Gas Container & Fuel Guide

Gas Container & Fuel Guide

Gasoline is the lifeblood of every vehicle and machine in Scrap Mechanic. Without fuel, your engines don't run, your generators don't produce power, and your vehicles become expensive paperweights. This guide covers fuel crafting, storage, consumption, and automated refineries.

Gas Container Crafting & Capacity

Gas Containers are portable fuel storage vessels. They come in different sizes and are essential for transporting and storing gasoline.

Gasoline Acquisition Methods

Finding Gasoline

• Loot crates — Gas cans found in ruins, Warehouses, and abandoned structures
• Bot drops — Some bots drop small amounts of gasoline or gas cans
• Abandoned vehicles — Siphon fuel from wrecked cars and trucks
• Gas stations — Some map locations have fuel pumps with stored gasoline

Refining Crude Oil

The most sustainable source of gasoline is refining crude oil. Crude oil is found in underground deposits and surface seeps.

1. Locate a crude oil deposit (underground mine or surface seep)
2. Extract crude oil using a drill or pump
3. Transport crude oil to a Refinebot
4. Refine crude oil into gasoline (ratio varies by oil quality)
5. Store gasoline in gas containers or tanks

Crafting Gasoline

• Once you unlock the recipe, craft gasoline at a Craftbot using chemical components
• Less efficient than refining but useful in a pinch
• Requires: chemical components + scrap metal + empty gas can

Storage Container Comparison

Generator Fuel Consumption

Generators convert gasoline into electrical power for your base. Understanding consumption helps you plan fuel reserves.

Fuel-Saving Tips for Generators

• Use sensors — Connect generators to light sensors or motion sensors so they only run when needed
• Right-size your generator — Don't use a large generator for a small load
• Prioritize electric — Use solar or battery power where possible to save gasoline
• Turn off when away — Shut down non-essential generators when exploring
• Automate refueling — Use Vacuum Pumps to auto-refuel generators from a central tank

Automated Refinery Design

Build a fully automated fuel production line to never run out of gasoline again.

Components Needed

• Crude oil storage tank
• Refinebot (1+)
• Gasoline storage tank
• Vacuum Pumps (2+: one for oil input, one for gasoline output)
• Vacuum Pipes
• Controllers + Sensors (for automation)
• Generator (to power the system)

Setup Steps

1. Build crude oil storage tank near your oil source or mining area
2. Pump 1: crude oil tank → Refinebot input (use Vacuum Pump + pipes)
3. Refinebot converts crude oil to gasoline
4. Pump 2: Refinebot output → gasoline storage tank
5. Add sensors: oil level sensor (triggers pump 1 when oil is available), gasoline level sensor (stops pump 2 when tank is full)
6. Connect all to a Controller for fully automatic operation
7. Add a fuel dispenser nozzle for easy vehicle refueling

Refinery Tips

• Multiple Refinebots — For high-volume production, use several Refinebots in parallel
• Filter pipes — Ensure crude oil and gasoline don't mix in the pipe system
• Fire safety — Gasoline is flammable; keep refinery away from open flames and heat
• Fire suppression — Install an automated water sprinkler system near the refinery
• Label everything — Use signs to label tanks, pipes, and valves

Vehicle Fuel Efficiency

Maximize your vehicle's range with these fuel-saving tips:

• Right-size the engine — A large engine in a small car wastes fuel
• Reduce weight — Lighter vehicles use less fuel to accelerate and maintain speed
• Aerodynamic design — Smooth, streamlined shapes reduce drag (especially at high speed)
• Proper tire pressure — Over-inflated or under-inflated tires reduce efficiency
• Steady speed — Avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking; maintain a steady cruise speed
• Turn off engine when idle — Don't leave the engine running while parked
• Use electric for short trips — Electric motors are more efficient for short-distance travel

Fuel Safety

The 1.0 Drilling Thunder update introduced realistic fire physics. Gasoline is highly flammable — handle with care.

• Store away from heat — Keep gasoline tanks away from engines, generators, and open flames
• Fire-resistant storage — Build fuel storage areas with non-flammable materials (metal, concrete)
• Fire suppression — Install automated water sprinklers near fuel storage
• No smoking — Keep open flames and sparks away from fuel handling areas
• Spill cleanup — If gasoline spills, clean it up immediately; it can ignite from a spark
• Ventilation — Store fuel in well-ventilated areas; gasoline fumes are explosive

Quick Reference: Fuel Values

Related Guides

• Vacuum Pump & Fluid Guide — Automated fuel transport and refueling
• Drill & Mining Guide — Extract crude oil from underground deposits
• Vehicle & Truck Building — Fuel tank placement and vehicle efficiency
• Base Building Guide — Fuel storage and generator placement in your base