DENVER (KDVR) — A common winter belief is that drivers should have at least half a tank of gas in their cars so the gas doesn’t freeze — but that’s not exactly true.
There are several myths when it comes to driving in the winter. Between all drivers pumping their brakes on ice to letting newer cars warm up. One of those well-known myths is that gas freezes if there isn’t enough in the tank. While it’s the right idea, there’s more to it.
Did you know? These winter driving ‘tips’ are outdated and unnecessary
As the saying goes, drivers should make sure they have at least half a tank to make sure their gas doesn’t freeze. However, according to Skyler McKinley from AAA, gas can’t freeze unless it’s well below freezing. Gas can’t freeze until temperatures hit 50 degrees below zero, so there won’t be a block of gas in your car if it’s not filled up.
However, McKinley said it is important to keep more gas in the tank in the winter, as the gas tank itself can freeze. McKinley said it’s important to keep gas in the tank to minimize space for water condensate to form, which could enter your fuel line and freeze. This could prevent your vehicle from starting and damage the fuel line.
Denver’s high altitude helps save gas, but drivers may not notice
“The more gas in your tank, the less likelihood that condensate will have a place to form,” said McKinley…