What is the Difference Between Refueling in Summer and Winter?
3 Answers
The differences between refueling in summer and winter are: 1. Fuel density: According to the principle of thermal expansion and contraction, lower temperatures increase fuel density. Mass = density × volume, and fuel measurement at gas stations is based on liters, meaning it is sold by volume. Therefore, in winter, the same volume (liters) of fuel will have a greater mass. Increased density leads to higher total heat value, resulting in slightly more driving range. 2. Fuel prices: The Price Bureau and the Bureau of Quality and Technical Supervision adjust fuel prices based on density changes caused by seasonal temperature variations. Higher environmental temperatures reduce density and increase volume. To prevent consumers from being disadvantaged, the price of refined oil is lowered according to volume differences caused by density variations. Conversely, when environmental temperatures drop and refined oil density increases, the price of refined oil is raised. Upon entering winter, the price per liter generally increases by more than ten cents. In regions with distinct seasons, density adjustments are made at least four times a year, meaning prices are adjusted four times annually based on density.
I've noticed that the biggest difference between refueling in summer and winter lies in the actual energy content of the fuel. In summer, higher temperatures make gasoline less dense and more voluminous. Since gas stations charge by volume, you're paying for a larger quantity of gasoline that actually contains less energy compared to winter - essentially spending some money unwisely. The opposite occurs in winter: lower temperatures increase density and reduce volume, meaning the same volume of gasoline delivers more energy. That's why budget-conscious people choose to refuel during cooler evenings for better value. Additionally, summer AC use dramatically increases fuel consumption, often requiring me to make an extra weekly trip to the gas station. Winter heating consumes less fuel, allowing refueling frequency to drop to biweekly. Remember to stay clear of open flames when refueling in hot weather to avoid vaporization risks - this completely changes refueling habits.
I've noticed a significant difference in fuel volatility between summer and winter. In summer, with high temperatures, gasoline evaporates extremely quickly. If you refuel at noon, not only is the strong gasoline smell irritating, but it can also lead to some fuel wastage and even increase explosion risks. Therefore, I try to avoid refueling during hot midday hours in summer. In winter, it's cold and dry, and gasoline doesn't evaporate as much, making refueling safer. However, you need to be cautious about fuel lines freezing due to low temperatures. Driving habits also change: in summer, using the air conditioning more frequently causes fuel consumption to skyrocket, so I often need to refuel earlier. In winter, the heater utilizes engine waste heat, barely consuming extra fuel, so the intervals between refuels naturally lengthen. These small details are crucial for both safety and economy. I recommend adjusting your refueling times to avoid peak hours.
