A motoring expert has debunked a viral fuel-saving tip making the rounds on social media.
The so-called "slow squeeze" method, gaining traction on TikTok and Instagram, claims that gently squeezing the fuel pump trigger while filling up will get motorists more petrol or diesel for their money by reducing air bubbles and foam in the tank.
The theory has gained attention online, with one TikTok post under the tag "Fuel Prices UK" reaching almost 250,000 views.
However, Graham Conway, managing director at Select Car Leasing, said the advice is misguided and unlikely to deliver any real benefit.
Mr Conway said: "The ‘slow squeeze’ hack is popular on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, but you’re highly unlikely to see any real benefit.
"Modern fuel pumps have clever systems designed to prevent air or vapour from affecting the measurement of fuel that comes out of the nozzle.
"You can’t somehow game the system with the trickle method.
"The only thing that might happen is that you take ages to fill up, angering other drivers patiently waiting behind you."
The creator of the trend argued that filling up too quickly creates bubbles in the tank, similar to pouring a fizzy drink too fast.
Despite Mr Conway’s explanation, some social media users remain convinced the method works.
One commenter said: "I always fill up holding the lever halfway and my petrol lasts way longer.
"By holding the lever in all the way in we are paying for a lot of air too."
Another claimed that it could "make a litre or two difference in a fill up."
Motorists urged to avoid common mistake when filling up
Mr Conway also used the opportunity to warn against another common mistake at the pump: topping off the tank after the nozzle clicks.
He said: "Squeezing the fuel pump trigger after the nozzle has automatically clicked off, also known as ‘topping off,’ might seem like a sensible way to squeeze a little extra fuel into your tank.
"But doing so repeatedly could actually end up damaging your car, potentially leaving you facing an expensive repair bill.
"Most modern petrol cars are fitted with an evaporative emissions control system, which captures petrol vapours from the fuel tank and stores them in a charcoal canister, preventing them from escaping into the atmosphere.
"However, if you continue forcing petrol into an already full tank, liquid fuel can enter parts of this system that are designed to handle vapour rather than liquid.
"This can damage the charcoal canister and other components, potentially triggering an engine management warning light and even contributing to an MOT failure.
"Although diesel vehicles generally don't use the same charcoal-canister system, overfilling can still cause fuel to spill or interfere with the tank's venting arrangements.
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"Repairs to a damaged evaporative emissions system can run into hundreds of pounds, depending on the vehicle and the extent of the damage.
"So, while an occasional extra squeeze isn't guaranteed to cause problems, it's best to stop filling when the nozzle automatically clicks off.
"That way, you can avoid the risk of an unnecessary repair bill."
The warnings come as UK motorists continue to look for ways to cut costs at the pump amid persistently high fuel prices.
Have you ever tried this 'slow squeeze' method before? Let us know in the comments.
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