The only time I really paid attention was on the 420 miles from Lee Travel Plaza in MA to the first Kwik Fill in PA. I wanted to see if I could make it across the great (ridiculously expensive) state of New York on I-90. Average speed was 10 mph over the speed limit and fuel economy average was, if I remember correctly, 42-45mpg. When I pulled into the Kwik Fill I had about 10 miles left on the Range screen but the pump only put in 9.8 or so gallons when it clicked. My wife had a scowl, however, when I told her what I was doing.
JP
__________________
2010 Insight EX Crystal Black Pearl
2002 Yamaha Vino Classic
When traveling with others, I frequently get the "What do you mean, The fuel light is on AND there are zero bars on the fuel gauge?!" scowl from people as I drive into my final gallon. Some people complain when I'm at a quarter tank and tell me, "...but what if the fuel gauge is wrong and you are really almost empty right now?" They've got no clue how far these cars really go on a 1/4 tank.
When traveling with others, I frequently get the "What do you mean, The fuel light is on AND there are zero bars on the fuel gauge?!" scowl from people as I drive into my final gallon. Some people complain when I'm at a quarter tank and tell me, "...but what if the fuel gauge is wrong and you are really almost empty right now?" They've got no clue how far these cars really go on a 1/4 tank.
Lucky us. Don't try that with an old Ford or Chevy Z28 from the 80's.
When traveling with others, I frequently get the "What do you mean, The fuel light is on AND there are zero bars on the fuel gauge?!" scowl from people as I drive into my final gallon. Some people complain when I'm at a quarter tank and tell me, "...but what if the fuel gauge is wrong and you are really almost empty right now?" They've got no clue how far these cars really go on a 1/4 tank.
It's not good to run the tank dry very often because that may be hard on the in-tank electric fuel pump, which apparently relies on fuel for cooling. When trying to stretch a tank to see how far you can go, you can get a 1-gallon plastic gas tank, fill it with gas, and bring it along so you can pop it into the tank if you run dry. Or you can even pop it into the tank BEFORE you run dry and then add 1 gallon to the amount you pumped for your refill.
My Insight-I's gauge has been accurate. When I went for a personal tank record a couple of years ago, I went a ways after the last pip disappeared from the gauge. The refill (to the first click of the nozzle) was 10.3 gal. The advertised tank capacity is 10.7. But I don't normally run it quite that low.
__________________
2006 MT
MIMA w/FAS module
various mods to driver
It's not good to run the tank dry very often because that may be hard on the in-tank electric fuel pump, which apparently relies on fuel for cooling. When trying to stretch a tank to see how far you can go, you can get a 1-gallon plastic gas tank, fill it with gas, and bring it along so you can pop it into the tank if you run dry. Or you can even pop it into the tank BEFORE you run dry and then add 1 gallon to the amount you pumped for your refill.
My Insight-I's gauge has been accurate. When I went for a personal tank record a couple of years ago, I went a ways after the last pip disappeared from the gauge. The refill (to the first click of the nozzle) was 10.3 gal. The advertised tank capacity is 10.7. But I don't normally run it quite that low.
Every time I've ever tried bringing one of those tanks, the inside of my car always smells like gas no matter how tight I put the cap. Those are too unsafe to carry in a car.
Every time I've ever tried bringing one of those tanks, the inside of my car always smells like gas no matter how tight I put the cap. Those are too unsafe to carry in a car.
Mine didn't smell at all, maybe I was just lucky. I was an organic chemist so I have a good nose for different organic compounds.
I put my 1 gallon tank in the well in the back of the Insight-I hatch area (next to the actual gas tank as a matter of fact!). But if you feel these tanks are dangerous then don't do it. Mileage per tank really doesn't matter as much as mpg anyway.
__________________
2006 MT
MIMA w/FAS module
various mods to driver
Sorry in advance for the Gen I response for those of you Gen 2's who don't like hearing from us, I had my 1 gallon tank that I use for lawn mower gas, filled it up with fresh fuel so that I'm all set for lawn mowing season and it was a good chance to drive it a long way. The last bar disappeared on at 577 miles driving home from work, I drove it to 627.1 miles with the tank mileage on the FCD showing at 62 MPG, I thought the manual said 10.4 instead of 10.7, I'll have to double-check that when I get the chance. I filled it at 10.1 to the first click, 10.3 at the second click(which is where I usually stop), and shouldn't have gone to a third click as it shot out the spout and ran down the side of the car at 10.471 gallons.) Whoops! I'm not completely convinced about the 'gas cooling the pump' argument though. I took a look at the service manual, and just like the Prizm(which I've disassembled in the junkyard to verify), it looks like the fuel pump is top-mounted in the tank. Correct me if I'm wrong about that though as the factory service manual seems very vague with its pictures and documentation but it looks just the same, a top mounted pump with a feeder that lays on the bottom. If this is the case, I'd expect damage to the pump only upon complete tank depletion but even then, you'd notice when it sucks air and would likely stop right then.
Quote:
Originally Posted by red1dr
It's not good to run the tank dry very often because that may be hard on the in-tank electric fuel pump, which apparently relies on fuel for cooling. When trying to stretch a tank to see how far you can go, you can get a 1-gallon plastic gas tank, fill it with gas, and bring it along so you can pop it into the tank if you run dry. Or you can even pop it into the tank BEFORE you run dry and then add 1 gallon to the amount you pumped for your refill.
My Insight-I's gauge has been accurate. When I went for a personal tank record a couple of years ago, I went a ways after the last pip disappeared from the gauge. The refill (to the first click of the nozzle) was 10.3 gal. The advertised tank capacity is 10.7. But I don't normally run it quite that low.
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.