Does having a full tank use more fuel?

Question

Is keeping your tank half full a way to conserve fuel?

Answer 1

Yes you are correct ,a half tank is lighter and the vehical uses less.

Answer 2

I think whatever fuel you save from the lowering the weight of the car, is cancelled out by the more frequent stops you'll need to make to the gas station.  And note that driving with low fuel will result in quicker dirt residue collection/clog in your fuel system.  And that will cost money to fix.

Answer 3

A full tank of gasoline is a heavier load, and that will cost SOME extra usage of the gas to haul it around. Unless you plan to go on a long trip where you don't want to have to stop any more than necessary, carrying only 1/2 tank of gas or even less, according to how fast you use up 1/2 tank, for your normal runs around town COULD give you a couple of extra m.p.g. between refills -- DEPENDING ON HOW CONSERVATIVELY YOU DRIVE!!  How you drive is what the main consideration is, now that the price of gasoline is so unreasonably  high.

Answer 4

The extremely slight fuel mileage you might pick up by having less fuel

and weight would be more than offset by the cost of replacing your fuel pump when you burn it up by not having enough fuel in your tank to cool it. Gas cools the electric fuel pump located inside your gas tank.                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Answer 5

Yes, it sure does save gas(energy). Don't top off the gas tank, because when it's too full it tends to just spill out and you don't want that. A full tank of gas in your vehicle uses more fuel because it's heavier. Your vehicle carries that extra weight. You don't want your gas tank too close to empty either, because it also would waste gas. Your car wouldn't run as efficiently.

Answer 6

A full tank of fuel weighs more that half a tank of fuel.

You use more fuel moving the extra weight around.

I don;t think that there would be enough of a noticeable difference in efficiency using your car day to day, for it to be worth worrying about.

Answer 7

Maybe a little, but it's not worth it , by letting your tank get low you take the risk of getting the bottom gunk into your systems plus some vehicles use the gas for cooling the fuel pump.

If what you are saying is true, you can check it out. Check your mileage on 1/2 a tank by filling it then running to 1/2 tank. Check mileage. Then fill it again and run the tank down near the low end. If your theory is correct you would see better mileage the second time, neacuse the second half of the tank should get better mileage.

Answer 8

No keeping your tank full is easier on your car. If you tank is low the car has to suck it up much harder and that could mess up the fuel pump.

Answer 9

i dont think so

Answer 10

Yes, more fuel is more weight. If you want better gas mileage you could also tear out all the extra seats, the air conditioner, carpet, spare tire, go on a diet, etc. Personally I don't care enough about fuel economy to go to the gas station twice as much. It's more efficient to just learn how to drive more efficiently.

Answer 11

depending on the size of the tank i am sure it will have an effect....20 gallons of fuel weighs about 120 lbs thats 120lbs more weight the engine has to propel down the road....

Answer 12

It makes the car heavyier but as far as saving gas you'r splitting hairs.

Answer 13

it uses more fuel when full than it does when empty

no... seriously... erm, I wouldn't be too sure about that - if you thinhk about it, filling up every few miles must be less environmentally friendly than filling up every few 10 miles (or how ever many miles your car can run on with a full tank of petrol). Plus also, money wise it is probably best to fill the tank to the brim rather than fill it half way because then you need to pay tax twice to add up to one tank of fuel rather than paying once for one... if you get my meaning. And, as well as also, with the price of fuel at the moment, that bob note wil not want to come out of your bank if you're going to be spending that much on gas at the moment!