I don't understand why people are defensive about topping off the fuel. In my opinion, when it stops as it's "full" it is done. What difference is that .02 gallons of gas going to do, especially if some of it is going down the overflow tube. These are not the gas pumps of years gone, nor are the cars the same. You shouldn't need to top off any car these days.

 

Well, I didn't know of anyone who was 'defensive' about wanting to top off. I actually agree with those that recomend against trying to squeeze every drop of fuel in, because you can get spillage, or expansion can cause it to overflow out the vent when parked, even with the gas cap back in place. But for my own purposes, the auto shutoff is typically leaving me about 0.5 to 1.5 gallons short, and I happen to both preffer to get a full tank for effeciency purposes, and am also capable of avoiding a spillover by listening and not pushing it too far.

My own position is pretty simple, and involves three points:

1) You ought to be ABLE to top off to a full tank, and/or to run to nearly empty without getting a malfunction. Period. I am not saying you ought to do either one, but I am sure saying it ought to be possible.

2) To design a car that will not allow #1 above, without giving an error or breakage, is ridiculous, and is simply unacceptable.

3) Finally, to espouse a modification of all owner's behavour based on susperstition, old information, and/or trying to adapt to a flawed design seems silly to me.

How you treat your own car is certainly your own business. But it seems to get to a point of nuttiness when the unhealthy combination of personal ritual, out of date information, and fear are sold to newcomers as if it is the gospel. My own 'mission' is nothing other than to 1) Share and obtain valid information, 2) have people think for themselves instead of acting like sheep.

For example, there are people who were claiming you need to leave the car turned on while fueling so that the fuel pump moves the fuel to fill both tanks. Now, that is just dangerous, as well as obviously incorrect.

That's what I'd like to avoid.

[edited to add the following]

In the interest of accuracy and full disclosure, here is the guidance from the owner's manual, which does indeed caution against 'topping off' (undefined). It does, however, seem focused on the hazard of spillage, and does NOT state that your car will break or that the fuel gauge will stop operating:

Be careful not to spill fuel. Do not top off or overfill the
tank and wait a few seconds after you have finished
pumping before removing the nozzle.