Will My Car Run Better When The Tank Is Full? By Pierre Mouchette | Bits-n-Pieces If you ever noticed your car running better with a full gas tank or immediately after filling up. Then, you are not alone. In contrast, some will dismiss this as a mind trick or placebo rather than a valid mechanical reason. Yes, there is merit to the notion that a car will run better with a full gas tank instead of half empty.
But, a car running better with a full gas tank has more to do with the car's fuel pump. Gas helps to lubricate and cool the fuel pump during the operation. So, when a tank becomes low, there is a greater chance of the pump sucking in air, which will decrease engine performance and wears out the pump. That is why you should always keep your gas tank filled at least half or, even better, a quarter full. Some cars have sensors built into the fuel pump so that when the tank gets low, the pump does not work as hard, helping to avoid damage. It could be another possible cause of a car's poor performance with less gas in the tank than when full. Maintaining a full gas tank helps the fuel pump run better and 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 increased gas mileage due to the fuel pump running optimally. The other is that a full tank of gas keeps the pump from pulling in fuel from the bottom of the tank, which can, in older cars, be filled with sediment and other particles. When the pump pulls in dirty fuel, it clogs up the filter and does not bring in enough fuel, and over time, 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 negatively affect your fuel components. No, you do not have to worry about gas freezing because this would require temperatures of -100 degrees or more. But you do have to worry about the gas molecules separating. When this happens, fuel can become gel-like. The foremost concern is condensation forming in the gas tank, leading to ice crystals, which causes significant 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. Additionally, a full gas tank can add more weight to your vehicle, which is good when driving in the snow (especially when using a pickup with an empty bed in the back). A full tank adds between 50 and 100 lbs. of weight, helping you to get extra traction in the snow. Saves Money Another benefit to keeping your gas tank full is saving money overall. When you go to the pump and fill your tank halfway or less, you will find yourself going to the pump more often than if you just filled the tank. Loading up on more gas in one trip to the pump saves you mileage, car use, and money.
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