Diesel Spills

taffytomtom

I had been reading the 'Tesco Fuel Poor MPG' thread as i "thought" i was realising the same sort of results with my car.
However, i was really shocked to see drivers still saying they "brimmed the tank of their car" including drivers of Diesel cars.
Please, please, don't carry on with this highly dangerous practice. Diesel spills account for hundreds of reported motorcycle accidents every year. As an all year round motorcyclist i know how dangerous diesel on the road can be.
While drivers don't mean to spill diesel on to the road, a poorly fitting fuel cap means that, with a "brimmed" tank as you drive round a bend or turn a corner the fuel can seep out of the filler neck and the driver is completely unaware that this has happened.
Think about how many cars, vans, buses or trucks have you seen with diesel stains around the filler caps. Most of this has ended up on the road.
So please think when filling up. After all, how much further could you go with a litre or so less in your tank.

Rolandtheroadie

The diesel/oil you see on the road is from leaking tanks, leaking fuel lines, engine oil leaks etc.

Hammyman

Maybe motorbikes should be outlawed if they're that bad at road handling.

taffytomtom

Agreed, poorly maintained vehicles are a cause. However, "brimming" or "necking" the tank has been identified as a major factor.
The British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF) have, along with other companies such as fuel companies and various Police Forces through thier Bikesafe courses been campaigning for many years against diesel spills. Visit the BMF website and under the killspills tab there are details of the campaign. Googling diesel spills as well will show how many topics there are.

taffytomtom

Thank you Hammyman. This is exactly the sort of attitude we need to make other motorists aware of. There are also many 4 wheel vehicle accidents caused by spills as well.

Norman_Castle

Maybe motorbikes should be outlawed if they're that bad at road handling.

Maybe irresponsible diesel vehicle drivers should be outlawed.


From the highway code.

Diesel spillage is dangerous to other road users, particularly motorcyclists, as it will significantly reduce the level of grip between the tyres and road surface. Double-check for fuel leaks and make sure that

• you do not overfill your fuel tank
• the fuel cap is fastened securely
• the seal in the cap is not torn, perished or missing
• there is no visual damage to the cap or the fuel tank

Emergency fuel caps, if fitted, should form a good seal.

taffytomtom

Thanks Spartacus.

Ride safe and free.

bigjl

Most if not all diesel spills are from commercial vehicles. When somebody sayd they fill to the brim I don't think they mean untill the diesel is dripping down the side of the vehicle.

goldspanners

fuel tanks are sealed,fuel tank caps should not leak when fastened securely ,so even if the tank is turned upside down it shouldn't leak.
(i know some caps are vented but shouldn't leak)

so brimming the tank won't make much difference.
even if the tank is only half full and the cap doesn't fit right diesel could still escape as it doesn't stay still when moving.

so should the point not be to check or even change fuel tank caps regularly? make them service items maybe?

DKLS

There is a roundabout near to me that is infamous amongst local bikers, its near to where the bin wagons fill up and consequently always has diesel spills around it.
You can always spot a local biker traversing that roundabout as they tip toe round it, bikers from outside the area are not so fortunate.

Gordon_Hose

Maybe we should outlaw EVERYTHING that may hurt us.