The best time to fill your car with gas is generally first thing in the morning.
Why Fill Up in the Morning?
According to experts, filling your tank early in the day can be beneficial because of how gasoline is stored and its physical properties.
- Gasoline is stored in underground tanks at service stations.
- Like most matter, gasoline expands when it gets warmer and becomes denser when it is cool.
- Filling up when the gasoline is cooler (typically first thing in the morning before the day heats up) means you might get a slightly denser product per gallon compared to later in the day when it's warmer and potentially less dense.
While the difference might be minimal for a single fill-up, consistently buying fuel when it's cooler could theoretically add up over time.
Factors to Consider
While the time of day is a factor, practical considerations also play a role in when to fill your car:
- Fuel Level: Don't wait until your tank is completely empty. Running the tank very low can potentially put strain on your fuel pump.
- Convenience: Sometimes, filling up when it's most convenient is the most practical approach, even if it's not early morning.
- Price: Monitoring gas prices in your area can help you find the most economical time to fill up, regardless of the time of day.
Summary: Best Time to Fill Up
| Recommendation | Reasoning (Based on Reference) |
|---|---|
| First Thing in the Morning | Gasoline is cooler and denser when stored underground overnight. |
By aiming to fill up in the morning, you leverage the temperature difference that affects fuel density.
