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Is Filling Your Car’s Fuel Tank To The Top A Major Safety Hazard? Find Out Now!

Car’s Fuel Tank Capacity: You might have heard someone say that the fuel tank of a car should not be filled to the brim. Is this true, and could it be dangerous? Yes, it can be. The fuel tank capacity is slightly more than the recommended quantity of fuel that you can fill. The additional voluminous space is provided for safety and scientific reasons. When you fill the tank to the top, it compromises safety.

Lakshya Rana|

Updated:Nov 18, 2024, 02:08 PM IST

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While car manufacturers include safety equipment in the fuel tank, these safety mechanisms have their limitations.

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We have reviewed several car user manuals, which suggest that owners should only fill the tank until the fuel pump stops automatically.

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For example, Kia Carens' manual clearly states: 'Do not "top off" after the nozzle automatically shuts off when refueling.' It also recommends ensuring that the fuel cap is securely installed to prevent fuel spillage in the event of an accident.

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The Maruti Brezza manual notes: "The fuel tank has an air space to allow for fuel expansion in hot weather. If you continue to add fuel after the filler nozzle has automatically shut off or an initial blowback occurs, the air chamber will become full."

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Further, it states: "Exposure to heat when fully fuelled in this manner will result in leakage due to fuel expansion. To prevent such fuel leakage, stop filling after the filler nozzle has automatically shut off, or when initial vent blowback occurs, if using an alternative nonautomatic system."