What is the optimal fuel level to maintain in the tank for a car that will be unused for an extended period?
3 Answers
For cars that will be unused for an extended period, it is generally recommended to maintain about 1/4 of a tank of gasoline. This ensures the fuel pump remains submerged, preventing oxidation and corrosion of the fuel float. Below are some related car maintenance tips: Pay attention to driving habits: In addition to regular maintenance at a 4S shop, car owners should also be mindful of their daily driving behaviors. Avoiding sudden braking, excessive acceleration, and minimizing scratches and bumps on the car body are all forms of maintenance. Drive regularly: Cars should be driven frequently, ideally at least once a week, to prevent aging of internal components or battery depletion due to prolonged inactivity.
I've been driving for almost twenty years, and there's really a knack to the fuel level for long-term parking. It's best to keep the tank between one-third and half full, which is much better than filling it up or leaving it empty. If you fill it up too much, the gasoline can oxidize and deteriorate, producing gum, and the fuel pump will be soaked in degraded fuel, shortening its lifespan; if there's too little, moisture can condense on the inner walls of the tank, leading to rust. Last month, I was away on a business trip for two months and made sure to fill the tank to the middle of the gauge. When I returned, the engine started up smoothly. If the car is going to sit for more than three months, it's recommended to add a bottle of fuel stabilizer to extend the shelf life and find a shady, dry parking spot to minimize the effects of temperature changes. After all, gasoline only lasts about three months.
When my two cars are parked for a long time, I usually fill the gas tank to a quarter full. Over time, gasoline can absorb moisture and become cloudy, and having more than half a tank can cause the tank walls to rust. Last year during the Spring Festival, I left my car with this amount of fuel for a month, and when I returned, the fuel pump filter was clean. An empty tank is even more harmful—the fuel pump can overheat and get damaged without proper cooling, and the rubber seals can dry out and crack, leading to leaks. It's important not to believe that filling the tank completely prevents rust; in fact, having more than half a tank can cause fuel to expand and overflow the carbon canister due to temperature changes. The best practice is to start the engine for about ten minutes regularly to recharge the battery and allow fresh fuel to circulate.
