When is the best time to refuel a car?
4 Answers
It is best to refuel your car when the fuel warning light comes on. An excessively low fuel level can cause damage to the fuel pump. However, the remaining fuel should not be too high, as frequent refueling increases trips to the gas station, leading to waste. You can choose to refuel in the morning or evening, avoiding times when the sun is intense and temperatures are high at noon. This is because gasoline is charged by volume rather than weight, and volume is affected by temperature, expanding when hot and contracting when cold. When refueling at a gas station, the engine should be turned off, and you should avoid making phone calls, using mobile phones, or using open flames inside the station. For regular refueling, always choose gas stations with high-quality fuel. Avoid those with poor-quality fuel, as long-term use of low-quality gasoline can lead to increased carbon deposits in the engine.
I always choose to refuel early in the morning when the oil tanker has just replenished the fuel, and the sediment is at its lowest. Plus, the temperature is lower in the morning, and the gasoline density is higher, so the same liter actually contains more fuel, which feels like a great deal. However, remember to avoid the period right after refueling, as the impurities at the bottom of the tank haven’t settled yet. I tried filling up with 300 yuan for two consecutive weeks, and the fuel I got in the morning allowed me to drive about 20 kilometers more. Now, I set my alarm for 6:30 a.m. just to refuel. If it’s during a hot summer noon, the gasoline evaporation loss is particularly high, and that’s when it really feels like a waste.
I usually refuel on my way home from work when the fuel gauge drops to a quarter. This way, I avoid running the tank dry, which can damage the fuel pump, and I don't have to make a special trip to the gas station. I used to prefer refueling on Fridays, but ended up wasting half an hour in long queues. Now, I specifically choose Tuesday or Wednesday afternoons around 3 PM when there's hardly any line. Here's a little tip: don't overfill the tank; stop when the pump clicks off to leave some room for expansion, which is better for the fuel tank. Be extra cautious when refueling on rainy days—wet surfaces can be slippery, and I saw someone slip and fall just last week.
I prefer refueling at night. Nowadays, many gas stations offer nighttime discounts. After 10 PM here, it's 0.3 yuan cheaper per liter, and there are hardly any cars, so you can refuel immediately. If you go to refuel at noon in summer, with the AC on while waiting in line, you can literally watch the fuel gauge drop, which is especially heartbreaking. Recently, I noticed that gas prices at highway stations are significantly higher than in the city, so I always fill up before exiting the highway. A reminder to everyone: don’t wait until the fuel light comes on to refuel, as the fuel pump may overheat and get damaged, and replacing one can cost over a thousand yuan.
