(Actual) Fuel Capacity - VW Golf TSi

[gonsped]

I noticed the fuel tank in the Golf is 55L. I couldn't help notice even before my fuel gauge needle goes to absolute empty, I can fill 60L - mind you this is 60L until I can see fuel almost coming out.

Another odd aspect I observed was between the pump first click and the fuel almost coming out is about 10L! Our Toyota's are usually 2-3L max.

My Q is - how empty can you go before you're really running on fumes?

On my old Toyota, as soon as the needle hits E, there is easily another 150km left + few L left.

I do 1,000km a week so an extra 10L is at least a day's return trip.

[Corey_R]

In everything but the Golf R, it's 55L. However, you have vent space and the pipe up to the receptacle.

If you're putting in 60L if petrol
1) it's possible the pump is a little inaccurate
2) it's a cold day
3) you're probably spilling fuel out onto the ground via the overflow
4) you're in danger of damaging your car if you then simply drive home and park the car, especially if the weather then gets hotter.

Some people, especially with diesels, fill the tank past capacity and use up the venting space if they're about to do a very long trip. For everyone else, you should simply fill the tank to the first click and be done with it...

[Diesel_vert]

I noticed the fuel tank in the Golf is 55L. I couldn't help notice even before my fuel gauge needle goes to absolute empty, I can fill 60L - mind you this is 60L until I can see fuel almost coming out.

Another odd aspect I observed was between the pump first click and the fuel almost coming out is about 10L! Our Toyota's are usually 2-3L max.

The 55 litre* fuel tank is full when the (properly functioning) pump nozzle shuts off at the first click. After that, you are filling up the space provided for fuel expansion.

*60 litres for models equipped with 4MOTION.

My Q is - how empty can you go before you're really running on fumes?

Depends on how much fuel you put in, ha.

When the needle reaches the red area (called the "reserve" section) the fuel warning light should come on, which indicates there is approximately 7 litres** remaining or less.

**8 litres for models equipped with 4MOTION.


In any case, the owner's manual advises against letting the fuel tank run completely empty, or continuing to refill after the first click.

[walbjj]

i put 47l in today and my "refuel light" was on and was reading 45km to go. hmmmmm

[Corey_R]

i put 47l in today and my "refuel light" was on and was reading 45km to go. hmmmmm

Yep... 47 + 7 = 54L, so that's practically exactly what you should normally be putting in the tank on a regular refill

[gonsped]

Thanks guys. I can tell you its 'very' slow to fill it right to the brim, especially the last 3L or so. The fuel foams out like its about to overflow, then disappears and this just keeps going on and on every couple of seconds.

I initially thought if the fuel was spilling somewhere else but it would not have made sense - but 10L of vent space is pretty darn big for a pipe that size.

I wanted to get a baseline on my fuel consumption just to see how my mileage compares to the ol' Toyota =D

[Corey_R]

Filling to the first click should be your baseline...

[Diesel_vert]

Thanks guys. I can tell you its 'very' slow to fill it right to the brim, especially the last 3L or so. The fuel foams out like its about to overflow, then disappears and this just keeps going on and on every couple of seconds.

I initially thought if the fuel was spilling somewhere else but it would not have made sense - but 10L of vent space is pretty darn big for a pipe that size.

I wanted to get a baseline on my fuel consumption just to see how my mileage compares to the ol' Toyota =D

You don't need to know fuel capacity if you just want to calculate fuel consumption...

Fuel consumption (l/100km) = fuel put into tank (l) / distance travelled (km) x 100



However, you do need to know fuel capacity if you want to calculate the range...

Range (km) = fuel capacity (l) / fuel consumption (l/100km) x 100

[gonsped]

I am aware of the calculation, but I don't trust the fuel pumps on accuracy when it clicks stop.

If I fill to the brim, then do a full tank of driving, fill to the brim again, I can be assured the mileage calculation would be accurate.

[Corey_R]

And also waste fuel and damage your tank in the process...