The gauge on top of your oil tank is pretty easy to find and read. It usually has a red or a yellow plastic disk that is covered by a clear plastic tube with levels such as FULL, ¾, ½, ¼, etc. Most gauges make use of a rigid metal rod attached to a float inside the oil tank. When the tank is full, the float rises and pushes up the disk to the top of the gauge. As the oil is consumed, the float falls accordingly and the gauge reading drops.
Just like in your car, the tank gauge measures the level of fuel remaining, NOT the number of liters you have left. For that reason, tank gauges are not particularly accurate. They are however a good approximation of how much oil you have in your tank and when you may need more.
Most gauges give an inaccurate reading and should only be used as a guide to determine oil levels. Sometimes we receive calls from customers concerned that they are on ‘Empty’ when in fact after filling the tank the true reading would have shown the level at ⅓ as gauges usually give a lower reading than what is actually in the tank.
The best way to determine whether your gauge is giving a false lower reading is to check the gauge on the day the tank is filled. Typically, after the tank is filled, the gauge will give a reading of ¾ or ⅞ when in fact it is full. This consideration should be given when the oil level falls to ¼ or ⅛ as there is most likely plenty more in the tank.
Myth: tapping on the side of the tank can determine oil level. Truth: the tank will sound the same whether it is full or empty!
If you feel you want your gauge checked for accuracy, we can provide that service; however, most Scotia Fuels customers go on automatic delivery and therefore do not need to look at their gauges. Scotia Fuels tracks the weather daily along with customer usage and come by to fill automatically when the tank gets to the ⅓ level.
Not yet a Scotia Fuels customer? Go to https://scotiafuels.com/contact-us/ and fill out our form for a free furnace and tank inspection or call us at 902 453 2121. We’ll always answer the phone.