Is there something wrong with my Volkswagen Polo?

Hi, I have a 2002 Volkswagen Polo Comfortline 1.2-litre. I bought it a few weeks ago and I have taken it for short journeys about two or three miles. It got its NCT five days before purchase, but I noticed the needle on the petrol gauge going down slowly, but on a two or three mile journey I didn't expect it to move at all? This is my first car so I'm panicking.

Thank you!

Bryan Barrett (Limerick)

Jul 2014 Filed under: fault

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Expert answer

Hi Bryan,

The fuel gauge should not visibly go down over such a short drive, no matter how fast you're going! If there's a fuel leak then it's a big one to cause that, so start up the car in neutral with the handbrake on in a safe location (in the dry preferably) and get out and look underneath for any signs. If there is one we recommend turning off the car and having it towed to a garage for a repair.

However, it may well be that the gauge or the sender unit in the fuel tank are themselves faulty and it could be an inexpensive fix. Either way you should bring the car back to where you bought it (assuming it was a trade sale and not a private one) and insist they accompany you on a drive so you can demonstrate the problem. If there's a warranty in place this kind of thing should be covered.

Let us know how you get on

Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Adviser
@Shane_O_D