Is It Good to Fill Up the Gas Tank Every Time?
2 Answers
Filling up the gas tank every time is not good for the car. Here are the specific hazards of overfilling the gas tank: Gasoline evaporation is unpleasant and carcinogenic: The activated carbon canister is usually located near the fresh air intake of the ventilation system. When the tank is overfilled, the carbon canister becomes saturated, and excessive pressure causes it to release fumes containing gasoline components into the cabin, posing health risks to passengers and drivers. Damage to the carbon canister: The carbon canister is typically installed between the fuel tank and the engine. Since gasoline is a highly volatile liquid, the fuel tank often contains vapor at normal temperatures. The fuel evaporation emission control system directs these vapors into the combustion process and prevents them from escaping into the atmosphere. The activated carbon canister plays a crucial role in this process. If the tank is overfilled, liquid gasoline instead of vapor enters the carbon canister, causing damage to it. Vent blockage: If the engine fails to start after refueling, it may be due to an overfilled fuel tank. Once the vent is blocked, negative pressure builds up inside the fuel tank, leading to poor fuel supply or even a complete lack of fuel delivery.
I've been driving for over 20 years and used to always fill up the tank completely, thinking it saved me the hassle of frequent gas station visits, especially during long trips. However, I later noticed that the extra weight of a full tank slightly increased fuel consumption, particularly noticeable during low-speed city driving. In summer when parked outdoors, I sometimes smelled gasoline and learned from the manual that the fuel tank evaporation control system might experience excessive pressure when full. Now I stop at about 70-80% or half tank to avoid fuel waste and reduce potential risks. This balanced approach has resulted in more stable vehicle performance, and after forming this new habit, it's actually become more convenient. From a long-term maintenance perspective, older cars' fuel pumps might overheat at low fuel levels, but newer systems are smarter - whether you fill up or not makes little difference. The key is adjusting based on your driving frequency.
