DRIVERS are being warned that filling their fuel tank in the wrong way could lead to hefty repair bills.

When filling up at a fuel station, you shouldn’t attempt to fill your tank after you hear the first click.

The click indicates that fuel has reached the tip of the nozzle, but it can be tempting to keep going.

Many think that by continuing to fill the neck of the tank, they will be getting more miles from their tank.

然而, it can actually be a waste of fuel and in some cases could end up costing you as much as £500 in repairs.

Graham Conway, managing director of UK leasing firm Select Car Leasing 说: “It’s likely to still dispense some fuel that won’t end up in your tank.

“If you ignore the first click you could be filling past the top of the fuel tank port, and that extra fuel will end up running into the small drain under the entry and onto the ground beneath your vehicle.

“On some pumps, the extra fuel may be sucked back into the pipe.

“This means you are paying the petrol station to give them back their own fuel.”

But worse than wasting a bit of fuel each time, Conway says it could do damage to your motor.

He says that trying to get more fuel into the tank after the click can “propel liquid fuel into the pipes”, which damages your car’s vapour recovery system.”

This system stops evaporated fuel from escaping when the petrol cap is released by capturing it in a charcoal canister.

“That means you will soon see warning lights on your dashboard and run the risk of failing emissions tests.

“You’ll also be looking at an expensive repair bill, possibly up to £500.

“That’s something definitely worth avoiding during the current cost of living crisis.”