How to refuel a car correctly: instructions from A to Z

Refueling a car seems like a simple procedure—until you encounter it for the first time. Mistakes at gas stations are costly, from filling the wrong fuel to a fire or fuel system failure. This article will break down the refueling process step by step, explain how to choose the right fuel for your car, what safety precautions to follow, and what to do in unusual situations (for example, if you run out of gas on the highway or the gas station attendant insists on “topping it up to full”).

We analyzed the manufacturers' instructions Toyota, Volkswagen and Hyundai, surveyed gas station workers and auto mechanics to collect current recommendations for 2026. We will pay special attention diesel cars (where a mistake with fuel leads to repairs costing 100+ thousand rubles), cars with gas equipment (HBO) and hybrids. We’ll also look at the myths: is it necessary to refuel “to a full tank”, why you can’t “top up” at some gas stations and how to save on fuel without harming the engine.

1. How to determine what fuel your car needs

First rule: never rely on price or advice from “experienced” drivers. The fuel type is specified in three places:

• 📄 Instructions for use (section “Fuel” or “Technical Specifications”). For Kia Rio 2023 is it AI-92 or AI-95, and for Mazda CX-5 with engine Skyactiv-G - only AI-95 and above.
• 🚗 Sticker on the back of the fuel filler flap. For example, on Renault Duster with diesel there will be an inscription DIESEL ONLY or B7 (biodiesel).
• 🔧 Under the hood - sometimes manufacturers duplicate information on the engine cover or near the oil filler neck.

If there is no documentation (for example, you bought a used car), use online services like Fuelly or MotorPage, where you can find out the recommended fuel by model and year of manufacture. Caution: For some vehicles (eg Volkswagen Passat B8 with engine 1.8 TSI) is allowed AI-95, but for full power you need AI-98.

What happens if you fill with the wrong fuel? For gasoline engines, the effects range from power loss by 15–20% (if you fill AI-92 instead of AI-95) to detonation and piston burnout (if you fill AI-80). For diesel engines, the error is critical: the gasoline in the diesel tank destroys the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) within 5–10 minutes of operation. Repairs will cost 80–150 thousand rubles.

2. Preparing for refueling: what to check before going to the gas station

Even if you refuel regularly, before each trip to a gas station you should perform 3 simple steps:

Make sure that the gas tank flap opens from the passenger compartment (the button is usually next to the driver's seat)

Check the fuel level - if there are less than 10 liters left, refuel at a trusted gas station, and not at the last couple of hours

Turn off the ignition (on some cars, for example Nissan Qashqai, the fuel pump continues to operate for 2–3 minutes after the engine is turned off)

See which side the gas tank is located on (in order to approach the pump correctly) -->

How to find out the side of the gas tank? On the dashboard of most modern cars (eg. Skoda Octavia or Ford Focus) there is an arrow next to the gas station icon. She points to the side of the hatch. If there is no arrow, look at the car itself: Toyota Corolla tank on the left Lada Vesta - on the right.

If you refuel in the dark, choose a well-lit gas station. At suspicious gas stations (without a brand, with rusty pumps), the risk of running into diluted fuel or scammers is higher. According to Roskachestvo, in 2023, every 5th inspection revealed violations at “gray” gas stations.

Always

Sometimes

Never

Only if something seemed suspicious -->

3. Step-by-step instructions: how to refuel your car at a gas station

Let's look at the process using the example of standard gasoline refueling. For diesel and gas, we will describe the nuances below.

1. Access to the pump. Stop so that the gas tank flap is opposite the gun. At most gas stations, the dispensers are designed for the right side, but there are universal ones (for example, at Lukoil or Rosneft). Don't park too close - leave 1–1.5 meters for maneuver.
2. Turn off the engine and put the car on the handbrake. At some gas stations (for example, Tatneft), this rule is strictly controlled.
3. Open the fuel filler flap. In most modern cars (for example, Hyundai Solaris or Volkswagen Polo) this is done from the interior - press the button with the image of a gas station. In older models (for example, VAZ 2107) the hatch is opened manually.
4. Unscrew the tank cap. On some machines (for example, Audi A4) the lid is tied to the hatch with a “string”, on others (for example, BMW 3 Series) you need to put it on the trunk so as not to lose it.
5. Take the gun and insert it into the neck. Do not press the lever all the way - first select the type of fuel and payment.
6. Pay for fuel. Methods:
   • 💳 Card on the column — insert the card, select the amount or liters, confirm the operation.
   • 💵 Cash at the cash desk — tell the operator the column number, fuel type and amount (for example: “Column 3, 95th, 1000 rubles”).
   • 📱 Via the app (for example, Gazpromneft-Bonus or Lukoil-AZS).

Start refueling. Press the gun lever all the way and lock it with the pawl. Keep an eye on the counter on the column.

Completion. When the required amount or volume is reached, the machine will stop the fuel supply. Carefully remove the gun (a few drops may spill) and hang it on the column.

Close the tank. Screw the cap until it clicks (on some machines, e.g. Mercedes-Benz, there is a closure density indicator).

Important: At some gas stations (for example, Bashneft), after payment you need to press the “Start” button on the pump to activate the fuel supply. If fuel does not flow, check whether the green indicator on the gun is lit.

What to do if the gun is “jammed” in the tank?

Don't panic and don't force it. Press the gun lever again - this will reset the lock. If it doesn’t help, call the gas station worker. Never attempt to remove the gun while the fuel supply is still open - this may result in a spill.

4. Features of refueling diesel, gas and hybrids

The process of refueling a diesel car is similar to a gasoline one, but there are critical nuances:

• ⚠️ Gun color. Most gas stations have diesel pistols black or green (as opposed to red/yellow for gasoline). But on some networks (for example, “Route”) the color may differ - always check the inscription DIESEL or DT.
• ❄️ Winter/summer fuel. In Russia, from November 1 to March 1, gas stations must have winter diesel fuel (with antifreeze additives). If you refuel with summer diesel at −10°C, the fuel will turn into a gel and the car will not start. Check receipts: must be indicated DT-Z-K5 (winter) or DT-L-K5 (summer).
• 🔋 Battery. Diesel engines require more energy to start. If the battery is weak, after refueling there may not be enough power to start.

For vehicles with gas cylinder equipment (GBO):

• 🔥 Refueling with methane (CIS) takes longer (3–5 minutes versus 1–2 for propane-butane). At gas stations "Gazpromneft" and "Rosneft" there are special columns with the inscription CNG.
• ⚠️ Don't fill up "full". The cylinder is filled only 80–85% - this is a safety rule. The speakers have an automatic cut-off.
• 🛠️ After refueling, check for leaks. Apply a soap solution to the connections - if bubbles appear, do not drive (risk of gas leakage).

For hybrids (for example, Toyota Prius or Hyundai Ioniq):

• ⚡ Refuel in the same way as regular gasoline cars. Hybrids use gasoline to generate a generator and drive at high speeds.
• 🔋 Don't ignore the low battery indicator. If the battery is low, the car will use more gas.

5. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced drivers sometimes make mistakes at gas stations. Here are the most common:

Error	Consequences	How to avoid
Poured gasoline into diesel (or vice versa)	Repair of fuel injection pump (80–150 thousand rubles), replacement of fuel lines	Always check the lettering on the gun and the color of the sleeve
They mixed up the side of the entrance to the pump	Inconvenient refueling, risk of damaging the car or dispenser	Look at the arrow on the dashboard or remember the side of the tank
Refueled “to full” at high temperature	Fuel may spill out of the tank vent when heated.	In summer, leave 5–10% free volume
Used your phone while refueling	Theoretical risk of spark (although modern smartphones are safe)	It is better not to talk or smoke near the speaker
Didn't take the check	It is impossible to prove the quality of fuel in claims	Keep your receipts for at least a day (some gas stations have a fuel guarantee)

Myths about refueling:

• 🚗 “You need to refuel in the morning, when the fuel is denser.” At modern gas stations, fuel is stored in underground tanks where the temperature is stable. The difference in density is minimal.
• 💰 “Topping up to round numbers (for example, 1000 rubles) is more profitable.” The columns measure liters, not rubles. It's better to focus on volume.
• 🔥 “If you fill up while driving, the car will explode.” This is physically impossible - the neck of the tank has a valve that does not allow fuel to flow back.

6. What to do in unusual situations

Situation 1: Running out of gas on the highway.

• 🚨 Don't panic. Turn on the hazard warning lights and put up a warning triangle (no closer than 15 m from the car in the city and 30 m on the highway).
• 📞 Call a tow truck or emergency service (for example, “Angel” or “RSA”). Many insurance policies include this service.
• 🚗 If you decide to go get fuel yourself, take a canister (plastic ones are prohibited - only metal ones!). Do not take fuel from your hands - there is a risk of running into diluted gasoline.

Situation 2: We filled up with the wrong fuel.

⚠️ Attention: if you poured gasoline into diesel or vice versa, don't start the car. Even running the engine for a short time will allow fuel to enter the system and aggravate the breakdown. Immediately call a tow truck to the nearest service station to drain the fuel and flush the tank.

Cost of fuel drainage: 3–5 thousand rubles. Flushing the system costs another 5–10 thousand rubles. It's cheaper than engine repair.

Situation 3: The gun does not fit into the neck.

• 🔧 Check to see if there is any protective mesh (for some machines, for example Ford Transit, it is removable).
• 🔄 Try turning the gun - sometimes changing the angle helps.
• 🚨 If all else fails, do not use force - contact a gas station employee.

Situation 4: There is no required fuel at the gas station.

• 🔍 Use apps like Petrol Map or Yandex.Mapsto find the nearest gas station with the required fuel.
• ⛽ If you urgently need to go, add the minimum required amount higher octane fuel (for example AI-98 instead of AI-95). But not the other way around!

7. How to save on fuel without harming your car

Saving on fuel should not come at the expense of the engine. Here are proven methods:

• 💳 Loyalty cards. At Lukoil or Gazpromneft gas stations there are discounts of up to 5% when paying by card. Some networks (for example, Rosneft) offer promotions “fill up for X rubles - get a bonus.”
• 📱 Mobile applications. B Shell Bonus or Tatneft-Club you can follow promotions and accumulate bonuses for gas stations.
• 🚗 Driving style. Smooth acceleration and braking reduces consumption by 10–15%. On the highway, the optimal speed for economy is 90–100 km/h.
• 🔧 Technical condition. A clogged air filter increases fuel consumption by 3–5%, and incorrect tire pressure increases fuel consumption by up to 10%.

What not to do:

• ❌ Refuel at the last gasp. This leads to sediment from the tank entering the fuel system.
• ❌ Use additives “to save money”. Most of them have no effect, and some (for example, with metal-containing additives) damage the catalyst.
• ❌ Driving with a half-empty tank in winter. Condensation may form in the tank, which will then get into the fuel.

According to the study ADAC (2023), the price difference between the cheapest and most expensive gas stations in one city can reach 2–3 rubles per liter. But saving on quality often results in repairs. The best option is to choose 2-3 proven networks and refuel there.

8. Safety rules at gas stations: dos and don’ts

A gas station is a high-risk area. Here are the basic rules:

• 🔥 Prohibited:
  • Smoking or using open flames (including lighters).
  • Refuel with the engine running (at some gas stations, for example Gazprom Neft, you are fined for this).
  • Pour fuel from a canister into a tank on the territory of a gas station (allowed only in specially designated areas).
  • Leaving children or animals in the car unattended.
• ⚡ Caution:
  • Do not touch the car body when refueling - static electricity may cause a spark.
  • Do not use your phone near the speaker (although there is no direct prohibition, it is better to be safe).
• 🛡️ Recommended:
  • Park so that in case of an emergency you can quickly leave.
  • If you smell gas or gasoline, immediately notify the gas station employee.

⚠️ Attention: at some gas stations (for example, in the Moscow region) CCTV cameras, recording violations. For smoking or refueling with the engine running, you can be fined 1–2 thousand rubles.

If you witness an emergency at a gas station (fire, fuel leak), immediately press the button emergency stop (usually red, located on the pump or at the cash register) and move away to a safe distance.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to refuel with the engine running?

No. At most gas stations this is prohibited by safety regulations. In addition, on some machines (for example, Volkswagen with the system Start-Stop) when refueling with the engine running, automatic shutdown may occur, which will create inconvenience.

What should I do if the car does not start after refueling?

Possible reasons:

• Poor quality fuel is poured - call a tow truck and drain it.
• If you refueled with diesel instead of gasoline (or vice versa), do not try to start the car, immediately take it to a service center.
• If the battery is discharged (especially important for diesel engines in winter), use another car to light it.

Do not turn the starter for more than 5-7 seconds at a time - this may damage it.

How often do you need to refuel?

Optimally - when 1/4 of the volume remains in the tank. This prevents:

• Sediment entering the fuel system.
• Formation of condensation in the tank (especially in winter).
• The risk of being left without fuel in a traffic jam or on the highway.

On modern machines (for example, Skoda Kodiaq) there is a low fuel warning - do not ignore it.

Is it possible to mix different types of gasoline (for example, 92 and 95)?

It is possible, but not advisable. If you mix AI-92 and AI-95 in a 50/50 ratio, you get fuel with an octane number of ~93.5. For most machines this is acceptable, but:

• Do not mix fuels with a difference of more than 3 octane numbers (for example, AI-92 and AI-98).
• If there was little fuel in the tank, it is better to add the same type as there was.
• For turbocharged engines (eg 1.4 TSI) mixing may cause detonation.

Do I need to refuel “to a full tank”?

Not necessarily. It only makes sense to refuel “to full” in two cases:

• Before a long trip (so as not to look for a gas station in an unfamiliar area).
• If fuel prices are expected to increase.

In other cases, it is enough to maintain the fuel level above 1/4 tank. Filling "to full" in the summer can lead to fuel escaping through the vents when heated.