Why Running Your Tank Near Empty Is Better Than Keeping It Full

Ask any experienced driver about fuel tank habits, and you will hear the same warning. Never let your tank go below a quarter full. Never run it near empty. The reason, they explain, is sediment. Over time, dirt, rust, and other debris settle at the bottom of the fuel tank. If you run the tank low, the fuel pump will suck up this sediment and carry it into your engine, clogging injectors, damaging valves, and causing expensive repairs. This warning is repeated with absolute certainty by mechanics, relatives, and internet forums. It is almost completely wrong for any car built in the last thirty years.