PDEQ - Quick Tip

Top off your tank and you’ll be leaving gasoline in the pump hose that you paid for, and also spilling some gas on the ground. You may get an extra mile out of that gasoline, but you might also cause some harm, too. As the gasoline evaporates, the toxic fumes released into the air contain benzene and other substances harmful to humans. And when the next customer drives up, if the gas hasn’t evaporated, it will spill when the motorist takes the handle. These spills not only create toxic fumes, they waste gasoline.

Spilling one ounce of fuel – the amount it takes to fill a shot glass – produces the same amount of volatile organic compound emissions as driving for 56 miles, says The Santa Barbara County, Calif. Air Pollution Control District.

When you overfill your vehicle’s gas tank, some of the gasoline that remains in your car’s fuel filler tubes and on the rubber seals can also deteriorate the tubes and seals. They’re not meant to remain in constant contact with gasoline.

So, next time you fill up, listen for the click and stop pumping when you hear it. The click is the signal your tank is full. Stop at the click to avoid gasoline spills and stop wasting costly fuel.