If you ever noticed your car running better with a full tank of gas or immediately after filling up. Then you are not alone, I myself thought the same thing many times.
While some will dismiss this as a mind trick or placebo rather than a true mechanical reason. There is a bit of merit to the notion that a car will run better with a full tank of gas as opposed to half empty.
A car running better with a full tank of gas has to do with the cars fuel pump. Gas actually helps lubricate and cool the fuel pump during operation. So when a tank becomes low, there is a greater chance of the pump sucking in air. Which will decrease engine performance and wear out the pump.
This is why you should always keep your gas tank filled at least “half” or even better a “quarter” full. Some modern cars have sensors built into the fuel pump that when the tank gets low. The pump doesn’t work as hard to avoid damage.
This could be another possible cause for a cars poor performance with less gas in the tank as opposed to full.
Also Read:
- Happens When You Put Regular Gas in a Premium Fuel Car
- It’s Okay To Mix Premium and Regular Unleaded Gas
Advantages To A Full Tank Of Gas
While having a full tank of gas not only helps the fuel pump run better. Which prevents it from overworking and going out in the future.
Gas Mileage
A full tank of gas has other advantages that are worth noting. One is an increase in gas mileage. This is due in part to the fuel pump running optimally.
The other part is a full tank of gas keeps the pump from pulling in bottom of the tank fuel. Which can in older cars be filled with sediment and other dirty particles.
When the pump pulls in dirty fuel it clogs up the filter and doesn’t bring in enough fuel. Overtime your gas mileage will suffer.
During Winter
Another benefit to a full tank comes during the winter months. The cold temperatures during the winter can have negative effects on your fuel components.
No you don’t have to worry about your gas freezing completely. This would require temperatures at -100 degrees or below. But you do have to worry about the gas molecules separating. When this happens fuel can become gel like.
The main concern is condensation forming in the gas tank. This can lead to ice crystals which causes problems with the fuel lines. If this moisture becomes trapped in the fuel line during extreme cold temperatures, it can freeze and prevent fuel from flowing to your engine.
A full tank of gas can add more weight to your vehicle. Which is good when driving in the snow. Especially when using a pick up with a empty bed in the back. Having a full tank can add between 50 to 100 lbs of weight. This should help you get some extra traction in the snow.
Saves Money
Another benefit to keeping your gas tank full. Is you will actually save money in the long run. When you go to the pump and only fill your tank half way or less.
You will find yourself going to the pump more often than if you just filled the tank completely. Loading up on more gas in one trip to the pump saves you mileage, car use and money.
It costs money to not only pump gas but to drive to the station, possibly wait for a pump to open. Not to mention you might find your less inclined to go inside and buy any unnecessary items.
Emergency Scenario
A less likely but extra precautionary reason to keep your gas tank full is in case of a real emergency. Say you have to rush someone to a hospital that might be far away. If you are running on less than a quarter tank you might not make it.
Okay that is maybe stretching it a bit but you never know. I wouldn’t leave a car with its gas light on in case something like this happens.
Also a natural disaster of some sort might strike. Requiring you to have to evacuate your town or city. Well guess what’s going to happen? A gas run at every station. So its best to be prepared with a full tank already so you can hit the road.
Myth: Gas Tank Full is Heavier So Your Gas Mileage Goes Down
The myth that states your gas mileage and performance increases if you keep your tank half full. While this is slightly true, your car should be faster with less gas in the tank.
Just as your car will be faster when carrying less people.
The overall difference isn’t significant enough to justify only filing up to half a tank each trip. Even if you gain an extra mile per gallon, your likely to only be saving a couple bucks.
