Is it necessary to refuel when the tank is only a quarter full?
3 Answers
When there is a quarter of fuel left, there is still a certain amount of oil, and it is advisable to refuel at this time, but it is best to refuel before the yellow warning light comes on. Many manuals remind that refueling should be done when the gauge pointer reaches the quarter mark, which is for the protection of the fuel pump. Modern gasoline vehicles are equipped with electric fuel pumps and electronic fuel level sensors, which need to be immersed in gasoline for heat dissipation. If the gasoline level is too low, the fuel pump may not be fully submerged, significantly affecting heat dissipation. Poor heat dissipation can shorten the fuel pump's lifespan or even cause it to burn out. If the fuel tank has not been cleaned for a long time, the accumulation of impurities at the bottom can easily clog the fuel lines when the fuel level is low. Additionally, a low fuel level increases the workload of the fuel pump, affecting the cooling of the internal rotor. It may also impact the oxygen sensor in the exhaust system. Standard fuel tank capacity: The labeled capacity of a fuel tank is not the actual maximum capacity but the maximum reasonable capacity. A standard fuel tank can typically hold 10%—15% more than the labeled capacity. For example, a 60-liter tank can hold up to 75 liters. Automakers specify a 60-liter capacity to account for the fuel's expansion coefficient, ensuring that the fuel does not exceed 60 liters to allow sufficient space for expansion due to temperature increases and to maintain safety during use.
From my experience, refueling when the tank is down to a quarter is indeed a good practice. Having driven for over a decade, I've made it a habit to visit the gas station when the fuel gauge hits the quarter mark. This approach is mainly for peace of mind, especially now that gas stations are everywhere—topping up while running errands is no hassle at all. More importantly, the fuel pump in the tank relies on gasoline for cooling; prolonged operation with low fuel levels can shorten its lifespan. Just last week, a colleague's car burned out its fuel pump for this very reason, costing nearly a thousand in repairs. Unexpected situations also warrant consideration—like when I had to rush a family member to the ER late last year; a near-empty tank would've been a nightmare. Maintaining this routine protects your car and avoids breakdown risks, so those extra trips to the station are a small price to pay.
I don't think it's absolutely necessary to refuel immediately, it mainly depends on what kind of roads you're driving on. For city commuting, a quarter tank can easily last you over a hundred kilometers, so you can safely wait until the fuel light comes on. However, highway driving is a different story - I once had only three bars left on the highway when the next service area turned out to be closed for maintenance, nearly leaving me stranded on the emergency lane. For frequent short trips like school runs, keeping too much fuel actually adds weight and increases consumption, so waiting until it's down to one-tenth is fine. Of course, with older cars you need to be more careful as tank sediments might get drawn into the fuel system. My 15-year-old car never goes below a quarter tank, but I'm less particular about my new hybrid.
