Why Keep Your Gas Tank Above Half In Winter?
Everyone always asks me how much gas I have in my tank in the Winter, why don't they ask me in the Summer?
There's a reason, water. Gas has chemicals in it that burn, so why shouldn't it start in the Winter, Gas doesn't freeze, does it? No, but water does. So, how does water get into the tank?
The CBC says that water can get into your tank through condensation. When the gas gets low, then it can get condensation from the air being warm because your car warms up. When it gets warm or hot in the gas tank, then it gets condensation, then that freezes and gets into the gas.
The CBC says then the water in the gas gets into the fuel line and then the fuel line freezes and then it slows the flow of gas to the engine or even stops the flow to the engine, then your car won't start because it is not getting enough gas and runs your battery down and then it's dean and you aren't going anywhere.
Kaltire says gasoline doesn't freeze as easily without getting water in it. If you keep your tank above half, you stop the chances of your tank getting condensation or any water in it. When there is more gas in the fuel lines they can handle the cold and get enough gas through the lines and into the engine. Also, they add, when it gets low there is a lot of dirt in the gas, and that doesn't help either.
However, Kaltire says if you filled your tank before the deep freeze and it still doesn't start, then it may have something to do with your antifreeze levels. Your radiator needs water and antifreeze to help keep the water liquid in cold temps.