Overfilling your car’s fuel tank is a mistake you don’t want to make.
A fuel tank has a maximum limit it’s recommended to not pass to avoid spillage while you drive and reduce risks associated with exposing the flammable liquids to hot temperatures.
However, some motorists have deemed this limit more of a suggestion than a safe practice, and push their tanks to the absolute brim to give themselves an extra few kilometres of driving before they need to stop at the pumps again.
While it may seem harmless, habitual overfilling can lead to serious (and costly) consequences.
Your car is a sensitive machine
Overfilling carries several dangers related to the car’s mechanical innards which are finely tuned to perform at their best.
For one, it can damage the starter solenoids which can prevent the engine from firing up, according to Toyota.
It can also lead to an oversaturated charcoal canister, which in turn causes issues with the car’s evaporative emission control system (EVAP). Should this happen, the powertrain may struggle for air and the cabin will smell like petrol fumes.
Moreover, too much of the good stuff can result in excessive wear on the spark plugs, giving rise to starting issues, unnecessary engine damage, and misfiring.
In a worst-case scenario, overfilling prompts purge valve failure, which brings about poor fuel efficiency, emissions issues, and rough idling.
Apart from overall vehicle health, there are several financial and societal concerns attached to overfilling.
As per King Price, overfilling leads to more spillage, which effectively means the money you spent on that extra bit of fuel is evaporating into thin air with it.
Additionally, the fuel that leaks out onto the floor contributes to ground-level ozone formation which can trigger a variety of health problems including chest pain, coughing, throat irritation, and congestion.
The spilt fuel can also seep into our waterways and damage the sensitive natural ecosystem.
While the impact may be small if only one motorist does it, the multiplier effect of hundreds of drivers overfilling their tanks is considerable.
So, what then must you do if you accidentally put in more fuel than your car can handle?
Fortunately, overfilling the tank once in a blue moon is unlikely to cause any serious issues and you can simply clean the mess and go about your day.
However, doing so consistently should be avoided, unless you enjoy pricey visits to the mechanic more often than your fellow drivers.
Loading ...
