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If you try to overfill your gas tank by squeezing that extra bit of gas in after the pump has clicked off it could be going back into their tanks.

Let me explain.

The fuel pump at the gas station has a venting system which takes the fumes out of the air as you fill up you tank. If this did not happen you would get a face full of noxious fumes every time you fill up.

If you try to get more in after the pump has clicked off, it may suck some of the fuel into the venting system instead and back into their tank.

Also, when you put the gas in your tank it is coming from buried storage tanks and is colder than if it was stored above ground. What this means is that as the gas warms up to the temperature of the day it expands.

If you overfill you tank and then park your car up, the fuel may go into the cars fuel tank breather system and cause unknown damage or even leak from the breather onto the floor. Now along with the wasted fuel you also have a fire hazard. (Is you insurance up to date?)

For you pocket and you safety I recommend that you stop filling when the gas pump clicks.

If you are going away on holiday, or business, early in the morning and think it would be quicker to fill up the night before it may be wise to think again. There are many 24 hour gas stations.

As fuel is sold by volume it will be colder, early in the morning and as the day gets warmer it expands and you get less for your money.

It will only take minutes to fill up in the morning and gives you enough time to remember things you forgot to pack (where’s the kids?) before traveling to far.

If you are driving for a long distance it would be a good idea to use your cruise control as often as possible. A smoother speed will be more economical.

What about all the clutter in your car. It all adds weight and means more gas used. If you need to carry a full toolkit around in your trunk then it is time to think about replacing your car. Clear out the stuff you don’t need (Compact discs, half empty pop bottles, Kylie tapes, those old papers you were going to take to recycling). A tidy car makes you feel good too.