How to Check the Fuel Tank Capacity of a Car?
4 Answers
There are two methods to check the fuel tank capacity of a car: 1. Refer to the owner's manual; 2. Estimate based on the fuel gauge warning light. The functions of a car fuel tank include: storing the working fluid required by the hydraulic system, as well as dissipating heat, settling impurities, and separating air bubbles from the liquid. Precautions for using the fuel tank: 1. Regularly inspect the exterior of the fuel tank to ensure the normal use of the fuel system; 2. Regularly check the fuel tank, fuel lines, and connectors for dents and leaks, and tighten the fuel tank bracket mounting bolts; 3. Regularly clean accumulated oil sludge and dirt to prevent damage to the fuel tank; 4. Refuel promptly when the tank is low; 5. Avoid overfilling the fuel tank.
After driving for ten years, I've found the most accurate method is to check the car's manual—the thick booklet in the glove compartment—under the 'Technical Specifications' section. Last time I drove a friend's new car, I directly opened the fuel tank cap and checked the label inside, which clearly stated '65 liters.' This trick works especially well for German cars. If you can't find these details, just remember the amount filled when the pump automatically stops. For example, if it stops at 55 liters, the tank capacity is likely around 60 liters, as designs usually include a 5-10% safety margin. I recommend not relying entirely on the dashboard's range display, as it calculates remaining distance based on fuel consumption.
As someone who frequently drives long distances, my experience is that the most straightforward way to check fuel capacity is by observing the pump's automatic shut-off. Last month, while refueling a colleague's SUV, it stopped at 62 liters, but the manual stated a nominal capacity of 70 liters. This makes sense, as the actual tank capacity is usually about 10% larger than the nominal figure. Veteran drivers advise against overfilling the tank, especially in summer when gasoline expansion can cause overflow. There's significant variation between different models—it's common for American cars to have tanks 20% larger than Japanese cars of similar size. It's best to confirm the exact capacity with the dealership's maintenance staff during servicing.
When I first bought my car, I didn't know where to check the fuel tank capacity either. Later, the 4S store salesperson taught me three methods: first, check the technical parameter table in the user manual; second, pay attention to the amount of fuel added when refueling for the first time until the pump stops automatically; and finally, look at the sticker label inside the fuel tank cap. These three methods should be used in combination. For example, my compact car's manual states a capacity of 45 liters, but it actually stops at 41 liters when refueling until the pump stops. The mechanic said this is to reserve space for expansion. It's recommended that new car owners take photos of the relevant pages in the manual and save them on their phones for easy reference when refueling.
