What is the structure of a car fuel tank?
2 Answers
The fuel tank consists of a fuel tank cap, partition, fuel gauge sensor, and filler neck. The most commonly used materials for fuel tanks are metal materials (steel plate and aluminum alloy), with additional anti-corrosion, anti-rust, and impact-resistant treatments (such as adding buffer rubber) on the surface. Fuel tanks are generally divided into: the tank body, fuel pump, filler pipe, etc. Function of the fuel tank cap: The fuel tank cap is usually designed with claws and a rubber gasket pressed by a corrugated leaf spring to clamp around the fuel tank opening to ensure sealing. Some caps are designed with a locking device to prevent detachment or loss. Function of the partition: The fuel tank generally has a partition inside. The partition separates the return fuel area from the pump's suction area, increases the path of fuel circulation, reduces the circulation speed of the fuel, and helps with cooling, heat dissipation, bubble separation, and impurity sedimentation. Function of the fuel gauge sensor: Installed inside the fuel tank, it is a sliding rheostat linked with the fuel level float. The float and sliding rheostat form a small assembly, which is connected to the fuel gauge to indicate the amount of fuel in the tank. Function of the filler neck: The filter screen at the filler neck is used to filter large impurities in the fuel.
The structure of a car fuel tank is quite interesting. As someone who often tinkers with cars, I know it mainly consists of multi-layered plastic or metal shells, fixed beneath the chassis near the rear. Inside, it includes a fuel pump (responsible for drawing fuel and delivering it to the engine), a float sensor (measuring fuel levels and displaying them on the dashboard), a ventilation system (controlling vapor evaporation through valves to prevent explosions), and baffle designs to reduce fuel sloshing and maintain balance. Why do modern cars mostly use plastic? Because it's lightweight, rust-proof, and can conform to the car body shape to save space. The entire structure emphasizes sealing to prevent fuel leaks and environmental pollution. I've seen many older cars leak fuel due to aging rubber seals, which need timely replacement. In daily use, the fuel tank is also connected to a filler tube and filter to ensure no impurities enter the engine. In short, while the structure may seem simple, it's crucial for driving safety. Regular inspections can prevent accidents, especially before long trips—always check for any external damage.
