Hey Gary, Partner Paul said the heat of the day may make you get less gas also, don't know if this is true, Good info, Pam

Pam, I've heard that also, although I couldn't find any articles.

Good post Gary.  Yes, I've read several articles about saving gas, and yes you should fill up in the morning when the pumps are cool and so is your tank.  When both or either are hot, the gas expands in the tank and takes up more room, so when it looks like you are filled to the brim, there otherwise would be room for more.  The gas from the pump also expands, so as you pump it registers less actual gas than you are getting.

Terry Haugen - STAGE it RIGHT!

Terry,  thanks. I guess I'll have to research this.

That's news to me, Gary.  I'll have to ask around here.  Luckily my truck typically tops off around $55!  Wait, is that lucky or unlucky...

Jeff,  I would say you're lucky. When I purchased mine, a tank was less than $20.00, except July 4th weekend. Hybrid when it's paid off.

Terry, there was an article in todays paper explaining why less gas is delived to consumers during hot weather. Seems gas pumps are calibrated to deliver gas at 60 degrees F. If the temperature is higher, less fuel is pumped. Thanks for making me look

My Visa stopped at $50

My mastercard is supposed to stop at $75. Thankfully I haven't hit that bump stop yet. LOL

Tom, I'm sure it will only get worse. I remember when gas jumped to $2.00 a gallon. At that time, you could only put $35.00 on a credit card. Soon the limit will be $100.00

That's an interesting point, Gary, about the temp change.  I imagine the gas is not a dense at a higher temp so there's less volume pumped for a given meter reading?

Jeff, i'm still not sure, just going from the article. Since any gas or liquid cools when going from a high to a low pressure, the loss in your tank, may not be as great as the article implies. The loss of delivery by the pump might even be greater where the ground temperature is higher.

Gary

I've noticed the stickers on the pumps limiting credit card purchases for a while.

I was a the Meijer at 13 and Little Mack in Roseville yesterday, gas was 2.92, across the street at the Speedway it was 3.29 and believe it or not there were people at the pump. 

Great post, I will start using your suggestions.

Thanks for the post.  Like Terry, I'd also heard that pumping in the morning is slightly better as the fuel's density is greater the colder it is.

 John Slocum

Terry - Yeah price just went from $2.96 to $3.25 at some stations here. Glad I filled up in anticipation of upcoming holiday.

Alexander - Terry reported the same article in Florida this morning. I give her credit for being correct.

Very interesting, Gary.  Maybe this is one advantage to living in the cold Michigan climate!  :-)

Stefan,  In one of the articles Canadian dealers were in favor of calibrating pumps by temperature. They were loosing money dispensing too much fuel.

My feeling is I'm purchasing a gallon of fuel. That's what should be dispensed. 

Thanks Gary, I need all the help I can get with my Yukon. I get so frustrated, that I just tell myself that I just won't drive anywhere after my $75.00 is used up for the week.

James,  Most work is now from home, no showings during rush hour.  truck is definately going when it's paid off.

Just looked at the price ranges in Michigan 2.72 to 3.59 a gallon for regular. And people wonder why consumers shout gouging

http://michigangasprices.com/

I am kicking myself for not filling up when it was down below 2.70 last week. The speedway out by us on 59 was having a "sale". Now most are up at 3.25.

James, seriously wonder how they price fuel in Michigan after looking a fuel temperature map.

Another way to save is to get gas when it is cold. You actually save about .09 a gallon if you get gas when it is 50 degrees out vs it being 80 degrees out. Gas expands when it is hot and you get less at the pump for your money.

Todd,  Thanks, I've been trying to decrease driving during summer months after reading these articles and comments.