Filling up with fuel is a part of everyday life for any motorist. For most, this involves the services of a fuel station and a fuel pump attendant who will not only fill your fuel tank but also offer to ‘check’ your car’s oil, water and tyre pressure. 

While these services are generally appreciated, they can pose a degree of risk to your car’s health and your driving safety.It is important to understand that every time a tank cap on your car is opened, the tank and its contents are at risk, be it from over-filling, contaminants or improper re-sealing. 

Any negligent ‘filling up’ by a fuel pump attendant could cause serious damage to your vehicle and therefore, you should be actively engaged in the ‘checking’ process. 

Here are a few ‘Critical Areas’ that you should manage vigilantly.

• Get hands-on: Get out of your vehicle to advise the pump attendant on what to do and what not to do, watching closely all the while. 

• Fuel: Don’t overfill the fuel tank. Fuel vapour pressure will force fuel up through the fuel tank breather hole. Dangerous and wasteful.

• Oil: Allowing a pump attendant to check your oil shouldn’t be necessary if all your warning oil warning light is functioning. Over-filling will damage the motor, as will contaminants. Keep a can of the correct grade of oil in your car and fill only when necessary. 

• Coolant: Your car’s cooling system is a sealed unit with a temperature gauge, allowing you to manage the top-up procedure if needed. If coolant level drops consistently, there may a leak in the cooling system. Keep a 5l bottle of water in your car for emergencies and a bottle of coolant/anti-freeze.

• Tyres: Over-inflated and under-inflated tyres not only limit tyre life and fuel efficiency but also compromise your car’s road holding. Monitor air pressure checks at the forecourt and fill your car’s tyres to the manufacturer’s specifications.

• Brake fluid: Keep a sealed bottle of brake fluid in your car for emergency filling when necessary. 

• Windscreen: Water alone doesn’t clean bugs off your windscreen effectively. Keep a small bottle of windscreen washing fluid in your car to add to the windscreen washer tank. 

• Get a bottle box: A rugged plastic tote box securely fitted in the boot of your car will be your car’s ‘first aid’ kit to store hazardous materials like fuel, oil, anti-freeze/coolant and brake fluid, alongside water, windscreen washing fluid, a funnel, jumper cables and a few rags. 

always check your car’s dashboard warning lights before setting out on your journey to avoid nasty surprises while you’re driving. Use the filling station to get what you need, but always oversee all filling procedures.