Little-known petrol pump trick could save drivers £100s when filling up – and help swerve ‘expensive repair bill’
Petrol station experts have shared a pump trick which could save drivers hundreds and help them swerve an “expensive repair bill”.
Millions of Brits could be wasting valuable cash by making an everyday error as fuel prices soar.
A common habit among drivers when on the forecourt is to fill their tanks to the nearest pound as displayed on the pump.
But Graham Conway of Select Car Leasing has urged motorists to avoid this tempting practice, known as “topping off”, at all costs.
He explained that continuing to fill after the pump clicks off for the first time can have costly consequences.
Mr Conway 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.
“If you ignore the first click you could be filling past the top of the fuel tank port, and that extra fuel will end up running into the small drain under the entry and onto the ground beneath your vehicle.
“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.”
Given that petrol currently clocks in at an average of £1.44 a litre according to the RAC, every drop is pretty much liquid gold so overfilling could be expensive across the course of a year.
Even worse, the mistake could land you with a significant bill, continued Mr Conway.
The motors whizz added: “A more serious issue, one that could damage your car and cost you serious cash, is connected to the vapour 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 vapour recovery system.
How to cut the price of petrol and diesel
HERE's how to save yourself money and fuel
- Make your car more fuel-efficient. Keep your tyres inflated, remove the roof rack and turn your air-con. This will reduce your engine power and the amount of fuel you’re using.
2. Drive slow and steady. The brake is a money burner, so avoid slamming it on. Accelerating slowly will also save you fuel and money.
3. Be a bargain hunter. Find the cheapest petrol or diesel in your area. PetrolPrices.com and Confused.com are free to use – just enter your postcode and how far you want to travel.
“You’ll be looking at an expensive repair bill of up to £500.”
It comes after the RAC accused retailers of fleecing drivers with high pump prices despite cheap wholesale costs.