Still like to fill up your tank when the indicator light comes on? From now on, it's best to change that habit. Although it may seem trivial, filling up your tank when it's almost empty can cause serious problems with your vehicle, and even risk leaving you stranded on the side of the road.

This situation often occurs for classic reasons: being busy, lazy, or waiting until the tank is completely empty before going to the gas station. However, this habit can accelerate damage to your vehicle’s fuel system.

Serious Risks of Delaying Fueling

1. Fuel Pump Damage

In many modern vehicles, the fuel pump is located inside the fuel tank and must always be submerged to function optimally. If the fuel level is too low, the pump may not be fully submerged, especially when the vehicle is turning or maneuvering. The result? Fuel pressure may drop, engine performance may decrease, and over time, the pump may become damaged.

2. Fuel Filter Clogged with Debris

When the tank is nearly empty, sediment at the bottom of the tank can be sucked into the fuel filter. If left unchecked, the filter can become clogged, disrupting fuel flow to the engine. As a result, the vehicle may lose power and the engine may not perform at its best. For modern fuel-injected engines, stable fuel pressure is critical.

3. The Tank Can Rust

An empty tank means more air space. This can cause condensation, or the formation of water droplets inside the tank. If left unchecked, especially in metal tanks, this can lead to rust. The rust can eventually peel off and clog the filter, or worse, reduce the lifespan of the fuel tank.

Safety Tip: Fill Up When the Tank Is Still a Quarter Full

Don’t wait for the fuel indicator light to come on. Ideally, fill up when the fuel level is still a quarter of the tank. This not only maintains stable fuel pressure but also helps prolong the lifespan of the fuel system.

So, don’t wait until the tank is empty before heading to the gas station. Better safe than sorry, right?

Indonesia 🇮🇩

Jangan Biarkan Tangki Bensin Nyaris Kosong

Masih suka isi bensin saat lampu indikator sudah menyala? Mulai sekarang, sebaiknya ubah kebiasaan itu. Meski terlihat sepele, mengisi BBM saat tangki hampir kosong bisa memicu berbagai masalah serius pada kendaraan, bahkan berisiko bikin mobil mogok di tengah jalan.

Kondisi ini sering terjadi karena alasan klasik: sibuk, malas, atau menunggu tangki benar-benar kosong dulu baru ke SPBU. Padahal, kebiasaan ini bisa mempercepat kerusakan pada sistem bahan bakar mobil kamu.

Risiko Serius Jika Terlambat Isi Bensin

1. Pompa Bensin Bisa Rusak

Di banyak mobil modern, pompa bahan bakar berada di dalam tangki BBM dan harus selalu terendam agar bekerja optimal. Kalau BBM terlalu sedikit, pompa jadi nggak terendam penuh, apalagi saat mobil berbelok atau bermanuver. Efeknya? Tekanan bahan bakar bisa drop, performa mesin menurun, dan dalam jangka panjang pompa bisa rusak.

2. Filter Bensin Tersumbat Kotoran

Saat tangki hampir kosong, endapan kotoran di dasar tangki bisa tersedot ke filter bensin. Kalau dibiarkan, filter bisa tersumbat dan membuat aliran bensin ke mesin terganggu. Akibatnya, mobil jadi lemot dan mesin nggak bekerja maksimal. Untuk mesin injeksi modern, tekanan BBM yang stabil itu krusial.

3. Tangki Bisa Berkarat

Tangki kosong = lebih banyak ruang udara. Nah, ini bisa memicu kondensasi alias munculnya titik-titik air di dalam tangki. Kalau dibiarkan, apalagi pada tangki berbahan logam, bisa menimbulkan karat. Karat ini nantinya bisa mengelupas dan menyumbat filter, atau lebih parah, mengurangi usia tangki BBM.

Tips Aman: Isi BBM Saat Tangki Masih Seperempat

Jangan tunggu lampu indikator menyala. Idealnya, isi bensin saat sisa BBM tinggal seperempat tangki. Selain menjaga tekanan bahan bakar tetap stabil, cara ini juga bikin sistem bahan bakar lebih awet.

Jadi, jangan tunggu tangki kering baru ke pom bensin. Lebih baik mencegah daripada mogok di jalan, kan?