Topping off your gas tank, or trying to squeeze a few extra drops into it after the pump shuts off, is not recommended for several reasons:
- Potential Car Damage: Topping off can saturate your vehicle’s onboard refueling vapor recovery (ORVR) system, which is designed to reduce emissions and capture fuel vapor during refueling. Saturating this system can lead to costly repairs and trigger the “check engine” light.
- Waste of Money: Gas pumps are designed to automatically shut off when your tank is full to prevent overfilling and protect the environment. Topping off means you’re paying for gas that you can’t use, effectively wasting money.
- Environmental Impact: Spilling excess gasoline on the ground can contaminate the environment. Gasoline contains harmful chemicals that can harm groundwater, surface water, soil, and the air when they evaporate.
Overall, it’s best to follow the pump’s automatic shut-off and avoid topping off your gas tank to prevent potential damage to your vehicle, save money, and protect the environment.
