Should you fill the tank to the top or to the first click of the “pistol”?

Is it harmful to fill the tank to the very top? Not only is it not harmful, it is even advisable.

Many people are slaves to the misconception that they do not fill the tank to the top, thinking that this damages the ignition system and increases the risk of ignition at elevated temperatures and in the event of a crash. If the fuel system is in good condition, there is no damage, and, theoretically, a full tank is safer than an empty one – both at high temperatures and in the event of a crash. Ignition, or explosion, occurs much more easily in fuel vapors than in liquid fuel!

Therefore, you should always fill the tank to the top (of course, if you have the money). There is no saving if you fill it less, and you also go to the pump less often, which saves time, effort, and money. Namely, with each additional fill-up you have to travel at least a little longer and when filling up, a little fuel is always lost (evaporated).

It is advisable to fill up the tank as soon as the amount drops below a quarter. This avoids the risk of running out of fuel, which causes inconvenience and additional costs, especially if a diesel vehicle runs out of fuel – to restart the engine after refueling, the help of a mechanic is required, reports Autoportal.

There is also a safety risk if you run out of fuel on a blind section of road, in a bend, tunnel, on a viaduct… So, when the fuel level is close to the last quarter, go to the first gas pump and fill up. But stop filling with the first click, i.e. by turning off the fuel gun.

Do not then fill the tank to the top with fuel “on the “click”, as many do. This can cause fuel to leak through the tank, which is a financial loss, creates fumes that are harmful to health and can pose a risk of fire, especially if the leaked fuel sprays into the hot exhaust pipe.

Excessive fuel blocks the “throat”, increasing the pressure of fuel vapors and creating fuel back pressure, which makes it difficult to function, shortens its life, and can damage the fuel pump and elements of the supply system, reports Telegraf.