By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2024-10-03 22:11:24 | Updated at 2024-10-07 08:26:45
3 days ago
A mechanic is warning drivers to avoid making a dire mistake with their car that could cost them hundreds.
The car expert, who goes by @sweet_tea on TikTok, issued a public service announcement about the error that car owners could be making at the gas station.
In a viral video, which has so far amassed more than 2.1 million views, the mechanic added to the ongoing discussion surrounding the inner workings of vehicles after another expert shared the cars you should avoid at all costs.
He admitted that overfilling your gas tank could cause issues with your 'purge valve,' a part that regulates the flow of fuel to your engine.
The Texas-based mechanic explained that if you put too much gas in your car, you would have to get the valve replaced, which could cost you upwards of $500.
A mechanic is warning drivers to avoid making a dire mistake with their car that could cost them hundreds
He shared the video after he shared the same advice with a stranger at the gas station. The mechanic said he was filling up his car when he heard a noise coming from a person's car next to him.
When he saw them overfilling their car, he made it clear that it could cause them pricey problems.
However, they snapped at the mechanic and told him to 'mind his own business.'
He said: 'I hear the pump beside me click off and then I proceed to see this person put more fuel in their tank. It clicks off again, they try to do it again.
'So I try to be friendly and I walk over and say, "Hey, that's not good for your fuel tank to overfill it like that," and they said, "Why don't you mind your own business?'
He noted that he was just trying to help them avoid ruining their purge valve.
At this point, the unnamed person asked him to provide more information as they said they had to replace their purge valve 'two weeks' ago.
'When you overfill your tank, it messes up your purge valve. It causes your "check engine" light to come on,' the mechanic said.
The Texas-based mechanic explained that if you put too much gas in your car, you would have to get your purge valve replaced, which could cost you upwards of $500 (stock image)
People flooded the comments section and praised the mechanic for his advice
'It may not happen right away but if you keep on overfilling it, you will eventually have to replace your purge valve.'
According to J.D. Power Research, overfilling your gas tank can cause the purge valve to get clogged.
Replacing the valve can cost you anywhere from $100 to $500.
People flooded the comments section and praised the mechanic for his advice.
One person said: 'Thanks for sharing! I do it all the time.'
Someone else added: 'No, I needed to hear this.'
'Thank you, do more of these,' another user commented.
