Is It Harmful to Refuel Only When the Fuel Gauge Light Comes On?

[SanRhett]

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.

[LenaDella]

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.

[StellaFitz]

As an average car owner, I find that waiting until the fuel light comes on to refuel might seem convenient, but it actually carries hidden risks. The fuel pump in the car needs to be cooled by being submerged in gasoline. When the fuel level is too low, the pump is exposed to a hot environment, making it prone to overheating and damage, which is expensive and troublesome to repair. Additionally, sediment at the bottom of the fuel tank may be sucked into the engine when the fuel level is low, causing blockages. A friend of mine once broke down on the road because of this and had to call a tow truck. Therefore, I usually try to refuel when there are still one or two bars left before the light comes on, keeping the tank at least half full. This way, it's safer and more reassuring, avoiding unexpected expenses.

[DanielLee]

The fuel gauge light coming on and then refueling doesn't directly harm the car, but it's not recommended. The fuel pump relies on gasoline for cooling, and too low fuel levels can cause it to overheat and accelerate wear. Doing this long-term may lead to premature fuel pump failure, resulting in costly repairs. Additionally, running out of fuel while driving increases the risk of accidents. A simple solution is to develop the habit of refueling in advance, regularly check the fuel pump's condition, and ensure safe and comfortable driving.

[Ezekiel]

From a cost-saving perspective, waiting until the fuel light comes on to refuel may seem time and hassle-saving, but it carries significant risks. The fuel pump is prone to overheating and damage when the fuel level is low, and replacing one can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, far outweighing the benefits of frequent refueling. Sediments at the bottom of the fuel tank may contaminate the system when fuel is low, causing engine issues that affect fuel consumption. I recommend refueling when the tank is half empty to maintain a stable fuel level and prolong component lifespan, ultimately spending less and avoiding headaches. Paying attention to fuel quality in daily use can also reduce sediment buildup.