AA issues statement after concerns fuel could ‘evaporate’ this June

Motoring experts at the AA have reassured petrol and diesel owners after worried drivers raised concerns that fuel could “evaporate” this summer. Rumours swirl on social media every year that fuel could evaporate from fuel tanks when exposed to direct sunlight and warm weather.

There have even been suggestions that road users could lose between 1-2% from their fuel tanks when a car was subjected to sunlight and temperatures above 35C. With temperatures set to soar this June with the UK enjoying a mini-heatwave, there was likely to be concern among road users. However, the AA has stressed it's a summer myth with road users unlikely to be affected this month.

A previous statement from the AA read: “Many people wrongly believe that petrol evaporates quickly in the summertime, and we're left out of pocket by their cars gradually leaking petrol fumes throughout the day.

“If this was true, you'd walk through car parks and busy streets and smell nothing but petrol - which doesn't happen. Your car's petrol cap does a great job of keeping the petrol where it belongs. Inside your car.”

According to the Met Office, temperatures will get progressively warmer throughout the week as the UK enjoys a bumper start to June.

Conditions are set to reach 27C in London on Monday before rising to 28C on Wednesday and 30C on Thursday.

The hot weather is set to continue into the weekend with another 30 Celsius day expected in the capital on Saturday.

The AA has also debunked claims that road users will tend to get “less petrol” by fling up at certain times of the day.

There are rumours that in hot weather, petrol expands in the tank underground at the forecourt meaning road users will get less fuel for their cash.

This led to a theory that topping up a combustion car in the morning when it's cooler could be more economical.

However, the AA stressed there was “no need” to rush pit the door at the crack of dawn to secure the best prices.

The breakdown group added: “Our verdict? False. The petrol is kept underground where the temperature is cooler and more stable, so you'll get the same amount of fuel when you fill up at any time of day (or night)."

No need to keep getting up at 5am to fill the car up, then.