I know its not winter yet but Ive heard that gas can freeze inside a car if there isnt a lot of it when temperatures are very low. Has anyone experienced this with their prius? At what amount of fuel is this a problem?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SureValla @ Aug 12 2007, 07:06 AM) [snapback]494263[/snapback]</div> Nothing to worry about! A google search yeilded the following info. "The flash point of gasoline is about -97F, meaning that it will still burn at 97 degrees below zero. Most labs don't even have the ability to chill a sample down that far to find out! Even the -97F mark is going to vary, based on the additives in the sample. Of course, if there is any water mixed in with the fuel, it can still freeze at around 32F, but that may depend on if there are any alcohols mixed with the sample. Methyl alcohol is a common additive you can buy to help keep water in your gas tank from freezing at low temperatures."
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SureValla @ Aug 12 2007, 10:06 AM) [snapback]494263[/snapback]</div> The oil will turn to sludge before gasoline freezes. This is why vehicles are kept running in Northern Canada & Alaska where it is -35F. If it gets that cold in NY we will have bigger problems than not being able to start the car.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SureValla @ Aug 12 2007, 10:06 AM) [snapback]494263[/snapback]</div> Nonsense. The amount of gas in the tank has nothing to do with the freezing point. A less than full tank is more likely to have water condensation, and that will freeze. Perhaps this is what you are referring to. The Prius, however, uses a bladder in the tank, which eliminates the excess air and helps avoid condensation. Tom
