Is It Harmful to Refuel Only When the Fuel Gauge Light Comes On?
2 Answers
Refueling only when the fuel gauge light comes on is harmful to the car. The precautions for refueling are: 1. Refuel in the morning or evening to avoid direct sunlight at noon; 2. Add more fresh fuel before long-distance trips; 3. Do not exceed the upper limit of the fuel tank; 4. Do not use electronic devices; 5. No smoking; 6. Park, turn off the engine, and cut off the power. The refueling tips are: 1. When the fuel tank is one-quarter full, it is necessary to refuel and not wait until it is empty; 2. Do not fill the tank too full; leave some space; 3. Different types of fuel should not be mixed; do not add diesel or kerosene to gasoline; 4. Follow the fuel standard requirements indicated on the fuel tank cap; 5. Refuel at medium to large gas stations; using low-quality sulfur-containing gasoline can poison the oxygen sensor.
Having driven for decades, I've seen many people wait until the fuel gauge light comes on before rushing to refuel. Doing this occasionally isn't a big deal—cars aren't that delicate. But making it a habit can harm your vehicle. The fuel pump relies on gasoline for cooling, and when the light comes on, the fuel level is too low, leaving the pump exposed to air and prone to overheating, which can damage components or shorten their lifespan. Additionally, debris at the bottom of the tank may get sucked in, affecting engine performance. It's best to get into the habit of refueling when the gauge shows a quarter tank left. This protects the fuel pump, keeps the car running smoothly, and saves on repair costs. Regularly checking the fuel pump's condition during maintenance can also prevent major issues.
