Can You Really Save Money By Pumping Gas At Night?
Have you ever heard that gasoline (like other liquids) expands when it warms up? When gasoline is cooler it is more condensed (a gallon of cold gas weighs more than a gallon of hot gas) so in effect you get slightly more gas per liquid gallon if the fuel is cold. In Canada and Hawaii, gas pumps are specially calibrated to compensate for fuel expansion due to temperature, but not so in the rest of the United States.
According to ConsumerWatchdog.org, gasoline expands at a rate of 0.069 percent per degree fahrenheit. Translated, if you buy 10 gallons, and the gas is 10 degrees cooler and costs 4 dollars per gallon, you will save about 27 cents on your 10 gallon purchase.
Still with me? Good... now heres the problem. When its 100 degrees out and you jump into a swimming pool, is the pool water also 100 degrees? Of course not. Every material has a different rate at which it absorbs heat energy. In addition, fuel tanks in gas stations are underground, insulating them pretty well from surface air temperatures and the sun. On a large scale, a few degrees can make a big difference in profits for oil companies... otherwise, why would certain places bother to calibrate gas pumps? But in your own personal tankful of gas, well... lets just say that if you consistently fill up when its cooler, you could save a little bit of money in the long run.
On a related note, since I got a tuneup and had my rusted out old exhaust system replaced, I notice that my gas mileage is a heck of a lot better. Now that makes a noticeable difference... but taking the bus or walking costs even less.
9 words of wisdom and smart remarks:
I've heard that before (about the gassing up at night thing). I think you're correct though, it's not going to make much difference, if any, due to the factors you stated. I've been running light errands on my bicycle the last couple of weeks. I doubt I've saved a lot on gas, but it's good exercise and good for the environment. Oh and FIRST POST...WOO HOO!! ;^P
Interesting science and math in the post. I'm truly impressed.
But I don't drive. So theres that.
Badside - yay, first post! :D
Good for you, riding your bicycle! I wish a lot more people did that.
Orhan - thanks. Google makes me appear 53 percent smarter than I really am. Hee-hee!
Anne
Well considered and written post.
My car got broken into and I've had a cool looking black chevey colorado rental truck for the past few days. I really notice the diiference in gas consumption though. I think my little civic gets about 10 MPG more, but it's been fun to drive that truck. People have said it looks more like "me."
Well considered and written post.
My car got broken into and I've had a cool looking black chevey colorado rental truck for the past few days. I really notice the diiference in gas consumption though. I think my little civic gets about 10 MPG more, but it's been fun to drive that truck. People have said it looks more like "me."
Anabel - aw, it sucks that your car was broken into. When my car was stolen last year (I got it back, minus some parts) the worst thing about it was realizing how little some people care about others.
Nice that you got a cool rental truck though. I can see how that might suit you... except for the unfortunate low gas mileage thing. I could picture you on a scooter or a small motorcycle too, and those get great gas mileage.
Anne
Oh no way? I am doing great hardly any pain these days :)
Kaylee - oh, YES way. You have no idea how full of weird trivia facts I am. :D
I'm so glad to hear you're feeling better. YAY!
Anne
Testing... Testing
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