Abstract: A method is disclosed for minimizing evaporative losses of liquid hydrocarbon fuels from fuel tanks installed on motor vehicles wherein the fuel tanks are shielded from sources of heat which would otherwise cause significant evaporation of the hydrocarbon fuel contained therein. The shielding is achieved by covering the surfaces of the fuel tanks which are exposed to radiation and convection from hot pavement, reflected solar radiation, and direct solar radiation with a heat insulating and radiation reflection coating.