Should a New Car Be Filled Up with Fuel?
4 Answers
Except for the first time, it is not necessary to fill up the fuel tank for a new car. Below are some relevant introductions about car refueling: Reason for filling up the first time: The first refueling must be done until the fuel gun automatically stops. Once the fuel gun stops, do not add more fuel. This is to check whether the fuel gauge of the new car is accurate. Reason for not filling up the fuel tank except for the first time: If the fuel tank is filled too full, there will be no space at the top of the fuel tank, especially in summer. The gasoline vapor will have nowhere to go, leading to fuel choking. This will cause the fuel tank vent to be submerged in gasoline, forcing liquid gasoline into the carbon canister and causing damage to it.
I've studied car engines for many years, and whether to fill up a new car's tank depends on the specific situation. New cars leave the factory with empty fuel tanks, and filling it up for the first time helps the fuel system break in better, reducing the risk of rust and impurity buildup. If the tank is left half-full for a long time, moisture in the air can cause fuel oxidation, affecting engine lifespan. However, a full tank increases the car's weight, slightly reducing fuel efficiency in stop-and-go city driving—each extra liter of fuel adds about 0.7 kg, subtly increasing fuel consumption. I recommend filling up a new car when picking it up to test the fuel system's functionality; if you drive frequently afterward, half a tank is sufficient to avoid wasting time on frequent refueling. For long-distance driving, a full tank is essential for safety. Fuel quality is also crucial—using higher-octane gasoline reduces carbon buildup, and regularly cleaning the fuel filter system keeps the car running smoothly.
As a commuting office worker with precious time, filling up the tank is the most practical option for a new car. I drive on the highway to work every day, and having a full tank saves me the hassle of queuing up for gas every week. It's so convenient to have a full tank that can cover over 500 kilometers. While half a tank might save money initially, frequent refueling in the city with many traffic lights consumes time and energy, and the lost productivity costs more in the end. During holidays, a full tank avoids the embarrassment of running out of gas midway. When fuel prices fluctuate, filling up at low prices allows for some small savings. New car tanks are well-sealed and not prone to rust, so just fill up as needed without overthinking weight details. When the car is dirty, simply check if the fuel cap is tight.
When I first bought my new car, I was so excited that I felt reassured every time I filled up the tank. Later, a seasoned driver advised me that since the fuel system in a new car is fresh, there's no real need to keep it full, especially for short city trips—half a tank is enough to reduce weight and save on fuel costs. Now, I only fill up before long road trips and refuel when the gauge dips below half at other times. As a new driver, it's good to explore and consult experienced drivers to avoid pitfalls like mixing fuel types. Just don't let the car go too long without fuel to prevent rusting.
