With temperatures rising this weekend, drivers are advised to top up their fuel tanks before Saturday. Hot weather can cause fuel to burn quicker, leaving you with less than expected. Given the high fuel prices, it’s better to fill up early and avoid running low during the heat.
How Hot Weather Affects Your Fuel
The Met Office forecasts a weekend heat surge, with temperatures reaching up to 22°C in London by Saturday. While this might sound great for a day out, it can actually cause your car to burn through fuel faster than usual. During warmer temperatures, your vehicle’s fuel levels drop more quickly, and your fuel gauge might not show an accurate reading.
This means you could run out of petrol or diesel much sooner than expected—definitely not something you want when you’re in the middle of a traffic jam or far from the nearest petrol station. Experts at PassMeFast.co.uk warn that drivers should not rely on their usual estimations of fuel, especially when the weather is hot.
Why You Should Fill Up Now
With fuel prices already soaring—currently averaging 157p per litre for unleaded petrol and a painful 189.9p per litre for diesel—every drop counts. The last thing you want is to waste fuel unnecessarily because of hot weather. It’s better to top up early and avoid the risk of running on empty when the temperatures climb.
If you’re someone who waits until the fuel gauge hits a quarter tank, now might be the time to break that habit. Whether you’re going for a quick drive or planning a weekend getaway, filling up in advance could save you from being stranded.
Debunking the ‘Explosion’ Myth
You might have heard that filling up your car in hot weather can cause it to explode. Fortunately, this is a common myth and should not be a concern. Rod Dennis from the RAC clarifies, “All fuel systems on passenger vehicles are designed to cope with any expansion of fuel, or vapour coming from the fuel. There is no risk of explosion from filling up a fuel tank fully.”
So, don’t worry about any safety concerns when topping up your tank during the heat.
Be Prepared Before the Weekend
With the weather set to turn warm and fuel prices climbing, make sure you’re not caught off guard. Fill up your car before Saturday, and you’ll avoid the risk of running low on fuel when the temperatures hit their peak. Stay ahead of the game—after all, the last thing you want is to be stuck on a hot day with an empty tank!
