Picture this: you’re almost finished refuelling your ride and lift the hose up for a second or two and give it a shake to allow what’s left in the nozzle to drain into your tank. Sound familiar? We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but this trick doesn’t actually work.

RAA Car Advice Manager Andrew Clark explains that lifting the hose won’t actually get you more fuel.

“A long time ago this may have worked, but the modern fuel bowser has safety systems that use fluid lock-off valves,” Mr Clark says.

That means the hose won’t allow fuel to come out when the pump isn’t operating.

“Modern fuel nozzles have a series of valves in the nozzle gun which control the flow of fuel when the bowser pump is running,” he says.

“The design is incorporated as a safety measure in case the nozzle trigger is opened while the bowser pump isn’t running, which could result in fuel stored in the hose leaking out, or over a person.”

When the trigger is squeezed, the bowser pump will run. The pressure made in the hose opens a valve that allows fuel to flow through the nozzle gun.

If there’s no pressure in the hose when the bowser pump switches off, the valve will not open, trapping fuel in the hose.

Simply put, holding the hose up and giving it a shake won’t release any fuel stored in the hose.

You might see a couple of left-over drops come out of the nozzle, but the fuel in the hose is isolated.

The pump’s calibration is designed to measure what is delivered out of the nozzle, so the fuel that you have bought isn’t trapped in the hose.

People who lift the petrol hose to prevent spillage will also be disappointed.

“The best way to prevent spillage isn’t by lifting the hose; instead, wait a couple of seconds after the pump has stopped.

“Lift or withdraw the nozzle slightly and ensure there isn’t anything running or dripping out of the end of the nozzle.”

So, if awkwardly lifting the hose and jiggling isn’t the best way to maximise your dollar at the pump, then what is? Here’s a simple three-step method that’ll help you save on fuel.

1. 1. Drive smoothly. Avoid hard acceleration and braking whenever possible.
   2. Keep your tyres inflated to the correct pressure.
   3. Have your car serviced regularly.

Bonus tip: Petrol is at its cheapest about 10 to 30 days after a peak. So, if you see the cost per litre suddenly jump, try to hold out for a week or so when pump prices begin to drop. If you’re running near empty, now’s a good time to do a mini top-up to get you through to the cheapest point in the cycle.

Wait a few more days and prices are likely to drop even more. At that point, fill your tank to the brim before prices suddenly rise again. Keep up with fuel prices in real-time here.