Dear Tom and Ray:

I've heard from many different sources that it is unhealthy for a car to be low on gas often. Allegedly, it puts wear and tear on the engine if you always let it get to "empty" before refilling the tank. What's the story here? I'm dying to know if I should be visiting the gas station more often. -- Matt

Tom: Well, you probably should be visiting the gas pumps more often, Matt. It's not a big deal, but there are two pretty good reasons for filling up the tank when you get down to about a quarter full.

Ray: One is that on most cars, the electric fuel pump sits at the bottom of the gas tank. And the gasoline actually serves as the pump's coolant. So if you drive around with the needle on "E," you're allowing the fuel pump to run hotter than it should, and potentially shortening its life.

Tom: But the more important reason for not driving around on "E" is so you don't run out of gas. Think about it, Matt. One three-mile hike back down the highway with a gas can in your hand is going to take more time than all of the extra gas-station stops you'll make combined if you fill up a bit sooner.

Ray: And last time I checked, the breakdown lanes didn't have vending machines, complimentary restrooms or those nice covered awnings for when it's raining.

Auto repairs can be costly! Save money by ordering Tom and Ray's pamphlet "Ten Ways You May Be Ruining Your Car Without Even Knowing It!" To order, send (check or money order) to Ruin, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. You can also order online.

© 1998 by Tom and Ray Magliozzi and Doug Berman Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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