As per the circular released by the Ministry, the Legal Metrology Division received representations from Petroleum Dealer Associations regarding wrong tank capacity mentioned in service manuals of two-wheelers and four-wheelers. It is claimed that the fuel tank capacity mentioned in the booklets is usually 15 – 20% lesser than the actual volume.
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The reasons for the additional spare volume include some security measures, including –
- To prevent Volatile Organic Compound from being leaked in case of volume expansion, as underground tanks at fuel pumps have lower temperatures as compared to the atmosphere
- Gasoline needs space for vapor creation, and if not provided, then the engine performance will be hampered. Also, unburnt fuel will result in excessive hydrocarbon pollution.
- If a vehicle is filled at full capacity and parked on an inclining or declining surface may result in leakage, which can be hazardous as fuel is a highly inflammable substance.
The ministry has urged automobile manufacturers to advise motor vehicle users to not fill the fuel tank up to the brim, instead, fill it within the declared less quantity. In the past, many incidents have been reported of car owners being involved in an argument with fuel pump attendants after getting a fuel tank of fuel and realizing that the volume filled is actually higher than the fuel tank capacity mentioned by the OEM.
Do you think vehicle manufacturers need to create awareness on the matter and mention both – the maximum amount of fuel that should be filled in a respective car, scooter or motorcycle as well as its full tank capacity? Let us know in the comments down below.