How to do it correctly

For many car lovers, filling up the tank is an almost automatic act: stop at the station, insert the nozzle, wait a few minutes and continue on the road. But what few know is that the way you refuel can directly influence performance, engine life and even vehicle electronics.

Small habits that seem harmless can be the source of costly failures, excessive gas consumption, and warning lights that appear without explanation. If you really want to take care of your car as it deserves, this article can save you a lot of headaches.

What are the most common mistakes when filling the tank

1. Fill the tank until it spills

One of the most frequent mistakes is insisting on continuing to load after the station’s gun stops. By doing this, the fuel can enter ducts designed only for vapors, which ends up affecting sensors, valves and the emission control system. The result is usually the smell of gasoline, acceleration failures and the dreaded “check engine” light.

2. Refueling while refilling the station

When the tanker fills the gas station’s tanks, it removes sediment, water, and dirt accumulated at the bottom. If you load at that time, there’s a good chance that contaminated fuel will end up in the filter, injectors, or pump.

3. Using the wrong octane rating

Neither the most expensive nor the cheapest gasoline is necessarily better. Each engine is designed to operate at a specific octane rating. Using an inferior one can cause internal detonations, loss of power and premature wear; Using a higher one than necessary will only make you spend more money without any real benefit.

4. Fill the tank with the engine running

In addition to being a safety risk, this practice can confuse the sensors in the tank’s ventilation system. This causes the car’s computer to record erroneous data and trigger alerts that appear to be serious failures when in fact they are not.

5. Tightening the tank cap too tightly

Tightening the lid too tightly can damage the seal that prevents fumes from escaping. This can lead to small leaks that, even if not seen, cause the system to detect a problem and turn on the warning light.

6. Relying on excessively cheap gasoline

If a station always has prices well below the average or has almost no customers, it is advisable to be suspicious. Fuel adulterated with water or solvents can cause serious damage to the injection system and engine.

Stop when the gun goes out

When the dispenser cuts off the flow, it is because the tank has already reached its correct level. Don’t try to “fill it up a little more.” That little extra can become a big problem.

See what’s happening at the station

If you see a truck unloading fuel, it’s best to come back later. A few minutes of waiting can save you from an expensive repair.

Always use the manufacturer’s recommended octane rating

This information is in the car’s manual or on a label near the tank cap. Don’t guess or get carried away by myths.

Turn off the engine before charging

In addition to being a safety standard, it allows the car’s systems to function properly during filling.

Adjust the lid only until it clicks

One or two clicks are enough to seal the system without damaging the joint.

Choose reliable stations

Prefer those with good customer movement, visible maintenance and recognized brands. Clean fuel is an investment in the health of your engine.

If you have any doubts. watch the following video made by Santiago Soluciones:

Extra tips to take care of your fuel system

• Always keep at least a quarter tank. This helps the gas pump stay lubricated and cool.
• Don’t wait until the tank is completely empty to load.
• If you notice the smell of gasoline, jerking, or a warning light after charging, check the tank lid first.
• Keep your load receipts: they can be useful if you need to claim for defective fuel.

Filling up with gas is not just a routine, it is a process that directly influences the life of your vehicle. Getting it right is one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep your car in great shape for many years to come.

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