There is a consensus among motorists that paying for fuel by using a fuelcard is a great method to save money. It allows you to buy fuel at a lower rate than the pump price and also enables you to track and manage how your company vehicles are driven.
The benefits of saving on fuel go beyond just ensuring a healthy bank balance. More importantly, it is a good thing for the environment as the government has started rewarding motorists who drive more eco-friendlily.
But despite the many benefits of using UK fuel cards, a lot of weird myths still exist around this method of paying for fuel. In this article, we debunk these myths and differentiate between misconceptions and actual money-saving tips. Continue reading to learn more.
MYTH #1: Fueling Up in the Morning gives you more fuel
They say that if you want to squeeze more gas into your tank, you better wake up bright and early.
While the idea of getting the most of every penny spent on a fuel card is a great one no doubt, throwing your warm blankets and jumping into your car is akin to taking things too literally.
Those propagating this myth say that because mornings are colder, the fuel is denser meaning that more of it will go into the tank. According to this hypothesis, a cold ground leads to denser petrol, ensuring you get more fuel than if you were to fill up later on when high temperatures make it to expand.
While the theory is not completely unfounded, the advantage is so small it’s not worth leaving your duvet for. Also, you are likely to get stuck in the morning traffic jam, which will certainly wipe out any small advantage you gained.
MYTH #2: You must purchase premium-rate fuel
This is a dangerous rumour. It claims that fuel card providers will force you to purchase only premium-rate fuels. This way, any savings you make from switching to fuel cards will be wiped off. So what’s the purpose of using a fuelcard then?
Premium-rate petrol differs slightly from the standard petrol. However, unless you are driving a top-of-the-rage car or s sports car that comes with an engine that burns hotter, you will not notice the difference in performance.
Therefore, next time you are at the pump filling up, do not feel guilty about using standard fuel. It is not a below-par fuel and there is no way you are doing injustice to your car.
MYTH #3: A gizmo gives you equal fuel savings
UK fuel cards give you several ways of managing your fleet of cars more efficiently. They enable you to easily identify drivers that are using more fuel but traveling fewer miles.
If you think this is too much to do, the other option is to try one of those wonderful gadgets out there that promise to slash your fuel consumption.
I don’t want to burst your bubble, but several scientific studies show that these gadgets don’t lead to any significant fuel savings.
MYTH #4: You will not refuel at a supermarket
This myth states that you will have to drive about half a town each time you want to fill up with your fuel card. If you believe this, then you should learn more about UK fuel cards and how they work.
Most fuel cards are accepted at almost all pumps, and even supermarket stations will gladly accept your fuelcard.
Contrary to this misconception, a fuel card does not alienate you and force you to fill up at just one petrol station. Instead, it enables you to access a broad range of pump stations wherever you go. This includes supermarket stations and motorway services.
MYTH #5: There’s more space in the tank after the nozzle clicks
Most drivers have fallen for this misconception at one time or another. You hear the click to turn on the nozzle but you continue for a short time to squeeze the last drops into the tank.
While most people think they are topping the tank off to get the maximum advantages, the reality is that you are only charging more money to the fuel card.
It is a waste of cash which means this fuel goes to the waste area in the car. There is no way you can create non-existent space in the tank.
MYTH #6: Filling up right after the replenishment of the pumps gets debris into your engine.
Scaremongers warn that if you take your car to the pumps for refilling just after the fuel has been replenished, you risk your car ending up with debris, grit, and dirt that circulate the engine.
According to this hypothesis, when the tanks are replenished, the silt at the bottom is disturbed and it easily flows out of the nozzle.
The idea that sizeable chunks can fly out of the pump is ridiculous and not fact-based. Modern pumps are fitted with filters that prevent any grit from getting to your engine. Therefore, do not hesitate to line up as soon as the pumps are replenished.
MYTH #7: Switching the engine on and off consumes more fuel than leaving it running
What do you do when you get stuck in a jam that could take a long time? Do you switch your engine off completely or leave it running?
Most people will opt for the former, believing that switching the engine on and off consumes more fuel. However, leaving the car in idling requires fuel to be pumped around the engine. On the other hand, switching the engine on and off does not require extra fuel. The golden rule of thumb is that if you expect to be stationary for over one minute, switch the engine off to save fuel.
Conclusion
To get the best from your fuel card, you need to use your car as cost-effectively as possible. This includes the ability to differentiate from a myth and a proven money-saving tip. Most of the above misconceptions have been repeated many times, but if you should come across them again, just shrug them off and continue what you are doing.
