What is the symbol on the car fuel gauge?
4 Answers
The symbol on the car fuel gauge is a fuel pump from a gas station. When the fuel level reaches the one-quarter mark, you should go to the gas station to refuel. The correct steps for refueling a car are: 1. Slow down and drive into the gas station slowly, and drive out at low speed after refueling; 2. Turn off the engine before refueling; 3. After filling up, close the fuel nozzle before starting the car. Precautions when refueling a car include: 1. Do not wait until the yellow warning light comes on to refuel to avoid running too low on gasoline; 2. Choose to refuel in the morning or evening when temperatures are relatively lower; 3. Avoid filling the tank completely when driving in the city to prevent overflow, which could cause spark plug failure and lead to the car stalling after refueling; 4. Do not refuel during thunderstorms to avoid stray currents from the fuel nozzle entering the car's fuel tank, which could pose fire or explosion hazards.
When I first learned to drive, I was particularly curious about the fuel gauge symbols, but later understood they were designed to display fuel levels. The icon is usually a gas pump or an oil droplet, with 'E' on the left representing 'Empty' and 'F' on the right for 'Full.' The needle or digital display indicates the current fuel level—for example, if the needle is in the middle, it means there’s roughly half a tank left. Beginners often ignore it and panic only when the 'E' warning light comes on. But once, I was driving on the highway with very little fuel, and the car suddenly stalled, which was extremely dangerous. So, I’ve developed the habit of always checking the fuel gauge before starting the car, keeping at least a quarter tank as a safety buffer. On long trips, extra caution is needed—some cars have inaccurate fuel gauges, and rough roads can make the reading fluctuate, showing empty when there’s still some fuel left. In short, regularly checking fuel levels is a basic car maintenance practice—don’t wait until you’re stranded to regret it.
After driving long distances frequently, I can recite the fuel gauge symbols with my eyes closed. The basic symbols are a fuel pump with E and F markings, where E means empty and F means full. The moving needle tells you how much fuel is left. The fuel gauge isn't always accurate—the needle may shake when the car is on uneven ground or during sudden acceleration. I remember once driving on a mountain road with the fuel level at E, pushing my luck for a stretch, only to have the fuel pump overheat and fail. The repair was quite expensive. So, I recommend refueling before the warning light comes on, maintaining a safe fuel level to avoid fuel pump damage. Newer cars often have digital displays or reminder functions, but the principle is similar. By the way, different fuel qualities can also affect consumption—low-quality fuel burns faster. Make it a habit to check the gauge every time you start the car; it saves hassle and effort.
Daily commuters are all familiar with the fuel gauge. The indicators are straightforward: E stands for empty, F for full, usually accompanied by a fuel pump symbol. I've developed the habit of glancing at it while driving; as long as the needle is past halfway, I feel at ease. But once, I was too busy and forgot to check, and the car suddenly ran out of gas at an intersection—utterly embarrassing. Since then, I've learned to always keep an eye on the fuel level. When the warning light comes on, it's the final alert, and you need to refuel immediately. Different cars may have slightly varied indicators, but they're generally the same. Also, don't wait until the tank is completely empty to refuel, as it can harm the engine. Regular maintenance checks are sufficient.
