Debunking Car Myths: What Really Works and What Doesn’t

Myth: Fill Up Before It Gets Hot To Get More Gas

This myth suggests that filling up your gas tank in the cooler morning temperatures will get you more fuel since gas supposedly expands when it’s hot and contracts when it’s cold. The theory is technically correct, as fuel does expand with heat and condense with cold.

However, gas station tanks are stored underground, keeping fuel at a relatively stable temperature, unaffected by the daily highs and lows above ground. Even in the rare event that external temperatures impact underground tanks, any potential savings from filling up in cooler hours would only amount to a few cents. So, there’s no real benefit to adjusting your fuel-up schedule.