When hiring a vehicle from Salford Van Hire, one of the key requirements is that you return it with a full tank of fuel. This helps keep costs simple and transparent – you only pay for the fuel you use, and you avoid any refuelling charges when you hand the vehicle back.
There’s one small detail many customers aren’t normally aware of, and it can sometimes cause confusion when topping up: diesel fuel foams up as it fills the tank. This foam can make the gauge appear as if the tank is already full – when in reality, it’s not.
Diesel vs Petrol – What’s the Difference?
Most of our vans, HGVs, and many of our cars run on diesel. Unlike petrol, diesel tends to foam as it’s pumped into the tank. This means you might think the tank is full when in fact it still has room for more fuel once the foam settles. This happens because the foam/bubbles rise up faster than diesel and trigger the nozzle that clicks off to let you know your tank is (well, wold be) full. However, once the foam settles (normally within 2 minutes) you’ll find that several litres can still be added.
The Refuelling Tip You Need to Know
Here’s a quick tip to make sure your tank is genuinely full when you bring your vehicle back:
- Fill the tank until the nozzle clicks off.
- Wait for around 1–2 minutes – this gives the foam time to settle.
- Try topping up again – you’ll often find you can add several more litres.
Doing this ensures the tank really is full, and avoids the situation where it looks full at the pump but shows as underfilled when we inspect it on return.
Why It Matters
If the vehicle isn’t returned with a full tank, we’ll need to top it up on your behalf, and the cost will be deducted from your deposit. To avoid this, always double-check that the tank is completely full before leaving the fuel station.
Key Points to Remember
- Always return your hire vehicle with a full tank of the correct fuel.
- Most of our vehicles use diesel, which naturally foams during filling.
- To make sure the tank is full, let the foam settle and top up again.
- Returning the vehicle full ensures your deposit is refunded in full with no extra charges.
