How to Check the Size of a Car's Fuel Tank?
2 Answers
Observe the reading on the fuel gauge inside the car. If there are no other issues, the fuel level will be accurately reflected on the gauge. The fuel gauge typically has 5-6 segments, with each segment representing the remaining fuel capacity in the tank. Generally, it's advisable to refuel when the fuel gauge shows only two segments remaining. Below is an introduction to fuel tank capacity: Fuel Tank Capacity Measurement Unit: Internationally, the standard unit for measuring car fuel tank capacity is liters (L). Different countries also have their own standards for fuel tank capacity. In China, the regulation stipulates that the fuel tank capacity should be at 95% of the rated value, but in practice, the actual capacity is usually larger than the nominal capacity. Therefore, there's no need to worry about the fuel tank being smaller than expected. How to Check Car Fuel Tank Capacity: (1) Check the manual: The car manual is like a comprehensive guide, providing detailed information about the vehicle, including maintenance schedules and fuel tank capacity. Owners can use this information to refuel appropriately, preferably not exceeding the safe capacity. (2) Judge based on refueling experience: Experienced drivers often know the precautions when refueling, such as how much fuel to add—slightly more than the safe capacity but less than the actual capacity—without filling the tank to the brim to avoid accidents. (3) Judge based on the fuel warning light: Many owners rely on this method, but it can be somewhat inaccurate. The displayed capacity can vary significantly depending on road conditions and the vehicle's state. Therefore, it should only serve as a reference. However, when the warning light comes on, it usually indicates low fuel, and the owner should take note.
The first thing I did after buying my car was to wonder how big the fuel tank was, especially as a new driver afraid of running out of gas midway. The most reliable method is to check the vehicle's user manual, which usually states the capacity directly in the vehicle specifications or technical data section—for example, my car's manual says 65 liters. If you don't have the manual, start the car and look at the dashboard; the fuel gauge or the central display might show the total capacity. Modern cars may also have this information in the settings menu. You can also estimate while refueling: divide the total cost by the price per liter to get the volume in liters, but this isn't as accurate as the manual. Knowing the capacity helps me better plan long-distance drives—for instance, a 65-liter tank can cover about 700 km on the highway, avoiding anxiety and optimizing refueling times. I make it a habit to check the manual for updates during each service to ensure safety.