When Should You Refuel Your Car Based on Remaining Fuel?
3 Answers
Generally, you can consider refueling when the fuel gauge shows less than 1/4 tank remaining. In familiar areas where you're confident about fuel availability, it's acceptable to delay refueling slightly. Conversely (such as during long-distance road trips), you should refuel as early as possible to avoid running out of fuel. There's no need to worry about claims that the fuel pump must be submerged in fuel for cooling purposes. Modern fuel pumps can dissipate heat as long as fuel flows through them. Additional Information: 1. The marked capacity of a fuel tank is not its actual maximum capacity but rather the maximum reasonable capacity. A standard fuel tank can typically hold 10%–15% more fuel than its marked capacity. For example, a 60-liter tank can hold up to 75 liters. Automakers specify a 60-liter capacity to account for fuel expansion coefficients, ensuring that storing no more than 60 liters is reasonable. This provides sufficient space for fuel expansion due to temperature increases while maintaining fuel tank safety during use. 2. The accuracy of refueling amounts cannot be determined based on the fuel tank's rated capacity. A car's fuel tank is a container, not a measuring device, and cannot be used to judge measurement accuracy. According to national mandatory standards, the rated capacity of a car's fuel tank should be controlled at 95% of its maximum safe capacity.
I usually refuel when the fuel gauge shows about a quarter left, as it's safer and I don't have to worry about running out of gas midway. I know some people prefer to wait until the fuel light comes on, but I think that's a bit risky. If you encounter traffic jams or long queues at gas stations, the remaining fuel might not be enough. Besides, keeping the fuel level too low for a long time isn't good for the fuel pump, which needs to be submerged in fuel for cooling—too little fuel can cause it to overheat. I once experienced a low-fuel warning on the highway; even though it showed I could still drive 50 km, I was really nervous, so now I make it a habit to refuel earlier. Also, fuel tank sizes vary by vehicle model. When I drive an SUV, a quarter tank might still have over ten liters left, but for smaller cars, it could be less, so it depends on the specific model. Overall, refueling earlier can both protect the car and avoid unnecessary trouble.
I usually refuel when the fuel level is between one-quarter and one-fifth, a habit I've maintained for several years. Refueling at this point ensures it's not too frequent or stressful, allowing me to conveniently complete it when passing by a gas station. I've tried waiting until the fuel light comes on a few times. Although it saved me a couple of trips to the gas station, the illuminated warning light always made me a bit anxious, especially when I was in a hurry and had to detour to find a station. Moreover, I've heard that extremely low fuel levels can cause sediment at the bottom of the tank to be drawn into the system, which isn't good for the engine in the long run. Therefore, I prefer to handle it while there's still plenty of fuel left—it's better for the car and gives me peace of mind. Of course, if I'm going on a long trip, I'll fill up before departure to avoid the hassle of finding gas stations on the highway.
