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> I'm increasingly convinced this is a generational thing

Begs the question, what generation are you part of then?

I'm millennial I guess (born early 90s), and I also try to keep my tank somewhat topped up in case I have to go somewhere quickly were I wouldn't have time to hunt down a gas-station to refill at on the way.

I wouldn't flip out if it wasn't though, and plenty of times my tank been close to empty before taking my ass to a gas-station, just the general idea to keep the tank somewhat non-empty.



> what generation are you part of then?

Millenial, too. The generations I observed this in are X to Boomer. What I'm getting at is the anxiety part of tank/range anxiety more than the behaviour. Like, if we're going to the supermarket (2 miles away), are on a time budget, the car has 50+ miles of gas in it, and there are multiple stations a mile away, filling up isn't a priority.


There are, however, reasons why allowing the tank to drop near empty is problematic completely independent of range anxiety.

Cold weather can freeze condensation in the tank. A dirty tank can clog up the gas filter.


> Cold weather can freeze condensation in the tank. A dirty tank can clog up the gas filter

I didn't think of this. These undoubtedly plague older cars, and cars that were parked outside overnight, both of which someone older will have experienced more.




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