When's the best time to get gas? At half-tank or on Empty?

Question

I've been told mix stories about when is a good time to get gas. Some say once it gets half-empty because it's better for your car.... while others say to get it when it's at Empty because you'd want to use up all the old gas first before putting in a new tank.

So which is? Anyone who's a mechanic.... can you help me?


Thanks in advance ^_^

Answer 1

i own a repair shop and the best thing you can ever do is not let it get real low on gas,sometimes there will be drugs and stuff on the top of the gas,and if you let it get low enough it will pick them up,always fill it back up when its at least at a half a tank,you can run down to a 1/4 tank but no lower than that,i usually keep all of mine around 3/4 of a tank,that's a good spot to keep the tank at,or full which ever you prefer,good luck hope this helps.

Answer 2

Many fuel pumps are in the gas tank and cooled by the gasoline. If you run down to empty too often, it is hard on them and they will burn out eventually. So it is better to refill before empty. Also if you wait until you are on empty, there is a greater chance that you will run out or have to fill at an inconvenient time and expensive spot. On a long trip, its best for your body and mind to stop every couple of hours, so you may as well get gas too.

On the other hand, your time is valuable to and if you stop to refill when only 1/2 empty , you will be spending a lot of time at gas stations.

Unless you only drive your car a couple of miles every few months I don't think you have to worry about fresh vs old gas.

I would tend to go until there was 1/4 or so left

Answer 3

As pretty much everyone else answered. Half tank is better. It keeps the fuel pump cool.Less chance of sucking up dirt into the system.And the best reason it cost less.One more idea if you happen to be out somewhere or at a time when there are no stations to get gas at ,which would you rather have an empty tank or one that's half full/empty?

Answer 4

a million/4 of a tank, and my tank will be 1/2 finished once a week. i have not considered an finished tank in soo lengthy to the point i'd bypass out on each and every occasion I see it back. gasoline is soo severe those days. If it ever reaches $5 i'll make investments in a motorcycle.

Answer 5

Definitely half-tank but I think you're right about the empty part. I've heard that every now and then you do want to run it to empty to use the old gas. But half-tank on a weekly basis is better.

Answer 6

In truth, for most vehicles, its not going to be a big deal on when you fill up, just as long as the tank is not completly empty (or next too). I usualy fill up at about a 1/4 tank. I'm a second year Automotive apprentice. My boss usually fills up on empty (I know becasue I have to go and fill it for him), and He's been a Lecenced Technician for the last 17 years. Just as long as the fuel level doesn't get low enough for the vehicle to start sputtering, It really doesn't matter. Everything else is just opinoniated answers.

Answer 7

No less then 1/4 of a tank. Add some dry gas evry 3rd or 4th tank for an insurance policy in the cold weather

Answer 8

1/4 tank is a good target to fill it up. The main concern is that you never have it get so empty that your fuel pump is pumping all the water and junk at the bottom of your tank into your fuel filter and engine. The fuel pump needs gasoline to cool it. Bottom line is never to let your tank go empty if you can help it because it can lead to problems.

Answer 9

I think depending on the rise or fall of gas prices. If it's cheaper than usual and you're on 1/2 tank, I would get gas because the price might rise when you're on empty.

Answer 10

My dad was a mechanic and he always told me to keep the tank close to full because you get better gas mileage so I would say 1/2 full