How small leaks can turn into major diesel losses
Here at TankSafe, we’ve been helping fleet operators to protect their fuel for over 20 years now, and we know exactly how important it is to never underestimate the impact fuel loss can have on a business. Small leaks may seem like minor issues, but over time, they all add up. But how bad can the problem really be? Let’s explore the consequences of diesel leaks and discuss steps you can take to safeguard your business against fuel loss.
Why is leaking fuel such a serious issue?
Even a small diesel leak can have a far-reaching impact. Firstly, and perhaps most importantly, it can affect your profit margins – after all, the more diesel you lose, the more you’ll have to replace, costing you a sizable amount of money over time. What’s more, even a small leak could result in a £50 – £100 fixed penalty notice from DVSA or the police, with operator fines ending up in the thousands.
Next, there are safety risks. Diesel is flammable and toxic, and when it leaks, it can lead to pollution, degraded road surfaces, and safety risks for both your employees and the general public. It’s no secret that exposure to diesel fuel can cause health issues like dizziness, eye irritation and even respiratory problems. Additionally, diesel is notoriously slippery, impacting skid resistance and causing longer braking distances. But it doesn’t just affect road safety. A diesel leak can also create unsafe work environments for your employees, with falls and trips costing UK employers over £500 million a year.
Other than leaks, how else can your fleet lose fuel?
Leaks aren’t the only way your trucks can lose diesel. Fuel theft is a major concern for all fleet managers and can cause significant financial losses. A common method is siphoning, where a third party uses a tube to steal diesel from your tank. Though this can seriously impact your business, it actually only accounts for 1% of fuel theft. The majority comes down to ‘skimming’, where small amounts of diesel are discreetly taken over a period of time. This theft is frequently conducted by your own employees, making it easy for the culprits to avoid detection.
How can you prevent fuel loss?
Whatever the cause, it’s clear that fuel loss is definitely not something to be taken lightly. But what can you do to tackle the problem? In the long run, we recommend taking proactive, preventative measures to keep your fuel safe and prevent waste and safety risks. Firstly, ensure that all vehicles and fuel tanks are well-maintained. Conduct regular inspections, looking out for cracks, corrosion or damage. You can also monitor fuel levels, enabling you to identify and track small losses so you can address them before they worsen.
But if you’re looking for undeniable peace of mind, we’ve got the solution. With our unique security device TankSafe Optimum, your commercial vehicles are fully protected. Tanksafe Optimum’s patented design features an anti-spill mechanism and float valve, which rises in the tank as you refuel and locks it off at 98% capacity. This isolates the fuel and stops overfilling, skimming, siphoning and spillage, saving you money and keeping employees and the general public safe.
When it comes to protecting your fuel, there’s nobody better placed to help than us. Our products are used by fleet managers across the UK and beyond, and are trusted by major figures like Ford, Iveco and Kenworth. With Tanksafe Optimum, you can reduce your fuel bills by 15%, providing a typical return on investment in just three to six weeks. Best of all, it only takes five minutes to install and provides peace of mind for each truck’s entire lifetime. If you need more information on how our products can help your fleet, we’re always here to offer advice and guidance. Don’t hesitate to reach out on 01253 400 401 today to take the first step towards fuel security!