Did you know that by continuing to pump after the first click can cause fuel to overflow and damage the vapor recovery system in your car? Find out all about the petrol pump hack here.
The Costly Habit At The Pump
Many drivers have a habit of rounding up their fuel purchase to the nearest pound, believing it makes payment easier. However, Conway warns that topping off after the first click of the fuel pump can lead to wasted fuel and potential damage to the vehicle’s vapour recovery system.
The vapour recovery system is designed to capture evaporated fuel and prevent harmful emissions. But when drivers force extra petrol or diesel into the tank, liquid fuel can enter the system, causing damage and triggering warning lights on the dashboard, says Select Car Leasing.
How The Petrol Pump Hack Works
The petrol pump hack is simple: stop refueling as soon as the pump clicks off. Conway explains that continuing to squeeze the pump after this point may result in fuel spilling into the drain beneath the vehicle or being sucked back into the pipe, meaning drivers are essentially paying for fuel they don’t get to use.
According to the Daily Mail, this system captures evaporated fuel, and forcing extra fuel into the tank can push liquid fuel into the pipes, leading to costly repairs. Additionally, some of the extra fuel might be sucked back into the pump, meaning you’re paying for fuel that doesn’t even end up in your tank, can you believe it!
He said: ‘Squeezing the fuel pump after the first click, also known as ”topping off”, might seem like the right thing to do so you can make it up to the nearest pound, but it’s really not’.
‘That’s because it’s likely to still dispense some fuel that won’t end up in your tank’.
Modern cars these days have an evaporative emissions system designed to capture fuel vapors and overfilling can damage this system. By stopping at the first click, you can avoid these problems and save money in the long run.
Graham continued: ‘On some pumps the extra fuel may be sucked back into the pipe. This means you are paying the petrol station to give them back their own fuel.
‘A more serious issue, one that could damage your car and cost you serious cash, is connected to the vapor recovery system.
‘This prevents evaporated petrol or diesel escaping when you release the petrol cap to fill up, capturing it in a charcoal canister instead.
‘But if you are forcing surplus petrol or diesel into the tank, this can propel liquid fuel into the pipes and damage the vapor recovery system.
‘That means you will soon see warning lights on your dashboard and run the risk of failing emissions tests’.
He warned that doing so continuously could even see you have to fork out a whopping £500, should your car become damaged and need to be repaired. So if you don’t fancy running the risk of forking out for a repair bill, remember this petrol pump hack and stop the pump after the first click!
Considerations
The petrol pump hack is a simple yet effective way for drivers to save money and protect their vehicles from avoidable damage. By stopping refueling at the first click, motorists can prevent fuel wastage, avoid costly repairs, and maintain their car’s emissions system.
As fuel prices remain unpredictable, adopting smarter refueling habits could help drivers cut costs and improve vehicle longevity. While rounding up may seem harmless, the potential consequences make it a habit worth breaking, says Select Car Leasing.
For those looking to maximize savings and keep their cars in top condition, following expert advice on fuel efficiency and maintenance is key. The petrol pump hack is just one of many small adjustments that can lead to long-term benefits for drivers and the environment alike.
Fuel prices are a massive concern for drivers, and if there’s anyway that drivers can be saving money at the pump, why not. Check out our article to find out more on fuel price rises and how their a big concern for us motorists.
