Motorists could lose thousands of pounds worth of petrol and diesel fuel by parking in the wrong place in hot weather, according to experts. Motoring specialists at car retailer 1dot have warned that petrol and diesel can evaporate from fuel tanks in extreme circumstances.
Vehicles which are exposed to direct sunlight and intense heat are most at risk, with motorists under threat this week. Experts at 1dot claim that around 1-2% of petrol and diesel fuel could evaporate in extreme heat. Specialists stress this may not seem much, but the costs could soon rise as the hot weather continues on Wednesday.
The experts claim that the average Brit spends around £1,051 on petrol and £1,257 on diesel per year.
This means that over a lifetime, motorists could lose almost £1,500 due to the simple, little-known phenomenon.
According to the Met Office, the UK is set to be hit with a wave of hot weather later this week. Temperatures in London are expected to hit 24C from Wednesday with the warm weather to continue into the weekend.
Early predictions show London could even bask in 27 Celsius heat on Friday afternoon which could put a strain on vehicles.
American car mechanics have also stressed that excessive heat could be a concern for road users.
Experts from All on the Wrist Auto and Diesel Repair based in Alberqueue, New Mexico, said that evaporation could have an impact on car engines.
They said: “Excessive heat can lead to increased evaporation of diesel fuel, potentially causing vapor lock and reduced engine efficiency. Additionally, engine oil may become less viscous in hot conditions, potentially compromising its protective properties.”
Specialists at 1dot have urged road users to keep the fuel tank as full as possible.
They stressed that this would minimise the volume of air that can become saturated in the tank.
Experts have also urged motorists to double check that their fuel cap is sealed properly at all times.
Specialists have claimed that this will prevent air from entering the valve and getting into the tank.
However, road users should take matters into their own hands by parking away from direct sunlight.
The experts have stressed that road users should stop indoors when temperatures exceed 35 Celsius.
Meanwhile, drivers should park in the shade when temperatures exceed 30 Celsius.