Fuel Refuelling: A Common Mistake
- Refuelling when a tanker truck is servicing a station
- Stirring up impurities like sediment and water in the station’s fuel storage tanks
Many petrol and diesel drivers are unaware of the potential issues that can arise from refuelling their vehicles. A driving expert has shared two often-overlooked refuelling tips that can help drivers get the most out of each tank. The first tip is to avoid refuelling when a tanker truck is servicing a station. According to the expert, this process can stir up impurities like sediment and water in the station’s fuel storage tanks, which can limit an engine’s service life and performance.
Despite modern fuel stations having pump filters to mitigate this issue, a tanker truck can still stir up impurities. The expert advises drivers to be aware of the potential risks and to avoid refuelling when a tanker truck is present.
Refuelling: A Cautionary Tale
The expert explains that when a tanker truck is refuelling a station, it can stir up impurities like sediment and water in the station’s fuel storage tanks. These impurities can settle at the bottom of the tank and remain there until the tank is cleaned or the impurities are removed. This can lead to problems for drivers who use the fuel.
For example, a study by J.D. Power found that using fuel that has been stirred up by a tanker truck can reduce an engine’s performance by up to 10%. This is because the impurities can clog the engine’s fuel injectors and fuel lines, leading to decreased fuel efficiency and performance.
The Risks of Overfilling
- Activating a petrol or diesel nozzle past its initial off-click
- Clogging the fuel tank’s vents or evaporative emissions (EVAP) system
- Causing issues with fuel flow and emissions control
Another common mistake that drivers make is overfilling their car’s fuel tank. The expert advises against activating a petrol or diesel nozzle past its initial off-click. This can cause a range of problems, including clogging the fuel tank’s vents or evaporative emissions (EVAP) system.
When you continue to pump petrol beyond the initial click, your car’s purge valve can end up sucking raw fuel into the valve, causing the engine to flood. This can lead to a range of issues, including decreased fuel efficiency and performance.
According to J.D. Power, a typical purge valve replacement job can set you back between $100 and $500. This is a significant cost, especially for drivers who use their vehicles regularly.
The Solution: Refuelling with Caution
The expert suggests that drivers take a few precautions when refuelling their vehicles. Firstly, they should avoid refuelling when a tanker truck is servicing a station. Secondly, they should not activate the petrol or diesel nozzle past its initial off-click. This can help to avoid clogging the fuel tank’s vents or evaporative emissions (EVAP) system.
Additionally, drivers should be aware of their car’s fuel tank capacity and not overfill it. This can help to prevent clogging of the fuel tank’s vents or evaporative emissions (EVAP) system. Petrol pumps know when to stop due to a small tube that extends into your car’s fuel tank. This tube has a hole near its end that allows air to escape as you fill the tank.
Once the tank is full, the rising fuel level covers this hole, triggering a cut-off of petrol or diesel flow to prevent overfilling. However, drivers should still be cautious when overfilling their vehicles, as it can still cause problems.
Conclusion
In conclusion, maximizing your car’s fuel efficiency requires a combination of knowledge and caution.
