Motorists Warned to Refuel Before Heatwave Due to Unexpected Fuel Consumption Risk

Strategic Insights -

As a heatwave is expected to return to the UK from this weekend, motorists are being advised to refuel their vehicles before Monday, if possible. The Met Office predicts temperatures to rise to 26C on Sunday, 28C on Monday, 31C on Tuesday, and 28C on Wednesday. The UKHSA has issued a yellow heat health alert for parts of the UK. However, motorists may be unaware of the additional risk to fuel consumption that comes with high temperatures. During a heatwave, vehicles consume additional fuel, making fuel gauges unreliable, and potentially leaving drivers stranded.

Key Takeaways:

  • When driving in hot weather, fuel consumption increases, leading to faster fuel depletion and potentially inaccurate fuel gauges.
  • Motorists are advised to refuel before Monday, if possible, to avoid getting stranded in the middle of nowhere or stuck in a traffic jam.
  • The risk of fuel tanks "exploding" in hot weather is a myth, as all fuel systems on passenger vehicles are designed to cope with fuel expansion and vapour.
  • Drivers should have no concerns filling up their fuel tanks fully during hot weather.
  • The Express reports that specialists at PassMeFast.co.uk recommend refilling petrol or diesel tanks when they reach around 1/4 full, and not waiting for the fuel warning light to appear.
  • The RAC spokesperson, Rod Dennis, confirms that fuel systems on passenger vehicles are designed to handle fuel expansion and vapour, making the risk of explosion unfounded.

Statistics:

  • Predicted temperatures: 26C on Sunday, 28C on Monday, 31C on Tuesday, and 28C on Wednesday.
  • Duration of the heatwave: from this weekend to next week.
  • Parts of the UK under a yellow heat health alert: parts of the UK (not specified on which areas).

Sources:

  • Express.co.uk
  • RAC
  • PassMeFast.co.uk
  • UKHSA (yellow heat health alert)