Viral Again, Is It True That Fuel Content in the Morning is Beneficial?
YOGYAKARTA - Is the fuel content in the morning really beneficial? This question is again widely discussed in line with the recent increase in fuel prices. This makes many drivers believe that the trick can save their daily expenses.
This assumption arises because the cold temperature in the morning is believed to make fuel more dense. However, is the claim really scientifically proven? Check out the complete explanation below.
Is it true that the fuel content in the morning is beneficial?The logic behind this myth is actually simple. The colder a liquid, the denser its content, including gasoline. Many people believe that filling fuel when the air is still cold will give more volume for the same price.
This assumption has been circulating for quite some time, even in various countries. Unfortunately, this theory is not necessarily exactly as most people imagine.
Scientific Facts Behind Fuel Temperature and VolumeQuoted from the Consumer Reports website, here are some interesting facts behind the fuel you buy:
Fuel Expansion PropertiesPhysically, gasoline can expand when the temperature rises and shrink when the temperature drops. Consumer Reports research notes that a temperature increase from around 15°C to 24°C only adds about one percent to the volume of gasoline, while its energy content remains the same. This figure is relatively small to affect your daily spending.
The role of the SPBU Storage TankThe determining factor is actually not the air temperature, but rather how the gas station stores its fuel. The fuel tank at most gas stations is buried deep underground so that the temperature tends to be stable throughout the day. This condition makes the temperature difference between morning and afternoon almost have no effect on the gasoline coming out of the nozzle.
Expert Says and Consumer Reports Test ResultsErie Insurance explained that the fuel temperature-density theory does apply to the physics of liquids. However, this logic is difficult to apply to fuel filling practices because underground storage tanks keep the temperature consistent all the time.
Consumer Reports even conducted a direct test at their testing facility. The result, the temperature of the gasoline in the underground tank remained stable even though the air temperature changed significantly between morning and afternoon. The difference in the recorded volume only had an impact of a few cents, far from being significant.
Read also: What is B50 Fuel which is claimed to be able to make Indonesia save fossil oil?
The trial also found something interesting. The first few liters that came out of the nozzle were actually warmer because they had been exposed to the sun in the dispenser pipe, not because of the filling time.
This means that the determining factor is not morning or afternoon, but how long the gasoline "stays" in the pipe before being pumped.
Other Factors that are More InfluentialInstead of setting a morning wake-up schedule to chase this fuel myth, there is a much more effective way. Pay attention to your driving style, tire pressure, and engine condition regularly. All three are proven to have a greater impact on fuel efficiency than filling time.
In addition, don't wait for the tank to be completely empty before refilling. This habit is at risk of damaging the fuel pump and fuel filter components in the long run.
Thus, the question of whether the contents of BBM in the morning are beneficial is only a conjecture that is not proven to be significant according to science and official trials. Follow up on interesting information about other automotive and lifestyle only at VOI.