AA settles debate over whether petrol and diesel | Tech News

The AA has settled a debate over petrol and diesel fuel after issues that tanks might “evaporate” in sizzling climate. The motoring consultants confused some highway customers believed petrol and diesel was “gradually leaking” out of automobiles, with fears motorists had been being “left out of pocket”.

The AA said: “Many people wrongly believe that petrol evaporates quickly in the summertime, and we’re left out of pocket by their cars gradually leaking petrol fumes throughout the day.

“If this was true, you’d walk through car parks and busy streets and smell nothing but petrol – which doesn’t happen. Your car’s petrol cap does a great job of keeping the petrol where it belongs. Inside your car.”

There have been suggestions that road users could lose between 1-2% from their fuel tanks when a car is subjected to temperatures above 35C. UK temperatures are expected to hit 33C on Tuesday, the climax of a sweltering four day heatwave.

Fuel prices have soared in recent weeks as disruption in the Middle East continues to cause havoc on costs. According to the RAC, the average price of petrol stands at 159.23p, an increase of 26.4p a litre since the start of the war at the end of February.

The experts warn that the price of diesel has been falling since peaking on 15 April at 191.54p, 49.2p more than it was when the conflict began.

Motoring specialists have previously warned that car fluids could be under threat in warm weather in a serious blow to road users. One Sure Insurance confused that the recent climate could make automobiles susceptible to overheating, with fluids among the many most at risk.

They mentioned: “Heat can cause essential fluids such as engine oil, transmission fluid, and brake fluid to evaporate faster.

“Check these regularly during a heatwave to prevent damage to your car’s systems. Remember to keep screen wash topped up too, as summer often means more dust and insects on your windscreen.”