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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Courtney Pochin

Drivers left gobsmacked after learning petrol nozzle hack is a 'waste' of time and money

There are certain things we all do in our everyday lives that we think will make the day a little bit easier for ourselves, like setting three alarms even though we're going to sleep through the first two and taking a packed lunch to work but then ignoring it and nipping down to Greggs.

And it turns out there's another thing to add to the list, as there's a petrol station hack many people use that might not actually be all that helpful after all.

A post on social media caused a stir after a Reddit user claimed on the Casual UK forum that holding the petrol nozzle up to get every last drop out when filling your car up with fuel is pointless.

The petrol will likely end up on the ground and you'll have spent more for nothing (Getty Images)

Responding to a post about industry "secrets", the unnamed person said: "Not really a secret, but the nozzle of a petrol pump is where the cut off for fuel is.

"Holding the hose up to 'get every drop' doesn’t do anything."

Many people were left feeling foolish after discovering with this, with some branding themselves "morons" for not realising they'd been wasting their time sooner.

One person replied: "God I'm a moron."

While another wrote: "Oh my god, I've only ever had an electric car so not something I've thought about but my partner does this - I'm going to tell them to stop p***ing about now."

There are better ways to get the most out of your fuel (Getty Images)

The myth was further debunked by a fuel expert, who claims trying to get the last drops of fuel out of a petrol nozzle will often just cost you more money for little reward.

David James, Fuel card expert and Sales Director at Right Fuel Card told The Mirror: "Pumps are able to detect air pressure and will stop when they can sense that the tank is full.

"Any fuel pump after that point will likely end up on the ground through an overflow tube, so those few extra clicks will likely just be costing you a few extra pennies for nothing."

The expert went on to share some top tips for saving money on fuel.

He said: "Check to see if your local supermarket is running a deal, and if so get your shopping first to get your money off or extra points vouchers.

"It's also worth looking out for deals with bank accounts. As well as getting a reward for switching, you can often get cashback for fuel purchases."

Mr James went on to recommend filling up your car on colder days to get more fuel.

"Fuel expands in warmer weather so less will fit in your tank," he explained.

And finally, he added: "Don't let your tank regularly get too low or run dry as this will likely cause bigger, more expensive problems with your engine."

Do you have a story to share? We want to hear all about it. Email courtney.pochin@mirror.co.uk

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