It’s a common gesture at any gas station: continuing to fill up even after the first “click” of the pump. Many drivers do this to “make the most of every last drop”, but according to the Spanish newspaper El Economista, this practice can be expensive. The apparently harmless error can cost up to 500 euros per year, cause damage to the car’s system and even increase fuel consumption.
The reason lies in the way modern tanks are designed. The automatic pump cut-off is not a random warning, but rather a safety mechanism that indicates that the ideal volume has been reached.
By forcing refueling after this point, the liquid fuel ends up entering the EVAP system, responsible for collecting and reusing the vapors before returning them to the engine.
A small gesture, big damage
According to El Economista, when fuel enters the circuit intended only for vapors, the canister, the activated carbon filter that stores these gases, becomes saturated. This can lead to sensor reading failures, excessive consumption and even the malfunction light on the dashboard coming on.
In cars equipped with ORVR (Onboard Refueling Vapor Recovery) systems, the impact is even more serious. Excess fuel can damage valves and bleed sensors, parts whose replacement cost is between 300 and 700 euros, depending on the make and model of the vehicle.
Furthermore, the fuel expanded by heat, in a tank filled to the limit, can be released through safety valves, causing real losses of liters and an increase in emissions.
The hidden cost at the pump
Calculations presented by the Spanish publication indicate that average consumption could increase by up to 5% due to this error.
In a gasoline car that travels 15 thousand kilometers per year, this represents around 60 liters wasted: the equivalent of 500 euros, considering the current average price of fuel in Portugal (1.7 €/liter).
According to the same source, this practice also has a considerable environmental impact, as it increases the release of harmful gases and compromises the vehicle’s energy efficiency.
How to avoid the mistake and save money
The recommendation is simple: stop refueling as soon as you hear the first “click”. This point indicates that the correct volume has been reached and that the vapor system is working properly.
Close the fuel cap tightly to prevent leaks and odors, and if you notice a strong fuel smell or poor idling after refueling, have the EVAP system checked.
As concluded by , “respecting the first pump cut is a small gesture, but with a direct impact on the durability of the vehicle and the driver’s wallet”.
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