Getting into an awkward situation at a gas station is a classic fear of every novice driver. It seems that everyone around you knows some secret sequence of actions, and you stand at the column and are afraid to make an unnecessary move. In fact, the process of supplying fuel to the car is as automated and simple as possible, if you know the basic algorithm. Proper refueling is not just a way to replenish your energy supply, but also an important element of safety and keeping your engine healthy.
In this article, we will take a detailed look at each step, from choosing a gas station to paying a check. You will learn how to determine the right type of fuel, how to use a gun to avoid throwing your hands, and what to do if you accidentally poured the wrong gasoline. Compliance with these rules will help you feel confident in any situation and avoid potential problems with the fuel system.
Choice of fueling and type of fuel
The first and most critical step is to choose a stopover location. Do not chase the minimum price at unknown "gray" refueling stations, as the savings of 50 rubles can result in expensive repairs of the fuel system. Look for familiar brands or gas stations of large oil companies, where the risk of running into a low-quality product with water or dirt is much lower. The quality of fuel directly affects the life of the engine, the condition of the candles and the catalyst.
The second step is to determine the octane number. Look in. manual Look at the inside of your car or the gas tank hatch. There, the manufacturer clearly indicates the recommended type of fuel, for example, AI-92, AI-95 or AI-98. Using gasoline with a lower octane number can cause detonation that destroys pistons, and pouring higher octane fuel into a conventional atmospheric engine often does not give an increase in power, only increasing costs.
When approaching the column, pay attention to the color marking of the pistols and buttons, which may differ at different stations. Green is considered standard for the AI-92 and black or blue for the AI-95, but you can not rely only on color. Always double-check the label on the button or scoreboard before starting fuel release. Mistakes at this stage are the most costly of all possible.
⚠️ If you still poured inappropriate gasoline (for example, AI-92 instead of AI-95), do not start the engine. Leave the car in place and call a tow truck for delivery to the service for the fuel discharge. Starting the engine will lead to mixing of fuel and possible detonation.
Preparation of the vehicle for refueling
After choosing a column, you need to park the car correctly. Drive so that the gas tank is as close as possible to the fuel dispensing module, but not close. This will provide free access to the gun and allow the hose to not be pulled in the process. It is important that the car is standing smoothly, without a strong roll, which will ensure the correct operation of the fuel level sensors.
Before opening the tank, be sure to shut off the engine. The working motor creates vibrations and potential sources of spark formation (generator, ignition system), which is strictly prohibited by safety regulations at gas stations. You should also turn off all electrical appliances and do not smoke within a radius of 15 meters from the column. Smoke cigarettes at an open tank is a direct path to disaster.
Now we need to find and open the gas tank hatch. In modern cars, the lid is often opened from the cabin using a lever located to the left of the driver at the bottom, or a button on the center console. Older models may require a mechanical key, which is sometimes combined with a car key. After opening the outer cover, unscrew the inner cover of the tank counterclockwise and place it in a special holder on the hatch or on a clean surface so as not to get dirty.
☑️ Preparation for refueling
Refueling process: step-by-step instructions
The process of fuel supply is technically simple, but requires care. Take the gun of the corresponding column and make sure that the scoreboard burns zeros or displays the amount of the previous check, ready to be reset. Insert the gun nose into the neck of the tank to the point, but without excessive effort, so as not to damage the valve of the gasoline vapor capture system (EVAP).
Pull the gun until the first click. This position will activate the automatic fuel delivery mode. The gun will control the flow itself and shut off when the gasoline reaches the neck, preventing overflows. You don’t have to try to “press” the gun to the second or third click to shove some more fuel – this can cause the system to overflow and get gasoline into the coal filter.
During refueling, don’t move far away from the car and keep your hand on or near the gun. Although the automation works reliably, technical failures are possible. In addition, static electricity accumulated on clothing can cause a spark. Many drivers touch the metal part of the car before refueling to remove the static charge, which is a good habit.
If you refuel in winter, try not to insert the gun too deep to avoid freezing the tank lid or latching the hatch due to condensation.
Payment and completion of the procedure
When the tank is full, the gun will automatically shut off with a characteristic click. Smoothly remove it and wait a few seconds for the residue of fuel to drain into the tank, rather than dripping on the body or clothes. Put the gun back in place. Now you need to close the tank with a lid, twisting it until the first click, and slam the outer hatch.
You can pay for fuel in different ways: through the cashier in the building, at the self-service terminal at the column or through a mobile application. If you pay at the checkout, give the column number and the amount or liters. When paying with a card at the terminal, follow the instructions on the screen. Always keep a check at least until the next refueling – this is your main document in case the poured fuel is of poor quality and requires laboratory examination.
After payment and closing of the hatch, you can start the engine. However, if you have filled a full tank after almost empty, it is recommended to let the car stand for a minute or two. This will allow fuel to be distributed in the system and calm down, although this is not a strict requirement for modern injection engines.
Table: Comparison of petrol types
Understanding the difference between gasoline brands will help avoid mistakes. Below are the main characteristics of common fuels used in passenger cars.
| Gasoline brand | Octane number | Colour of marking (standard) | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| AI-92 | 92 | Green. | Budget cars, old models |
| AI-95 | 95 | Blue/Black | Most modern foreign cars |
| AI-98/100 | 98-100 | Red/Yellow | Sports cars, turbocharged engines |
| DT (Diesel) | - | Green/Black | Diesel engines |
Security and frequent errors
Compliance with safety regulations at gas stations is a matter of life and death. It is strictly forbidden to refuel with the engine running, smoke or use open fire. It is also not recommended to use a mobile phone directly at the speaker at the time of fuel supply, although modern studies show a low risk, the rule of “do not be distracted” remains relevant.
One of the common mistakes is trying to fill a full tank "to the end". After the first shot of the gun in the tank remains air cushion, necessary for the evaporation of fuel. If (forcibly) add fuel to the edges of the neck, the excess can get into the adsorber, which will lead to its failure, the appearance of the smell of gasoline in the cabin and problems with starting the engine.
Another mistake is to ignore cleanliness. Before inserting the gun, make sure there is no sand and dirt around the neck. The entry of abrasive particles into the fuel tank can clog the fine cleaning filter and disable the fuel pump. Clean the area around the tank with clean rags if you see contamination.
⚠️ Never leave a gun in the tank unattended, even if you are distracted for a second. The fuel is supplied under pressure, and a skipped gun can douse you and the car with gasoline.
What is an octane number?
The octane number is an indicator characterizing the detonation resistance of the fuel. The higher the number, the greater the compression can withstand the fuel without self-ignition. High-forced, high-compression engines require high-octane fuel.
What to do in non-standard situations
Sometimes the process of refueling goes wrong. For example, a gun may shut down too early, preventing a full tank from being filled. This often happens if the inlet canal of the tank is contaminated or has a complex shape. In this case, try to change the angle of the gun or the speed of fuel supply, switching the trigger to the half-feed position. Don't shake the gun aggressively.
If you find yourself filling a diesel in a gasoline car (or vice versa), do not try to get to your home or service on your own. Even a short trip can cause irreparable damage. Diesel in a gasoline engine will cause clogging of candles and a pump, and gasoline in a diesel engine - the absence of lubrication and failure of the TNVD. Call the tow truck right away.
If you spill fuel on your clothes or skin, wash the area immediately with soap and water. Gasoline dries the skin and can cause irritation or chemical burns with prolonged contact. If the gasoline hits the paint coating, wash it off with plenty of water, as modern solvents can damage the varnish.
The main rule of refueling: always know what fuel your car needs, and do not be afraid to ask the operator of the gas station if you doubt the correctness of your actions.
Can I refuel if there is a thunderstorm?
During a severe thunderstorm with lightning discharges in the immediate vicinity, refueling stations can temporarily suspend the release of fuel. This is a precautionary measure, as a lightning strike into a tank or column can cause vapors to ignite. It is better to wait out the storm in the store building or drive away from the station.
Do I need to take off my gloves when filling up?
Remove gloves are not necessary unless they are synthetic and do not accumulate a strong static charge. However, if you feel sparkling or gloves interfere with the sensitivity of your fingers when controlling the trigger, it is best to remove them. The main thing is clean hands and the absence of statics.
Why does the gun turn off?
At the end of the fuel gun is a special sensor (vacuum valve). When the fuel level in the tank rises to the neck, the air flow sucked through the hole in the nose of the gun is blocked by gasoline. This creates a discharge that mechanically closes the fuel supply valve. It's a surge protection.
Is the phone at the speaker dangerous?
Although the probability of ignition of gasoline vapors from the spark of a mobile phone is extremely small and practically not recorded in reality, the rules of many gas stations still prohibit talking on the phone at the speaker. The main risk is the driver’s distraction from the refueling process, which can lead to a spill of fuel.