Three things you have to know about fuel
Every motorist knows one thing for sure – your car needs fuel to drive (except if you are driving an electric car of course). However, do we really know that much? Have you ever wondered about fuel-related issues? You might want to know the following facts next time you fill up your tank.
1. Mixing it up
Filling up with the wrong fuel is not uncommon, but this could make your engine sluggish or even destroy it. Mixing up lead-replacement and unleaded petrol won’t do much damage but pour diesel into a petrol tank – or vice versa – and your whole fuel system will have to be cleaned out. If you notice the error early enough, don’t drive. Cleaning your tank is a fairly simple process but starting your car with the wrong fuel inside could destroy your engine and the cost of repairs could run into tens of thousands.
2. Sealing the deal
It might be more convenient to sit in your car while the garage attendant fills her up but it’s important to be sure that your fuel cap is closed properly. Driving without a fuel cap or with an open fuel cap is dangerous. It’s illegal too. Without a closed cap, your car expels fumes and it’s this gas – not the liquid inside – that is most flammable. As the components of your car heat up while you’re driving, it could catch alight. You could also spill fuel onto the road, making it slippery and dangerous for yourself and other drivers.
3. Fill up
It is said to best to fill up your tank in the hours when the temperature is still cool as petrol stations have their storage tanks buried below ground. The colder the ground, the denser the fuel and as it gets warmer, fuel expands. This way you get more bang for your buck when filling up.