It's not a bad idea to fuel often as we make our way through another McHenry winter.

You’re driving eastbound on Route 120 in July when you notice the light has come on warning that you’re low on fuel. So, you pull into your preferred McHenry gas station to refuel. No big deal, right?

Not so much in the summer. But, when winter comes to McHenry, it’s better that you never see that fuel light come on – that you never notice the fuel gauge nearing ‘E.’

In the winter, it’s a good idea to keep the fuel tank relatively full. This is because of the effect of the cold on your vehicle’s fuel system.

Keeping the gas tank full, or close to full, will help you avoid several potential problems. This includes:

• Avoiding freezing fuel lines: Gas from the gasoline helps to keep the fuel lines warm. But, when you let the level of fuel in the tank fall low, the fuel lines can freeze up. This can cause a blockage so that the fuel in the tank can’t get to the engine and do its thing.
• Resists condensation that can buildup in the tank: Condensation occurs after the weather is a little warmer, for instance, in the daytime. Then, when the temperature drops in the evening, condensation forms. As the moisture from the condensation mixes with your fuel, it can inhibit the proper performance of your engine.
• Prevents fuel from gelling in the fuel lines: The cold can cause additives in the fuel to thicken the fuel. The fuel may not move through the fuel lines as easily. When the tank is full, the additives are more diluted helping to avoid gelling.
• Limits the risk of rust in the fuel tank: When condensation does buildup in the fuel tank, the moisture can cause oxidation which, over time, can result in rust. Particles of rust can fall into the fuel and be carried along in the fuel lines where it can clog your fuel injectors.

Your fuel lines may not freeze on days when winter temperatures are moderate. But, what about those bitter-cold nights when the McHenry temperature drops precipitously below zero? Those are the most inconvenient nights to discover that your car won’t start. Keeping the fuel tank relatively full will help you to avoid those problems.