Gas math

Some people have noticed that I always seem to be running low on gas. They also mock me because I have run out of gas on a few occasions, although I still maintain that this most recent time in Montana was not my fault... I was an innocent passenger in the out-of-gas-vehicle.

But it has become clear that people want to know why I insist on running my fuel tank to empty. In fact, when my digital read out says "0 Miles to Empty" I will often let the car go for another 10-15 miles. There is a simple and thoughtful answer to this question and it can be answered with something I call, "gas math."

I have noticed that most people feel the proper time to fill up their gas tank is when it is around one quarter full. This means every fifth stop for gas will be a complete waste of time. It is true, you had four quarter tanks which you neglected - they would have kept you running for many miles. Well, if a driver like me fills up their tank 5 times a month, that would mean around 7 minutes wasted a month or about an hour and a half over the course of a year.

Now, I do recognize that the downside to this equation is that you increase your chances of running out of gas. I have been driving with this philosophy for 10 years and I have run out of gas 2 times, heck, I will even throw in this most recent time (that was not my fault), 3 times. Total time wasted due to inoperable vehicle: 160 minutes. Time saved by not going to gas station when tank is a quarter full: 840 minutes. Net time saved: 11 hours and 20 minutes.