Is it safe to refuel right after oil unloading at a gas station?

[Davis]

It is not advisable to refuel immediately after oil unloading at a gas station. When oil is just unloaded, water and impurities (including water, rust, etc.) at the bottom of the gas station's oil tank can be stirred up. If these are pumped into the car's fuel tank, they can cause hazardous incidents. Refueling at night is better than during the day. Besides avoiding the intense midday sun, refueling at night allows for more mass of gasoline for the same volume, as gasoline is billed by volume rather than weight, and it expands with heat and contracts with cold. Precautions for fuel tank usage are as follows: 1. Do not wait for the yellow light to come on before refueling: Before driving, check the fuel gauge and calculate whether refueling is needed based on the trip distance and the gauge reading. It's better to refuel in advance rather than waiting for the fuel light to come on. The fuel pump is located inside the tank and operates at high temperatures when continuously working. Being submerged in fuel helps to cool it effectively. When the fuel light comes on, it indicates the fuel level is below the pump. Frequently waiting until the light comes on to refuel can shorten the pump's lifespan, and having too little fuel in the tank may even burn out the pump. 2. Choose to refuel in the morning or evening: Generally, temperatures are lower in the morning and evening, and since gasoline has a low vaporization point, it's better to refuel during these times. Gasoline expands with heat and contracts with cold, and it is charged by volume. At lower temperatures, gasoline has a relatively higher density, meaning more mass per unit volume, resulting in more gasoline for the same volume. 3. Avoid filling the tank completely when driving in the city: For regular city driving, there's no need to fill the tank completely. A full tank increases the engine's load, leading to higher fuel consumption. Since refueling is convenient in the city, there's no necessity to fill the tank to the brim.

[DeFinley]

I remember one time when I went to refuel, I saw the oil tanker had just finished unloading, and I hesitated. A friend told me that the sediment in those oil tanks, like dirt and water, gets stirred up, and if you refuel immediately, these impurities might enter the car's fuel system. That time, I waited for over half an hour before refueling, which made me feel more at ease. Actually, many experienced drivers avoid this situation because if the engine ingests dirt, it can easily clog the filters, and repairs can be costly. Over time, this might also shorten the engine's lifespan. So now, when I see the gas station has just unloaded oil, I usually find a place to rest or have a cup of coffee before returning. It's a way to protect my car and develop a good habit without rushing too much.

[Emerson]

As someone who frequently commutes by car, I pay great attention to vehicle maintenance. When a gas station has just finished unloading fuel, I recommend not refueling immediately. The unloading process stirs up sediment at the bottom of the storage tanks, and if pumped directly into your car, it could damage fuel injectors and engine components. The best practice I've learned is to wait about 20 minutes before refueling, allowing the sediment to settle. While you might not notice immediate issues, accumulated damage can increase maintenance costs over time – for example, replacing a fuel filter isn't cheap. Now whenever I see signs of recent fuel unloading, like a tanker truck just leaving or staff busy with the process, I patiently wait. Developing this habit not only ensures safety but also extends my car's lifespan.

[Viola]

Regarding this issue, I understand that the physical properties of the oil will change after unloading. Just like water becomes turbid when poured, sediments such as silt and water in the fuel tank float up after unloading. If it's not allowed to settle for a few minutes before being added to the car, impurities may be introduced. My personal practice is to observe for a few minutes; if the unloading has just finished, it's best to wait a bit before proceeding. This can reduce potential damage to the engine, as clean fuel is crucial for the health of the car.