Quick Fix: Why can I never fill my gas tank completely full?

Hi, I’m Lauren Fix, longtime automotive journalist and a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers. Welcome back to “Quick Fix,” where I answer car-related questions you submit to me. Today’s question comes from Don in Longmont, Colorado.

Dear Lauren:

My 2008 Toyota Tundra has a 5.7 liter engine, and I bought it new in 2008. The specs say the gas tank is 26 gallons, however, I’ve never been able to put more than 22 gallons in it, even when the gas gauge reads empty or E.

Some have said Toyota does this on purpose to keep you from running out, or keep the fuel pump covered to keep it cool, or maybe the gauge is just off. What do you think?

I think you’re on the right track, Don. You do not want your car to run out of gas completely — and not just because you’ll be stuck somewhere.

Let’s get into it in the video below: