The gas tank of the vehicle holds the fuel, which makes the car run. The fuel is propelled by the fuel pump. The gas tank can be made out of plastic high-density polyethylene, which can be made into complex shapes, save space, and can improve crash safety. The gas tank can also be made out of steel or aluminum, which is welded from stamped sheets. The material that makes up the gas tank depends on the make and model of the vehicle.
Types of Car Fuel
Gasoline is the most common type of fuel used in today’s vehicles. Gasoline allows for fast acceleration, quick starting, quiet operation, and easy combustion. Diesel is another type of fuel that is commonly used, although it tends to be in larger vehicles such as trucks. Diesel fuel vehicles have a 30 percent better fuel efficiency than gasoline vehicles. Ethanol is a bio-fuel that is made from corn, sugar cane, barley, or other natural products. Some cars can run on 100 percent ethanol, where other vehicles use it as an additive. Bio-diesel is made from palm oil, rapeseed, or sugar beet. Bio-diesel burns cleaner than gasoline and diesel fuel.
Choosing the Right Fuel for Your Car
Every vehicle comes with manufacturer's recommendations for the right type of fuel for your vehicle. It is important to know these as putting the wrong fuel in your gas tank can cause problems with your car and can be potentially dangerous. If you have a specialty vehicle or high-performance car, you may need high octane fuel in your gas tank.
Problems with the Gas Tank
One potential problem with the gas tank is while filling up, the pump shuts off every 10 seconds or so. If your gas tank is not full, and this is happening, there might be a problem with the on-board vapor recovery system. While the gas tank is being filled, the gas is vented through a carbon canister to capture fuel vapors. If this system is not working properly, the pump will turn itself off. In addition, gas tanks should be inspected by a mechanic regularly to check for rust, leaks, corrosion, and damaged seams.
The gas tank of your vehicle holds the fuel that makes your car run. There are different types of fuel so it is important to know which type your vehicle takes to have the optimal performance. If you suspect problems with your gas tank, consult the professionals at YourMechanic and have them inspect your gas tank for leaks and other issues.
