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ROP advises motorists to avoid full tank in summer

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By Mai Al Abria — MUSCAT: May 15 - The Royal Oman Police (ROP) has advised drivers to take precautions to ensure their safety during summer.


ROP has warned motorists against filling tanks to the brim as extreme heat causes fuel to heat up, which can result in fuel leak. Fuel leak is not only harmful to the environment, but also damage the car’s paint and the protective layer of its metal body. Fuel is stored in tanks at a temperature of between 5 and 10 degrees, according to a German auto club.  If the outside temperature is 30 degrees or more, then the fuel temperature will increase rapidly to more than 20 degrees. This will result in a 2 per cent increase in the space occupied by fuel.


Therefore, in a 50-litre tank, the pumped quantity should not exceed 49 litres. Leave the remaining space for fuel expansion. Drivers can fill the tank completely at the beginning of a long journey. Some experts say filling tanks to capacity poses no risk as all fuel tanks are designed to withstand the pressure build-up in high temperatures. However, another team explained this logic is not applicable to regions witnessing temperatures of 45 degrees Celsius or more and asked drivers to take precautions. ROP has also asked drivers to replace the old tyres in summer for their safety.


“Checking your tyres during summer is crucial. Long road trips with huge loads and high temperatures can stress your tyres,” commented the ROP officer. The surface temperature of the road can be much higher than that of the air temperature. Tyres can fail during periods of excessive heat. Increased friction, high-speed driving, excessive cornering and frequent braking during high temperatures can cause the tyre to heat up too much. Once this happens, a blowout can occur. Chances of a blowout increase if tyres are worn out and are more than two years’ old. “Drivers should keep track of their car conditions to prevent hazards,” the officer added.


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