When is the best time to refuel a car's gas tank?
2 Answers
It is best to refuel when the car's gas tank is down to 1/4. Here are the specific reasons: 1. Helps the fuel pump dissipate heat: If there is too little fuel left in the tank, the fuel pump is often exposed to air, which can cause overheating. Driving like this for a long time may lead to burning or erosion of the fuel pump. Properly immersing the fuel pump in gasoline helps it dissipate heat quickly. 2. The amount of refueling should be determined based on the actual situation of the vehicle: The most suitable amount of fuel to add each time depends on the owner's circumstances. Generally, a single refueling should last the owner about 15 days. This is mainly because gasoline also has a shelf life, especially ethanol gasoline, which has strong water absorption. If the air humidity is too high and the gasoline contains moisture, it can easily cause problems after engine combustion.
After driving for over a decade, I've learned that you should refuel when the gas gauge shows a quarter tank left. On long trips, I'm even more cautious and start looking for gas stations when half a tank remains. The key isn't about saving money—it's about protecting the fuel pump that relies on gasoline for cooling. Making it work while chronically underfed means one repair could cost you a year's worth of gas. Once, I forgot to refuel while rushing a project, ended up stranded on an overpass calling for a tow truck, and spent over 800 yuan on a burnt-out fuel pump. Developing the habit of refueling when one bar remains can really help you avoid pitfalls. Especially during extreme summer heat or winter cold, running on empty is particularly damaging to both the fuel pump and fuel lines.
