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Three Good
Reasons Not to Run Low on Gas
Are you one of those optimistic drivers who doesn't worry about
stopping for gas until the gas gauge needle is approaching “E”?
In cold weather that's inviting trouble, says the Car Care
Council. Condensation of moisture in the air in the gas tank
causes an accumulation of water. Because water is heavier than
gasoline, it settles to the bottom of the tank, entering the gas
line and eventually working its way to the lowest point in the
fuel system.
Once the moisture freezes, the fuel flow is blocked and the
engine may not start on a cold morning.
Most brands of gasoline are formulated to prevent freezing, says
the Council. Additional protection in the form of gas line
antifreeze, however, can prevent starting trouble in severe
cold. This methanol (methyl-alcohol) based product, found among
automotive chemicals on most auto supply shelves, mixes with
water to prevent freezing. The solution of gasoline, alcohol and
water is burned in the engine's combustion process.
Some premium brands of fuel antifreeze products contain
isopropanol, capable of absorbing five times its weight in
water.
Consider other reasons for not allowing the gas tank to drop too
far below half full. First, and most obvious, is the possibility
of running out of gas in an area where no service stations
available.
The other reason, less obvious, applies to fuel injected
vehicles on which the fuel pump is located inside the gas tank.
Cooled by the gasoline that surrounds it, the pump can be
damaged from overheating when fuel level is too low.
It costs no more to keep a tank at least half full and the
addition of fuel line antifreeze is a small price to pay for the
added protection it affords.
Beyond this, because a battery loses some of its output in cold
weather, be certain it's OK for another winter's use. Finally,
concludes the Council, make sure your engine has adequate
antifreeze/coolant protection and that the spark plugs and
ignition system components are up to the cold weather challenge,
it'll save you down the road.
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