Mechanic warns all petrol and diesel owners can 'ruin' vehicle in seconds

A top has warned and owners could "ruin" their vehicle by making a mistake that a "lot of people don't know".

Scotty Kilmer stressed with disastrous

He revealed that petrol and diesel helps lubricate a crucial component known as a fuel pump, a device used to move fuel from the tank into the engine.

the tool to "burn out" with road users likely to feel the sting of a costly repair bill.

, Scotty said: "Here's a warning that a lot of people don't know about, go inside the car and take a look, keep an eye on your fuel tank.

"Not just so you don't run out of fuel. My advice is don't run it maybe too much lower than an eighth of a tank, maybe leave it at a quarter of a tank.

"Modern cars have their fuel pump inside the gas tank. And this may sound rather strange, fuel actually lubricates the pump. The fuel goes to the pump, it lubricates the bearings as you pump fuel into your car.

"But if you're one of those people who runs it on fumes, run it until it's out of gas. If you actually run out of gas in a modern car with a fuel pump in the tank you're screwed.

"Instead of sucking fuel it will suck air. Air is dry, the bearings in the fuel pump will burn out from running dry."

According to , the average cost of repairing a fuel pump is an eye-watering £500.

However, they stress prices could be as high as £900 depending on the size of the vehicle and the parts recommended by a manufacturer.

put the average fee between £200 and £500 but admitted that some owners could end up paying four figures.

They explained: "The final bill can vary depending on your vehicle's age, make, and model, ranging anywhere between £100 to over £1,200.

"The fuel pump itself may cost between £50 to £700, with additional charges from £50 to £500 for labour fees."

Scotty added: "Some basic things you need to know so you don't destroy your car or cause extensive repairs to be needed just for some stupid little thing you didn't know about.

"Over the last 56 years of repairing cars. I've seen people ruin cars for some of the craziest reasons."