If so, does the evaporation increase A LOT MORE in the summertime?
2007-06-01 11:20:31 · 5 answers · asked by wisemancumth 5 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
if i have a full tank but dont drive how long would it take for me to notice a drop in gas level?
2007-06-01 11:32:00 · update #1
I don't claim to be a word's expert, but here's what I know.
Modern cars have a fairly well contained fuel system (due to various antipollution laws). Vapors that vent out are generally led to canister of activated charcoal which absorbs same; once the car is started, these vapors get sucked into the engine along with the air and get burned along with the rest of the gas. Also, the gas companies change the formulation for gasoline for the warmer months to a less volatile mixture to reduce evaporation. If your gas seems to be dissapearing without driving very much, either someone is stealing it or there is a leak somewhere in the fuel tank, or lines (which you would probably be able to smell the gas odor, and probably see dripping) or something is wrong with your car which is significantly reducing your milage. I hope this is of some help to you.
2007-06-01 11:40:33 · answer #1 · answered by Flying Dragon 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes it does, but gasoline is a mixture of various components... The high vapor pressure (lighter) components evaporate first. They're the ones that ignite the quickest too. That's why gas gets 'stale' when stored for a long time. There isn't much venting for a car's tank and the new cars recycle vapors through the carbon filter, back into the tank, so the losses are minimal.
If you store gasoline for years however, it eventually turns into a sweet smelling varnish as only the heavy components are left. But for a month in the summer, don't sweat it.
2007-06-01 19:54:12 · answer #2 · answered by squeezie_1999 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The U.S. EPA and the states that inspect cars for safety think so. In New Jersey where I live, part of an inspection is to pressurize the gas cap and take a reading of whether any vapor escapes. A car owner can fail; inspection on that test.
2007-06-01 11:26:41 · answer #3 · answered by steve_geo1 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes there is a slight evaporation that takes place and it usually increases in the summer time in extreme heat. But it is a very small amount.
2007-06-01 11:28:20 · answer #4 · answered by gymfreak 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you can smell petrol (gas) around a car, the answer is yes! Most cars are pretty well sealed.
2007-06-01 11:29:14 · answer #5 · answered by Gervald F 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋