When to Refuel Based on Fuel Gauge?
2 Answers
Refuel when the fuel gauge shows one bar remaining. Below are the steps and precautions for refueling a car: Steps for refueling a car: Park the car next to the fuel pump at a gas station, with the fuel tank filler opening facing the pump. The location of the fuel tank cap is indicated on the dashboard by an arrow pointing to its position; turn off the engine; after payment, you can ask the attendant to assist with refueling or do it yourself. Remove the nozzle from the pump's holder and insert it into the car's fuel tank filler opening, select the desired gasoline grade (octane rating), and trigger the nozzle; or hold the nozzle while the fuel is flowing; or set the nozzle to flow automatically, which will shut off when the tank is full; check if the oil level is normal; tighten and close the fuel tank cap. Precautions for refueling a car: The fuel pump in the tank is cooled by gasoline. If the gasoline level is too low and the fuel pump is not submerged, prolonged operation in this state may reduce the fuel pump's lifespan. When driving in the city, it is not necessary to fill the tank completely because city driving involves frequent stops and starts. A full tank increases the engine's load. It is recommended not to fill the tank beyond two-thirds of its capacity. Overfilling can cause gasoline to overflow, which may flow into the intake manifold through the pipes and "drown" the spark plugs, leading to the engine stalling immediately after refueling. In severe cases, the car may fail to start normally, and gasoline may even leak from the carbon canister, posing a significant fire hazard if exposed to open flames.
I personally prefer to refuel when the fuel gauge shows about a quarter left, which is roughly equivalent to three or four bars remaining. This is mainly for safety reasons, as many cars rely on gasoline to cool the fuel pump. If the fuel level is too low, the pump may overheat and get damaged due to exposure, and it may also suck up sediment at the bottom of the tank, affecting engine longevity. Once, I waited until only one bar was left before refueling, and the fuel pump made loud noises, resulting in unnecessary repair costs later. Modern vehicle fuel gauges are more intelligent, but they typically have 8-10 bars from empty to full. I usually plan to refuel when about one-third remains to avoid the hassle of searching for a gas station on the road. In the long run, keeping the fuel level above half can also improve fuel efficiency and driving stability.
