Never Wait Until the Fuel Light Comes On to Refuel! CPC Reveals the Harmful 'Car-Damaging, Costly' Taboos and 9 Car Maintenance Tips to Extend Vehicle Lifespan

When driving or riding on the road, checking tire pressure is essential—and so is checking fuel levels. Some people refill when the tank is half full, while others wait until the fuel warning light comes on. Which habit is correct?

Taiwan's CPC (Chinese Petroleum Corporation) warns that waiting until the fuel light illuminates to refuel may lead to fuel system clogs or fuel pump damage, potentially resulting in costly repairs.

Never wait until the fuel light comes on to refuel! CPC reveals the 'car-damaging, costly' taboo habits

Many people are accustomed to waiting until the fuel light turns on before filling up completely. However, this habit may degrade vehicle performance. The fuel pump relies on gasoline for cooling. When the fuel level is too low, the pump is exposed to air, causing it to overheat and shorten its lifespan. Additionally, Taiwan's humid climate means moist air entering the tank can condense due to temperature differences, leading to rust or fuel degradation.

Moreover, when the fuel level is very low, sediment at the bottom of the tank can be sucked into the fuel system by the pump, causing clogs or unstable engine operation.

So, at what fuel level should you refuel?

For most vehicles, when the fuel warning light comes on, the car can still travel approximately 50–60 kilometers, with about 5–8 liters of fuel remaining. However, since you'll need to search for a gas station, additional fuel will be consumed. Therefore, CPC recommends refueling when the fuel gauge reaches one-quarter full. This helps prevent vehicle damage caused by low fuel levels and extends the vehicle's lifespan.

Experts also advise that gasoline should not be stored in the tank for more than three months. Long-term storage causes gasoline to oxidize, forming insoluble gum that can clog the fuel system. If you know you won't be driving for an extended period, it's recommended not to fill the tank completely. Conversely, for daily drivers, refueling before returning home reduces the chance of the tank drawing in moist air during nighttime cooling, helping prevent tank corrosion.

CPC's 9 Car Maintenance Tips

1. Regularly clean or replace the air filter. 2. Maintain the combustion system regularly, ensuring fuel injectors (or carburetors) and spark plugs are clean and functional. 3. Change engine oil and filters regularly to ensure proper lubrication of engine components. 4. Use appropriate fuel to avoid engine damage or increased fuel consumption. 5. Do not overfill the tank—stop when the pump clicks off. Avoid opening the fuel cap while waiting to refuel to prevent fuel vapor evaporation and fuel loss. Also, avoid waiting until the tank is nearly empty to refuel, especially in humid Taiwan, to prevent moisture buildup and corrosion. 6. Maintain proper tire pressure to ensure fuel efficiency and traction. 7. Reduce unnecessary interior decorations and items to minimize vehicle load. 8. Minimize engine idling time between startup and departure. 9. Regularly inspect the engine cooling system to ensure the engine operates at optimal temperature.

Source: Chinese Petroleum Corporation (CPC) Responsible Editor: Lin Li