Contents
- First visit to a gas station: what you need to know
- How to choose the right fuel for your car
- Preparing for refueling: 5 steps before the pump
- Step-by-step refueling process: from tank cap to receipt
- Payment methods at gas stations: cash, card, bonus programs
- Common beginner mistakes and how to avoid them
- Gas station safety rules: do's and don'ts
- Frequently asked questions about refueling your car
Fueling your car is a routine task for experienced drivers, but for new drivers it can be a source of stress. Mistakes here are fraught not only with financial losses (for example, if you flood wrong type of fuel), but also serious engine damage. According to auto club statistics, every fifth novice driver refueled the car incorrectly at least once in the first six months of driving.
In this article, we'll walk you through the process from A to Z: how to determine what fuel your car needs, how to safely drive to a pump, what to do with a pistol, and how to pay for gas. We will pay special attention diesel and gas cars where the procedure has nuances. We'll also tell you why At some gas stations you cannot refuel to a full tank at sub-zero temperatures - not everyone knows this fact.
How to choose the right fuel for your car
The first and most important step is to determine which fuel is suitable for your vehicle. This information is indicated:
- 📄 On the inside of the gas tank flap (on most modern cars)
- 🔧 In the operating instructions (section "Fuel and lubricants")
- 🚗 On a sticker next to the glove compartment or on the back of the fuel flap
- 🔍 In the electronic manual (for cars with a multimedia system - check in
Menu → Vehicle Info → Fuel Type)
The main types of fuel at Russian gas stations:
| Fuel type | Column markings | For which cars | Gun color |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gasoline AI-92 | 92 | Old domestic cars (VAZ-2107, GAZelle), some foreign cars of the 1990s | Red |
| Gasoline AI-95 | 95 | Most modern gasoline cars (Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Solaris) | Green |
| Gasoline AI-98/100 | 98/100 | Sports and premium cars (BMW M5, Audi RS6), turbocharged engines | Yellow/blue |
| Diesel DT/D | DT or B7 (biodiesel) | Diesel cars (Volkswagen Passat TDI, Renault Duster 1.5dCi) | Black |
| Gas LNG/CIS | Methane/Propane | Cars with HBO (GAZelle NEXT, Lada Vesta CNG) | Blue (methane)/red (propane) |
Attention! If your car requires AI-95and you flooded AI-92, modern cars with knock sensors will correct engine operation, but the risk of damage to the catalyst remains. The opposite situation (98 instead of 95) is less dangerous, but makes no sense from an economic point of view - you will overpay for an octane number that the engine does not use.
At some gas stations (for example, Gazpromneft or Rosneft) Additives are indicated next to the fuel marking. If you see inscriptions like “Ecto” or “G-Drive”, this means the presence of detergent additives - these types of fuel are preferable for modern engines.
Preparing for refueling: 5 steps before the pump
Before driving to the pump, follow these steps:
☑️ Preparing for refueling
The most common mistake made by newbies is wrong access to the pump. The gas filler flap can be on the left or right (on most cars it is on the driver's side, but there are exceptions, for example, Nissan Juke or Ford Mustang). To avoid having to park:
- Drive up to the pump so that the hatch is on the side of the refueling nozzle.
- At most gas stations, the pumps are double-sided - you can drive up from either side, but it’s better to choose the one with fewer cars.
- If you're not sure, park at a distance and inspect the car.
At some gas stations (for example, Lukoil or Tatneft) yes automatic speakers, where you must first pay for fuel at the cash register, and then enter the pump number and liters at the terminal. On others (like Shell or BP) you can refuel first and then pay. Clarify this in advance so you don't end up in an awkward situation.
What to do if you don’t know the side of the hatch?
On many modern cars (for example, Kia Rio or Skoda Octavia) next to the gas station icon on the dashboard there is an arrow indicating the side of the hatch. If it is not there, look at the pictogram itself - sometimes it shows a hose on the right side.
Step-by-step refueling process: from tank cap to receipt
Now let's move on to the process itself. Follow this instruction:
- Open the gas tank flap. Most machines do this:
- 🔑 By pressing a button inside the cabin (usually to the left of the driver's seat, next to the mirror adjuster).
- 🚪 A lever on the floor next to the driver's seat (on older models VAZ or Volga).
- 🔄 Automatically when the central lock is opened (on some foreign cars, for example, Mazda CX-5).
Important! If you refuel "to a full tank", do not fill the fuel "under the neck". There must be room in the tank for fuel expansion (especially important for diesel and gas). It is optimal to stop when the column display shows an amount exceeding your usual receipt by 50-100 rubles.
At some gas stations (for example, Gazpromneft) after refueling, a receipt with a QR code is issued. Keep it - you can use it to get bonuses or challenge the quality of the fuel if problems arise with the engine.
Payment methods at gas stations: cash, card, bonus programs
Payment methods depend on the gas station network. Let's look at the main options:
| Payment method | How it works | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash at the till | Pay the required amount in advance, indicate the pump number and type of fuel | Suitable for any gas station, no commissions | You need to guess the number of liters, coins can give change |
| Bank card on a column | Insert the card into the dispenser terminal, select the amount or “until the tank is full” | Fast, no need to go to the cashier | Not all speakers support, a commission of 1-2% is possible |
| Mobile application | Pay through the network app (Lukoil, Rosneft), scan the QR on the column | Bonuses, cashback, purchase history | You need to register, not all gas stations support it |
| Fuel card | Corporate or personal card with a fixed discount (for example, Gazpromneft-Fleet) | Discounts up to 5%, reporting for business | You need to register in advance, not all networks issue |
If you pay by card at the pump, keep an eye on the terminal screen. At some gas stations (for example, Tatneft) after entering the PIN code, you need to confirm the amount by pressing the green button. If you do not click, the transaction will not go through, and the money may “hang” in the account for up to 3 days.
Tip for saving: Many chains offer discounts for paying through the app. For example, in Lukoil when paying through the app they give you +1 liter of fuel for every 20 liters. B Shell There is a 5% cashback on your next purchases. Check the promotions on the chain's website before refueling.
If you refuel on the highway, take a receipt even if you pay by card. In case of disputes (for example, if more was written off from the card than was poured), the receipt will be proof.
Common beginner mistakes and how to avoid them
Even experienced drivers sometimes make mistakes at the gas station. Here are the most common:
- ⛽ Confused fuel type. Classics of the genre - fill in diesel into a gasoline car or vice versa. If this happens:
⚠️ Attention! Do not start the engine under any circumstances! Call a tow truck immediately and drain the fuel. Even 5 liters of unsuitable fuel can damage the fuel system (repair cost starts from 30,000 rubles).
- 💸 Underfilling or overfilling of fuel. If you refuel for less than you paid, ask for a recalculation. At some gas stations (for example, Bashneft) you can top up the missing amount for free with a receipt.
- 🚗 Forgot to close the hatch or tank lid. Not only is this unsafe (risk of fuel theft), but it can also introduce dirt into the tank. At speed, the hatch can come off - replacing it will cost 1,500-3,000 rubles.
- 📱 Distracted by the phone. At some gas stations (for example, Gazpromneft) there are motion sensors - if you move more than 1.5 meters away from the car, the dispenser can automatically stop refueling.
- 🔌 Didn't remove the gun from the tank before paying. This blocks the column and causes a queue. Punishable by a fine of 500-1,000 rubles (at the discretion of the gas station administration).
Another common problem is refueling with engine running. At most gas stations this is prohibited by safety regulations, but some drivers ignore this rule. Risks:
- A spark from the engine can ignite fuel vapors (especially important for carburetor cars).
- On modern cars with an injector, this can lead to failure of the oxygen sensors.
- At some gas stations (for example, TNK) there are vibration sensors - if the engine is running, the column will not turn on.
Gas station safety rules: do's and don'ts
A gas station is a high-risk area. Strict rules are observed here, violation of which can lead not only to a fine, but also to a fire. Basic requirements:
| What is possible | What not to do | Consequences of violation |
|---|---|---|
| Smoking in a designated area (if there is one) | Smoking near pumps or fuel tanks | Fine 2,000-3,000 rubles, car evacuation |
| Use the phone at a distance of more than 5 meters from the speaker | Talking on or using the phone near fuel | Warning or fine 1,000 rubles |
| Refuel with the engine turned off and the phone turned off | Leave the engine running or music at full volume | Denial of service, fine 500 rubles |
| Use an antistatic wrist strap (at some gas stations) | Touch metal parts of the speaker with bare hands (risk of static discharge) | Explosive situation |
| Wear gloves when refueling (especially in cold weather) | Spill fuel on the ground | Fine 5,000 rubles for environmental violation |
Important! If you spill fuel, immediately notify the gas station employee. Most gas stations have special neutralizers (sand or foam) that remove the stain. Do not try to rub the puddle with your foot - this will only increase the area of evaporation.
At some modern gas stations (for example, Shell V-Power or BP Ultimate) video analytics systems have been installed. They record:
- 🚬 Smoking in the wrong place.
- 📵 Using the phone next to the speaker.
- 🚗 Exceeding the speed limit on the territory of a gas station (usually the limit is 5 km/h).
Violators receive an SMS with a warning, and in case of a repeated incident, they receive a fine on the car number (via the Platon system or the traffic police).
Frequently asked questions about refueling your car
Is it possible to refuel with the engine running on modern cars?
Technically, on most injection cars (after 2000), this is safe, since the fuel system is sealed. However This is prohibited by safety regulations at all gas stations.. Violation may result in a fine or denial of service. Exception: vehicles with the system Stop&Start (for example, Toyota Prius), where the engine is automatically turned off when stopped.
What to do if after refueling the car starts to drive worse?
Most likely, you came across low-quality fuel. Actions:
- Do not accelerate sharply - drive at minimum speed to the nearest service station.
- If possible, drain the fuel and flush the tank.
- Save the receipt and contact the gas station with a claim (within 24 hours).
- Check the spark plugs - low-quality fuel often leads to their failure.
⚠️ Attention! If after refueling it lights up check engine, stop immediately and call a tow truck. Further driving may damage the catalyst (replacement cost starts from 40,000 rubles).
How to refuel if the gas tank flap is frozen?
In cold weather (below -15°C) the hatch may freeze. Solutions:
- 🔥 Use a lock defroster (for example, LIQUI MOLY Tiefenwirksames Schloss-Entfroster).
- 💨 Heat the key with a lighter and insert it into the lock (do not overheat!).
- 🚿 Fill the hatch with warm (not hot!) water from a bottle.
Is it possible to refuel using cans?
Yes, but with reservations:
- The canister must be metal or special plastic (marked "for fuel").
- Volume no more than 60 liters (according to fire safety regulations).
- At some gas stations (for example, Rosneft) separate columns are allocated for this.
- Refill the canister on the ground, and not in the trunk or interior.
It is prohibited to refuel in food plastic bottles - this is fraught with static discharge and fire. The fine for such a violation is up to 2,000 rubles.
What is “winter” and “summer” diesel fuel?
Diesel fuel (DT) comes in three types:
- Summer (L) - used at temperatures above 0°C. At -5°C it begins to become cloudy, and at -7°C it solidifies.
- Winter (W) — works down to -25°C. Available at gas stations from October 1.
- Arctic (A) — for the far north, can withstand up to -50°C.
If you add summer fuel in winter, it will thickens in the filter, and the car won't start. In this case you need:
- Add antigel to the tank (for example, LIQUI MOLY Diesel Fliess-Fit).
- Warm up the fuel filter (some cars, like Volkswagen Amarok, have a heating system).
- As a last resort, tow the car to a warm box.