With a heatwave on the way, drivers are being told about a mistake which could cost them some money
09:32, 10 Aug 2025Updated 06:37, 11 Aug 2025
Drivers are being told why it is a good idea to fill up before the heatwave starts(Image: Anna Stepanova via Getty Images)
Motorists are being advised to refuel before Monday if possible, as scorching weather conditions make their comeback next week. Hot weather fizzled out in July but will return properly from this weekend with Met Office predictions showing 26C on Sunday, climbing to 28C on Monday, 31C on Tuesday and 28C on Wednesday.
The UKHSA has issued a yellow heat health alert for parts of the UK, running from Monday through Tuesday, due to increased dangers for people, particularly those who are vulnerable, during these high temperatures.
However, motorists might be unaware that the approaching heatwave presents an additional, surprising risk related to fuel consumption that could catch them out.
Throughout a heatwave, your petrol – or diesel – depletes considerably faster than usual, reports the Express. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here
This occurs because vehicles consume additional fuel in hot conditions, meaning your fuel gauge could become unreliable and fail to provide an accurate indication of remaining petrol or diesel.
Specialists at PassMeFast.co.uk explained: “When it comes to topping up the petrol in your car, there are two kinds of people: those who refill as soon as the fuel tank gets to around 1/4 full, and those who are happy to drive around with the fuel warning light on.
“The thing is, when the weather’s nice and warm, your car’s fuel levels drop a lot quicker than usual. This means you can’t rely on your normal estimations of how much time you have left before needing to fill up.
“To avoid getting stranded in the middle of nowhere, or stuck in a traffic jam on a sweltering day (both are nightmare scenarios), ensure you head to the petrol station well in advance. It’s simply not worth risking it if the sun is shining!”.
In the past, drivers have been warned against filling up their vehicles during hot weather due to fears of the car ‘exploding’ in the heat.
However, this concern is unfounded and is actually a myth.
Rod Dennis, spokesperson for the RAC, clarified: “There is no truth in this.
“All fuel systems on passenger vehicles are designed to cope with any expansion of fuel, or vapour coming from the fuel.
“There is no risk of explosion from filling up a fuel tank fully and drivers should have no concerns in doing so.”
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