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Trying to squeeze as much petrol as possible into your car's fuel tank is a habit you should reconsider.
A petrol pump’s automatic shut-off will kick in just before the tank is completely full to ensure any overflow is avoided and to allow some space for fuel vapours.
Modern cars have a system designed to minimise the amount of fuel vapours that escape into the atmosphere by instead trapping them inside a carbon canister. Trapped vapours are then later able to be burnt off in the engine.
Overfilling brings the potential for fuel to enter the canister and possibly damage it, which can lead to fuel vapours escaping and polluting the atmosphere.
A carbon canister which is working properly will help your car make use of those vapours, optimising its efficiency. If you overfill, it could also result in fuel being spilled on to the ground or on to you, which is both dangerous and a waste of money.
Once you hear that first clunk of the petrol pump shutting off, it’s time to stop trying to squeeze any more into the tank.
