Belle Tire Blog

Do you normally wait until the warning light comes on before fueling up? Me too! I dread filling up my tank while standing in the freezing cold and blowing wind so I put it off as long as possible. This bad habit can also become very inconvenient, especially when you’re running late. It can be tempting to put off getting gas during our cold winter months but it is important to keep your gas tank filled at least halfway for multiple reasons.

As the temperature drops, keeping your gas tank at least half full allows the extra gas to reduce condensation that can potentially plug your fuel line with ice, stall your engine and possibly damage your fuel system. In newer cars the fuel pump is located in the gas tank and uses the fuel in your tank to cool itself. If you’re on E you are running the risk of your fuel line potentially freezing up and in turn burning up your fuel pump. The engine block houses the fuel pump in older cars and as your gas tank rusts, you will circulate the rust through your fuel injector and carbonator, which can cause damage to your vehicle as well.

We all know winter weather can turn dangerous in a blink of an eye and driving with low fuel puts you and your family at the potential risk to run out of gas, should you become stuck in a storm or traffic. In case of a breakdown you would need to be able to run the heat periodically to keep warm.  

Try to remember to fill up during the day when it is generally warmer and keep a pair of gloves and a scarf in your car to shield you from the wind while you pump. The bottom line is it’s better to be safe than sorry, don’t forget to keep your tank filled up this winter!

Source: David Rizzo, Dr. Roadmap, Fuel Economy Expert