanism is similar to that of a toilet water tank. The end of the metal rod connected to the float is attached to a movable contact point on a variable resistor. As the float's position changes with the fuel level, the metal rod adjusts its position on the variable resistor. This variable resistor is connected to the car's fuel gauge, and the movement of the gauge's needle is controlled by the amount of current passing through the variable resistor.
I developed a habit when I first started driving: after getting in and starting the car, I would first glance at the fuel gauge on the dashboard. It usually shows a needle position between F and E, and when it’s close to E, it means the tank is almost empty. Some newer cars even have a digital fuel percentage or a flashing warning light to directly remind you to refuel. I’ve noticed that when the fuel level is too low, the car may shake, struggle to accelerate, or even stall suddenly, which can be especially dangerous on highways or at night. For safety, I never wait for the warning light to check the fuel level. Instead, I check it weekly and record the mileage to predict when to refuel. Running on low fuel for too long can also damage the fuel pump, increasing repair costs. So, paying a little more attention to the dashboard makes it easy to assess the situation, and developing this habit has made driving much more reassuring.
The car I drive is quite trendy, featuring a fully digital dashboard display that clearly shows the fuel percentage, along with electronic warning lights that flash and beep to alert me. Sometimes, I can even check the remaining fuel remotely using a mobile app, which is both convenient and accurate. However, older models lack these features, so you have to rely solely on the fuel gauge. When the fuel is running low, the engine sound becomes rougher, acceleration sluggish, and there's a higher risk of breaking down midway. Personally, I set a phone alarm to remind me to check the fuel gauge every three days, and I also keep a small notebook in the car to record refueling dates to avoid forgetting. Technological advancements have made monitoring fuel levels smarter, but the foundation still lies in not neglecting the dashboard display. This way, you can prevent accidents and ensure the durability of car components.
