How do you fill up? (MPG, mileage, gas, cost)

[CHICAGOLAND92]

I didn't really start paying attention to this until gas reached over $4 a gallon by me.

When I drive with my grandfather.. I notices he ALWAYS fills the car up to the top, no matter how much money it costs.

I on the other hand only put $10 or $20 in at a time, so I'll have more money to spend elsewhere, but I never let my car get below a quarter tank.

How do you fill up your car? Do you fill it up the whole way, only enough to get where you're going, or do you have a different method?

[mbuszu]

I always fill up to the top and I consciously drive a bit beyond when the low-fuel warning light comes on. I do this because I know that pumping gas isn't good for one's health (fuel fumes, skin contact) and I want to expose myself to it only as much as I have to.

[M3 Mitch]

I always fill up because it's going to cost what it's going to cost, decent job so can fill up a VW Scirocco(!) and if you don't fill up all the way you can't calculate MPG. If you don't log your MPG you won't spot problems while they are small and cheap to fix.

Keeping the gas tank full means the car is ready to go to the end of it's range in case of an emergency, without stopping for gas. Also minimizes moisture condensation in the gas tank in humid areas.

[JoshB]

I remember in high school a few years ago we would put in 6-8 dollars in my buddys jeep at a time. We figured that I-6 would get the optimum gas mileage with that little bit of weight of gas in the tank. I on the other hand used to put 10-20 dollars in at a time. My dad and younger brother still do $10.00 at a time. I don't know why? I always just fill up. I look at this way. I only have to fill up once every 2 weeks or so.

[Samrai309]

Fortunately I do not have to drive my car to work frequently but this past week I had to do the trip a few times. Round trip is about 60 miles so when I was in town where i work, gas is cheaper, I had a half tank fo I topped it off. (I guess its not really topping off when its a half a tank full). But then a few days later I was at half a tank again and was topping it off again. So each top off was lets say about 20-22 bucks. Thats $40+ in a few days and it annoyed me. Since I pretty much fill up all the way whenever I gas up I did not see the incentive to add a few gallons here and there. It does not make the pain at the pump any less bearable. I usually let it get to around 1/4 or just above adn then I go fill up.

[SandyCo]

Originally Posted by JoshB

My dad and younger brother still do $10.00 at a time.

Really?? That only gives them 2 1/2 gallons of gas at today's prices!

I fill it up completely every time. I've never spent over $39.00, but I'm sure that will change the next time it's resting on Empty! Still, it's good to have a Toyota Corolla.

[Bummer]

Might just as well FILL 'ER UP TO THE TOP . . .

It's only gonna cost more tomorrow! ! ! ! !

[tortoisegirl]

I hate putting gas in the car. My ideal option would be for someone else to fill the car up! My fiance does it whenever we're out together. I still pay though. =)

I'll definitely fill it up all the way. No use having to go more than once every week or two. I calculated mpg for the first couple years I owned my car, then got sick of it.

[Fleet]

I wait until my cars are at 1/4 or less, then put in $25.00 worth. It used to be $20 until the price passed $3.50/gallon.

[JFRRACING]

I run mine on E or 1/4. it seems to get more mileage not carring around all that weight. i only put 10 or 15 bucks in at a time.