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Is it Better to Fill Up Your Gas Tank or Just Put in 50 Thousand? This is How to Save Money on Gas Without Worrying About Scams.

"The age-old question of whether to fill your gas tank to the brim or just put in a quick 50 thousand VND worth of gas has divided drivers for years. Is there a right way to fuel your car? We dive into the debate and explore the pros and cons of each method, offering insight into the optimal way to keep your tank topped up."

Administrator

13 May, 2024

Don’t Fill Your Gas Tank to the Top

In some cases, customers who ignore the advised amount and fill their tanks to the brim may end up paying more than the actual amount of gas dispensed.

An employee explains that with the “automatic nozzle” mechanism, when the gas level reaches the full mark and touches the tip of the nozzle, i.e., the safety threshold to prevent spillage, the pump will automatically shut off.

Once the gas has reached this threshold, if one tries to pump more to fill the tank completely, just before removing the nozzle, some gas will be sucked back and flow back into the storage tank.

This reverse suction action is to prevent the gas tank from being completely full, as there needs to be some space left for the gas to expand (due to temperature rise) along with excess gas vapor, ensuring safety for the vehicle and the driver. Hence, even though the gas pump meter keeps running, the actual amount of gas dispensed is less than the displayed indication.

In some cases, customers who fill their tanks beyond the advised amount may end up paying more than necessary.

Avoid Overfilling Your Tank

This doesn’t refer to spilling gas outside the tank but rather filling it beyond what is necessary for your usage, resulting in less efficient fuel consumption.

Ideally, you should fill up with just enough gas for your trip, as the lighter the vehicle, the more fuel-efficient it becomes.

Avoid Filling Up in the Morning

Gas can expand or contract depending on the temperature. In the morning, when it’s cooler, gas tends to contract after a long night. Hence, filling up early in the morning can be to your advantage.

Conversely, at the hottest point of the day, you may pay for 10 liters of gas but only get 9.1 to 9.3 liters in reality, with the rest being gas vapor. Therefore, consumers are advised to purchase gas in the morning when temperatures are still low. This way, you get more gas for the same amount of money compared to buying at noon or in the afternoon.

It’s also not advisable to fill up while the gas station’s tank is being refilled by the tanker truck. When the tanker pumps gas into the station’s tank at high pressure, the gas expands. As a result, you end up paying for gas vapor instead of actual liquid gas.

Avoid filling up while the gas station’s tank is being refilled by the tanker truck.

Fill Up with the Right Type and Volume of Gas

Using the correct type of gas can significantly improve your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Filling up with the wrong type of gas can lead to incomplete combustion, resulting in carbon deposits and increased fuel consumption.

Additionally, buying gas by volume, such as 1 liter or 2 liters, helps prevent “price jumping” and deters fraudulent practices.

Ask the Attendant to Reset the Meter to Zero

Although it may seem simple, many consumers overlook this step. Failing to reset the electronic meter to zero creates opportunities for gas scams.

Compare Purchases Over Time

You can compare the performance of your gas purchases by recording the number of liters and the distance traveled. Based on this data, you can choose the gas station that gives you the most confidence.