Motoring expert debunks viral 'slow squeeze' fuel-saving hack

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 30 Oct, 17:40 · Archive

A viral 'slow squeeze' fuel pump technique circulating on social media does not save money, a motoring expert has said.

A viral fuel-saving tip called the 'slow squeeze' method is circulating on social media platforms including TikTok and Instagram. The technique claims that gently squeezing the fuel pump trigger while filling up will deliver more petrol or diesel for the money by reducing air bubbles and foam in the tank. One TikTok post under the tag 'Fuel Prices UK' has reached almost 250,000 views.

Graham Conway, managing director at Select Car Leasing, has dismissed the advice as misguided. He said: 'The slow squeeze hack is popular on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, but you're highly unlikely to see any real benefit. Modern fuel pumps have clever systems designed to prevent air or vapour from affecting the measurement of fuel that comes out of the nozzle. You can't somehow game the system with the trickle method.'

Mr Conway also noted a practical drawback: 'The only thing that might happen is that you take ages to fill up, angering other drivers patiently waiting behind you.' The proponents of the technique argue that filling up too quickly creates bubbles in the tank, comparing it to pouring a fizzy drink too fast.

Despite Mr Conway's explanation, some social media users remain convinced the method works. One commenter said: 'I always fill up holding the lever halfway and my petrol lasts way longer. By holding the lever in all the way in we are paying for a lot of air too.' Another claimed that it could 'make a litre or two difference in a fill up'.

Mr Conway used the opportunity to warn against another common mistake at the pump: topping off the tank after the nozzle clicks. This practice can damage vehicles.

How it is being reported

• Car expert debunks viral 'slow squeeze' fuel-saving tip and issues pump warningFuel-saving ‘slow squeeze’ hack debunked by expert, who warns UK motorists it will not cut petrol or diesel costs; repeated topping off can damage vehicles.Whitehaven News · 30 Oct, 17:28
• Car expert debunks viral 'slow squeeze' fuel-saving tip and issues pump warningFuel-saving ‘slow squeeze’ hack debunked by expert, who warns UK motorists it will not cut petrol or diesel costs; repeated topping off can damage vehicles.Cumberland News · 30 Oct, 17:28
• Car expert debunks viral 'slow squeeze' fuel-saving tip and issues pump warningFuel-saving ‘slow squeeze’ hack debunked by expert, who warns UK motorists it will not cut petrol or diesel costs; repeated topping off can damage vehicles.NW Evening Mail · 30 Oct, 17:28
• Car expert debunks viral 'slow squeeze' fuel-saving tip and issues pump warningFuel-saving ‘slow squeeze’ hack debunked by expert, who warns UK motorists it will not cut petrol or diesel costs; repeated topping off can damage vehicles.Westmorland Gazette · 30 Oct, 17:28

In this story: Graham Conway · Select Car Leasing · TikTok · Instagram · UK

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