Whether you're new to driving, or have just moved to a place where the rules forbid customers to refuel themselves, this is a must-know in the modern world. This article is intended for beginners, but even seniors can get some tips.
Note: the term "gas station" was coined in American culture around the 1940s. The current term is "Multiple Product Dispenser" or MPD for short.
Step
Step 1. Select the correct pump
You have to know whether your car needs diesel, ethanol or gasoline. If you don't know, you should find out before getting into the gas station. Usually, the ends of the fuel hoses for diesel, ethanol and gasoline are of different sizes.
When you go to the gas station, the pumps for diesel are usually in separate areas, but they can also be close together or together. Always check to be sure. If you fill the tank with the wrong fuel, the engine can be damaged. If you accidentally put in the wrong fuel, don't start the car. You must drain all the contents of the tank and rinse several times to prevent damage
Step 2. Find which side of the refueling hole, before entering the gas station
If you're driving a car you've never driven, find out before you get in the car. If you are already in the car, the easiest way to check the refueling side, is to look at the fuel indicator on the dashboard, there will usually be an arrow indicating the refueling side of the car. Indeed, if you get the wrong side of the gas station, it doesn't mean the end of the world, but it's troublesome to change sides at the gas station.
Step 3. It also doesn't bother you to look for the fuel filler cap release lever
Sometimes these levers are hard to find, and it's annoying to spend 15 minutes trying to figure out where the lever is.
Step 4. Make sure your car is in the "P" position (if your car is automatic), and turn off the engine
Before you go inside, check your pump number. When you talk to the staff, say how much you will be refueling, and which pump. If the pump can process credit and debit cards, just swipe your card and follow the instructions. Sometimes you have to sign a bill or enter a PIN.
Step 5. If you smoke, turn off the cigarette before entering the gas station and don't light it again until you are done
Sparks are very easy to cause a fire. Remember, gasoline vapors are highly flammable!
Step 6. Make a habit of following the steps in How to Get Out of a Car Without Electrostatic Shot to prevent sparks from occurring
Step 7. There is intense debate about whether cell phones can cause gas station fires
Although this issue was resolved on the tv show Mythbusters, many people avoid using their cell phones while refueling, just in case. Some states prohibit the use of cell phones at gas stations. Read the warning on the gas station!
Step 8. Open your gas tank
Place the lid where you can easily see it (if it's not hanging from the end of the tank). Do not place the tank cap under the fill lever. This will bypass the automatic closing system in the event of a hazard, and is also illegal in some states.
Step 9. Lift the hose from the pump and insert it into the tank opening
If there are multiple hoses, look under "Selecting a Fuel Octane" below.
Step 10. If necessary, first lift the valve on the hose
This valve is where the hose is located. Sometimes this will confuse you at some old gas station.
Step 11. Choose octane:
87 (Regular), 89 (Intermediate), and 93 (Premium), usually so, but may vary depending on the state or region. There are several octane options available at a single pump, (hence the gas station is called a Multiple Product Dispenser), and there is also debate as to whether this octane difference is significant.
- Check your car's manual. If your engine requires premium gasoline, this will be stated as "required" or "recommended". If recommended, you can still dodge. For example, a car that is recommended to use medium octane, you can still use regular gasoline, but the power and economy will be reduced slightly.
- If you find that the gasoline you fill causes the engine to knock, choose a better one. Knocking is very bad for your engine.
- Cars over 15 years old will be very easily damaged if using worse gasoline than recommended.
- If the car is recommended to use gasoline, there is no benefit if you use premium.
Step 12. Press the handle on the hose to start pumping gas
Hold it tight, sometimes there is a small lever to grip the handle so you can keep pumping without pressing it all the time. The pump will automatically stop when you reach your purchase amount, or when the tank is full. You can also stop it by pressing the handle again and releasing it. Do not attempt to continue pumping after the pump has stopped. This is called "topping off" and is not recommended. The extra gasoline you want to get will be sucked back in by the pump, spilled or evaporated. All gas tanks have ventilation. That is, if you overfill, it can drain out or evaporate.
Step 13. If you hold the handle in such a way that the gas flows slowly, you can reduce evaporation and save a little money
Step 14. Do not tap the fuel hose on your tank before you pull it out
This will only add a few drops, but there is a risk of sparks if you are not grounded. Just tilt the end of the hose to prevent gasoline dripping.
Step 15. Put the fuel hose back in the pump
you may have to open the valve first.
Step 16. Replace the tank cap as soon as possible
One click is enough. Sometimes people forget and lose the tank cap. Take your bill if you have one. Don't forget to pay, if you haven't paid in advance.
Step 17. One click is enough, but you should also check if your check engine light is on
Some cars require 3 clicks to tighten the tank cap. There is a link between the tightness of the tank cap and the emission sensor that can detect the tightness of your tank cap. This causes the check engine light to turn on. The same thing happens if you open the gas tank without turning off the engine.
Step 18. Done
Tips
- It's a good thing if you hold your car keys while refueling, even if there are passengers in the car. This will prevent the evil plans of people who intend to steal your car.
- If you have a very active dog in the car, you may find your car locked while you are still outside.
Warning
- Do not refuel while the car tanker truck is filling the gas station filling tank. Water or sediment that is in the underground tank can be lifted and sucked into your car's tank, which can cause damage.
- In Oregon and New Jersey, Don't fill up your own petrol. This means, the local ordinance only allows gas station staff to fill your gas. So, all gas stations there are full service. However, in New Jersey full service does not apply to diesel pumps.
- If you come into contact with gasoline, wipe it off immediately, it can irritate the skin and the vapors are toxic, but will evaporate quickly.
- Make sure before you leave, you have removed the hose from your tank opening. This can embarrass you and there is also a chance that you will be fined.
- Some gas stations will charge a fee for a credit or debit card. Look at the warning. Maybe it's cheaper to pay cash.
- In the event of a hazard, press "emergency pump stop" at the gas station and call 911.
- Materials in gasoline hoses are usually not ignitable. Usually made of materials other than iron, are not affected by magnetism. But that doesn't mean it's not conductive. Be careful when you get in the car while the gas is still pumping. Static electricity can occur and cause sparks and is the main cause of fires at gas stations.
- In some cities and regions in America and Canada, you cannot fill up on gas until you have paid in full. Your SIM could be withheld because of it.
