Final answer:
After filling your tank with gas, consider the effects of thermal expansion and the reliability of your fuel gauge, especially in warm weather. Avoid overfilling to prevent spills, and be wary of the gauge's accuracy at different temperatures. Always confirm the correct fuel type before filling up a borrowed vehicle.
Step-by-step explanation:
After filling your tank up with gas, it is important to be aware of the effects of thermal expansion on both the fuel and the tank. This phenomenon means that during warmer temperatures, the gasoline in your tank will expand more than the steel tank itself, potentially causing overflow or problems with the accuracy of your gasoline gauge. Therefore, it's wise not to fill the tank to the very top on hot days to avoid spills from expansion as both the steel tank and gasoline adjust to air temperature.
Additionally, temperature variation impacts the interpretation of your fuel gauge. For example, in hot weather, the gasoline within the tank expands, creating the illusion of more volume but with less mass. This can lead drivers to overestimate the remaining miles they can travel when their gauge reads "empty", especially if they are accustomed to driving a certain distance on 'empty' during colder seasons. Hence, it's crucial to keep in mind that the gauge might not be as reliable in the summer.
As a general strategy, whether the gas prices are high or not, maintaining an awareness of your vehicle's fuel requirements and regularly checking your fuel gauge can prevent unexpected stops or potential damage to your vehicle from using incorrect fuel types. Taking a guess at the type of fuel required by a borrowed car is risky; it's safer to confirm the correct fuel type before filling the tank.