What to Do When You Overfill Your Gas Tank

We imagine you would probably panic a little if you accidentally overfilled your tank. An overfilled gas tank can definitely cause damage to a vehicle over time. However, there’s some helpful information to know to protect your N Charlotte Toyota from this situation. Let’s get into it! 

What Happens if You Overfill Your Gas Tank?

It’s okay if you’ve been in this position, it happens to the best of us! So what happens if you overfill your gas tank? (Besides probably need to buy some new shoes!) There is definitely some damage that can be caused by an overfilled gas tank, here are the details from our Toyota of N Charlotte team. 

• Damaged solenoids that can prevent your car from starting
• Purge valve failure that can cause fuel efficiency and emission issues
• A saturated charcoal canister that causes a gasoline smell and problems filling up your tank
• Problems starting and accelerating your vehicle 

Not to mention, spilling gasoline on the ground is a major contributor to pollution of the air, soil and water! This is also a serious fire hazard if the gasoline is not cleaned up immediately. Now that we know some of the potential dangers, let’s take a look at what you can do about this issue.

Here is What to Do When You Overfill Your Gas Tank

Realistically, overfilling the tank just one time will not cause any significant damage to your N Charlotte Toyota. Definitely be mindful and clean up the mess quickly (gas is extremely flammable after all). It’s also a good idea to start taking steps to prevent it from happening again in the future (not a good reoccurring problem to have).

Preventing an Overfilled Gas Tank

Let’s talk about some of the ways you can avoid overfilling your Toyota of N Charlotte vehicle’s gas tank. 

• Stay close to the pump! Listen carefully for the click when your tank is full - and this is especially important for everyone who uses the pump handle lock. 
• Pay attention! It’s tempting to be on your phone or sitting in the car, but as soon as the pump clicks you need to be ready to pull the pump out immediately.
• Don’t try to “top off” your tank! A lot of people will try to squeeze a few extra drops into the tank after the pump clicks. Really, it’s just not possible to get extra fuel in the tank and can end up causing gas to spill out everywhere. 

Visit us at Toyota of N Charlotte 

Whether you have more questions about an overfilled gas tank or other auto service needs, stop by Toyota of N Charlotte! We’re at 13429 Statesville Road. Take exit 23 off I-77 in Huntersville. We look forward to helping you out with your ride!