Drivers warned over simple mistake when refuelling at petrol stations that could invalidate your motor’s warranty
DRIVERS have been warned over a simple mistake when refuelling at petrol stations which could invalidate your car’s warranty.
Callum Butler from ALA Insurance has warned that some actions my unknowingly void your car warranty, adding it was important to avoid common mistakes.
One tip that would seem to be common knowledge but clearly isn’t, is never to refuel your vehicle while the engine is running as this is effectively mixing fire and fuel.
Callum said: “Precaution is key, make sure to turn off the engine and wait for any residual heat to dissipate before refuelling.
“This minimises the risk of fuel vapours igniting which could pose a serious fire hazard.”
He warned that many warranties become void because people neglect the guidelines.
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Callum said: “Many people unknowingly void warranties by neglecting manufacturer guidelines.
“Simple errors like improper oil changes or using incorrect oil grades can jeopardise your claims.
“This is because policyholders are expected to follow basic manufacturer guidelines and exercise caution while doing so."
He added: “While it may seem like a simple task, checking oil levels with the engine running can pose significant risks to both the vehicle and its owner.
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“It's important to follow manufacturer recommendations and ensure the engine is off before conducting maintenance."
The advice is when performing any maintenance checks, such as changing or checking oil fluid levels or adjusting engine components, make sure the engine is switched off.
While it's essential to check the oil level regularly, ideally every month or before long trips, to monitor for any abnormalities or leaks, safety should always come first.
Callum said: “Performing maintenance checks with a running engine poses risks due to moving parts and hot surfaces, increasing the likelihood of injury.
“Instead turn off the engine and allow it to cool down before carrying out any necessary maintenance.”
Similarly, before tackling a clean-up of the engine bay make sure the engine is switched off and cool before rolling your sleeves up.
Calum said: “Water or cleaning agents coming into contact with hot engine components can lead to steam or chemical reactions which can result in injury or damage to the vehicle.”
He added: "Maintaining your vehicle's cleanliness is important, but so is your safety.
'SWITCH OFF ENGINE'
“Always switch off the engine and wait for it to cool down before cleaning to prevent accidents and keep your vehicle in top condition.”
Lastly, never leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running, even for just a short period.
Callum said: “It may seem like an obvious observation but unattended running vehicles are much more susceptible to theft.
“In vehicles with keyless ignition systems, the ignition button or start/stop switch might be easily accessible from outside the vehicle, increasing the risk of accidental activation if touched unintentionally.
“Always switch off the engine and secure the vehicle before leaving it unattended, even if you just need to pop inside for a minute. It’s better to be safe than sorry.”
The advice comes after experts revealed that drivers could slash their fuel use by up to 25 per cent by removing one common item from their car.
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