What is my fuel tank made of?
Understanding the materials used in your vehicle's fuel tank is essential for car maintenance and safety. Fuel tanks are designed to withstand various conditions, including exposure to fuel, temperature changes, and physical impacts. In this article, we will explore the common materials used in fuel tank construction and their benefits.
Common Materials Used in Fuel Tanks
Fuel tanks are primarily made from two types of materials: plastic and metal. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages.
- Plastic: Most modern vehicles use high-density polyethylene (HDPE) for their fuel tanks. This material is lightweight, resistant to corrosion, and can be molded into complex shapes, allowing for better design flexibility. Additionally, plastic tanks are less prone to rust and can absorb impacts better than metal tanks.
- Metal: Traditionally, fuel tanks were made from steel or aluminum. Metal tanks are durable and can withstand high pressures, but they are heavier and more susceptible to corrosion over time. To combat this, metal tanks are often coated with protective layers to prevent rusting.
Factors Influencing Material Choice
The choice of material for a fuel tank depends on several factors:
- Vehicle Design: Manufacturers consider the overall design and weight distribution of the vehicle when selecting fuel tank materials.
- Cost: Plastic tanks are generally cheaper to produce than metal tanks, influencing manufacturers to opt for them in many cases.
- Environmental Impact: With increasing focus on sustainability, manufacturers are also considering the recyclability of materials used in fuel tanks.
Conclusion
In summary, your vehicle's fuel tank is likely made from either plastic or metal, each offering unique benefits. Understanding these materials can help you appreciate the engineering behind your vehicle and the importance of regular maintenance to ensure safety and performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know what type of fuel I have?
Look for a sticker
These are often found on the car key, dashboard or fuel gauge. If you can't find it, try opening the fuel cap cover, as there may be a sticker on the inside of the cap. Messages on these stickers are usually very straightforward and will read something like 'Unleaded Gas Only' or 'Diesel Only'.
What are the problems when a fuel tank is made from metal?
While steel is virtually indestructible in normal conditions, continued exposure to the elements introduces problems. The surface of a fuel tank can corrode, especially when it comes into contact with water for extended periods of time.
What are the two types of fuel tanks?
Metal (steel or aluminium) fuel tanks are usually built by welding stamped sheetmetal parts together. Plastic fuel tanks usually built using blow molding, which allows more complex shapes to be used.
What are old fuel tanks made of?
steel
Before 1990, most car gas tanks were made of steel. By 1996 plastic had replaced steel in one out of four fuel tanks manufactured in North America.
How do I know what fuel tank I have?
Typically the owner's manual provides a reasonable estimate of your vehicle's fuel tank capacity. Some manufacturers estimate that the capacity of a fuel tank may vary by as much as three percent from the actual tank capacity.
What kind of plastic is my fuel tank?
Typically, plastic fuel tanks are made from these five different materials: high density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), regrind plastic (recycled polyethylene), a plastic adhesive or ethyl vinyl alcohol (EVOH). These storage tanks can be formed by rational molding or blow molding processes.
Can a plastic fuel tank be repaired?
Permatex's Plastic Tank Repair Kit contains everything required for making a professional-quality permanent repairs in just minutes. These state-of-the-art components and easy-to-follow instructions with photographs and can be used to repair all types of plastic tanks.
What material is a fuel tank made of?
Automotive fuel tanks
The most common materials for fuel tanks are metal or plastic. Metal (steel or aluminium) fuel tanks are usually built by welding stamped sheetmetal parts together. Plastic fuel tanks usually built using blow molding, which allows more complex shapes to be used.
Are fuel tanks metal or plastic?
Tanks will come in various materials, including plastic and steel. Both materials offer different benefits and drawbacks, and it is important to understand the differences between them to determine which type of tank is right for your needs.
What material are car fuel tanks made of?
North American auto manufacturers are currently supplied with tanks comprising a steel substrate coated with either terne or zinc-nickel. In all, about 125,191 tonnes of steel substrate per year are applied to gas tanks.
