GREENSBORO, N.C. — When you fill up your gas tank and it clicks because it's full, do you squeeze the handle again to "top it off"? Consumer Reports experts say, don't.
Adding more fuel after the gas pump clicks off can cause damage to the Onboard Refueling Vapor Recovery (ORVR) system. There is a charcoal canister that collects potentially harmful fuel vapor during the refueling process. If the ORVR is damaged, it won't adequately capture those harmful vapors and could lead to your check engine light going off and a repair of several hundred dollars.
So while you don't want too much gas in your tank, you also don't want too little in there either. What's the just right amount?
"For both convenience and safety, keep at least a half-tank of fuel during cold winter months and when there's a risk of shortages … like when a major storm is imminent. This also goes for holiday road trips, when roads can be congested and slow-moving," said Jeff Bartlett, Consumer Reports Auto Editor.
Consumer Reports recommends you buy top-tier gas like Chevron, Costco, Exxon, Mobil, and Shell. Top-tier gas is designed to protect your car's engines by reducing carbon build-up and deposits. Participating brands will have a Top Tier sticker on their pumps.
Check your tire pressure. It drops when it's cold. lower pressure than what is recommended on your doorjamb sticker can affect safety, tire longevity, and yes, fuel economy.
And when it comes to using the eco-mode it's not a magic button.
"We found no fuel economy benefit using Eco mode for city and highway driving. Its true ability is to encourage frugal driving behavior," said Bartlett.
