Anyone noticed this before ???

[Jay Kincannon]

Most of the time when I get gas, I only put in $15 to $20 cash, which is about 5 to 7 gallons. Today I did not have any cash, so I used my credit card and filled it up to 12.3 gallons. Guess what happened. My car handled like crap. The extra weight of the gas in the rear made a noticeable difference in rear shocks, side to side movement, and front push. I even noticed a change in braking. So I guess I will never do that again for city driving.

[inyong1988]

not really

[mattsbobo]

I always fill it up. Maybe it's just OCD on your part (just kidding)

[RJJensen]

thats about a 40 lb diff...dont think that you could notice that..check ur tire press

[jric1308]

no no, i agree. theres a definate change in handling. I always fill up and after i do my handling reduces, but not as drastically as you say. you need more time to brake and doing corners at fast speeds is a PITA. I definatley know where your coming from. I feel it, but it doesnt bother me so much because most of my time spent on the roads is from commuting.

[CHALO]

Originally Posted by RJJensen

thats about a 40 lb diff...dont think that you could notice that..check ur tire press

+1

[jric1308]

tire pressure is fine. i pamper my baby, so its all checked and doing great.

[RJJensen]

so when u hav a passenger in the car (200 lbs.) or maybe a bag of groceries in the back seat u notice the diff too??

[jric1308]

I don't do grocery shopping, the lady enjoys that too much...she never lets me go. with a passanger, the car obviously is harder to push. buts its not the same as fuel. the passenger is static ( he/she wont move). the fuel on the other hand is very fluid. so when you hit those corners or step on the brake, the fluid will go to that side, pushing the additional 40lbs or so onto one side , or push to the front when braking, almost instantaneously causeing a difference in handling. its like having a car on the edge of a cliff. if a wtaer cooler bottle rolls to the side, you're done for. even tho its only 40 lbs or so, it makes a huge difference in the wieght distribution of the car.
thats my 0.02 cents

[Jay Kincannon]

Also a passenger is at the midpoint of the car, just like the driver, in between the front and rear axle. Therefore, the effect is of this weight is neutral. As for the gas, it is not a solid object but a moving mass. I'm not into fluid dynamics, but I'm sure the 40 pounds moving creates some sort of influence on the side to side and front to rear reaction to the cars handling. Did think this thread would get technical. Sorry guys !!!

[jric1308]

[drahgon]

Originally Posted by RJJensen

so when u hav a passenger in the car (200 lbs.) or maybe a bag of groceries in the back seat u notice the diff too??

well, i had 6 people (including myself) in the car a couple weekends ago, definitely noticed the extra weight then!

[Andrei'sCivic]

Yeah....... I noticed the car feels a little slower, but it also feels a little more planted in the rear with the extra weight from the gas. I think you are exaggerating.

[hondasi006]

what i normally do is take my fat ass out of the car when i fill up , it evens out just a lil

[RedLineSi]

I almost always put 15-20$ too. Since I currently have a 99EX i can definitely feel the extra weight.

[illusionstwice]

Originally Posted by mattsbobo

I always fill it up. Maybe it's just OCD on your part (just kidding)

Except im not kidding


lol

[hondasi006]

Originally Posted by illusionstwice

Except im not kidding


lol

i always fill mine up, makes no sense to fill up half way and make another stop, unless you got no money

[Exeon]

I always fill up full, never noticed a difference. But when I have 2 or more people i can feel the slowness and have to floor the pedal. (LX)

[jric1308]

maybe u dont brake and take turns as hard as us

[Kurt]

I can't remember the last time I filled up my tank.. I usually always have half tank or less