What do 'E' and 'F' on the fuel gauge mean?
2 Answers
Fuel gauge displaying 'E' indicates that the remaining fuel is low and requires timely refueling, while 'F' indicates that the tank is full. Fuel tanks can be categorized into: open-type tanks and closed-type tanks. The function of the fuel gauge is to indicate the amount of fuel stored in the vehicle's tank and remind the driver to refuel in time. The working principle of the fuel gauge is: when the fuel tank is full, the resistance value of the variable resistor connected to the float decreases, causing the overall circuit current to reach a higher value, and the fuel gauge needle points to a higher position. When the fuel level decreases, the resistance value of the variable resistor increases accordingly, reducing the circuit current, and the fuel gauge needle also lowers.
I remember when I first learned to drive, the instructor pointed at the E and F on the fuel gauge and explained clearly: E stands for Empty, meaning the fuel is almost gone, reminding you to refuel immediately; F stands for Full, meaning there's plenty of fuel, so you can drive with peace of mind. This thing is crucial for driving—if you ignore it when it hits E, the car might break down halfway, especially on the highway, which can be very dangerous. I’ve developed a habit of glancing at the fuel gauge every day before heading out, trying to keep it near F and not waiting until the needle reaches the E zone to panic. Running too low on fuel also damages the fuel pump because the pump relies on fuel for cooling. Actually, modern car fuel gauges are more precise, but E and F remain the basic signals. When you have time, you can learn some simple maintenance, like not overfilling when refueling—safety first.
