The first trip to a gas station for a novice driver often turns into a stressful situation. It seems that everyone around you knows where to insert the gun, how to choose a column and when to pay, but you stand at a loss, afraid to make an unnecessary move. In fact, the process car refueling is brought to automaticity and takes only a few minutes if you know the sequence of actions.
In this article, we will break down every step you have to take, from choosing a gas station to closing the gas tank flap. We'll also look at why it's important to choose the right fuel and how to avoid getting your octane number mixed up, which can cost you expensive engine repairs. Visual cues will help you quickly navigate the space of a gas station.
Don't be afraid to make mistakes or appear inexperienced. There are people working at gas stations who will always help you if you are confused, but knowing the basic rules will make you feel confident. The main thing is to remain calm and strictly follow the algorithm, which we will describe below.
Selecting a gas station and fuel type
Before you drive up to the pump, you need to decide where exactly you will refuel. Large network gas station guarantee the quality of fuel and the availability of receipts, which is important for accounting or warranty cases. One-day gas stations may offer cheaper fuel, but the risk of filling with low-quality gasoline with water or impurities is much higher there.
Knowing what fuel your vehicle requires is critical. This information is provided in instruction manual and is often duplicated on the inside of the gas tank flap. Most modern gasoline engines require gasoline AI-95 or AI-98, while older models may work on AI-92.
- 🚗 Check the gas tank flap: the minimum permissible octane is often written there.
- ⛽ Use only branded gas stations from well-known chains to guarantee quality.
- 📄Keep the receipt until the next maintenance in case of engine problems.
If you mix up the octane number, for example, fill it with 92 instead of 95, the engine may start to detonate, which will lead to its destruction. Otherwise, if you fill in with higher octane fuel, you will simply spend extra money, since power will not increase, and the engine will simply operate normally.
⚠️ Attention: Never pour diesel fuel into a gasoline engine and vice versa! This will lead to a major overhaul of the fuel system and replacement of injectors.
Preparing for the refueling process
When approaching the pump, pay attention to the location of the gas tank flap - to the left or right of the driver. This will help you position yourself so that the speaker hose easily reaches the neck without stretching across the entire body. Stop the car, turn it off engine and be sure to set the parking brake.
Before opening the hatch, make sure you have a payment method with you: cash, bank card or established mobile application specific gas station network. Also have your car keys ready if the gas cap has a lock, although on modern cars it is often locked with a central lock.
☑️ Ready for refueling
Open the hatch and unscrew the tank cap. Place the lid on a clean surface or in a special holder on the hatch to prevent it from getting dirty or lost. If the cover has a cable, carefully place it nearby without throwing it on the ground.
Select column and payment type
At modern gas stations there are often dispensers with several types of fuel. Can be on one rack at the same time AI-95, AI-100 and diesel. Look carefully at the color of the pistol and the inscription on it so as not to get confused. Typically, green indicates gasoline and black or yellow indicates diesel, but standards may vary.
Payment is made before refueling. You can pay at the cash register in the building by specifying the pump number and volume or amount, or use the terminal directly at the pump. Payment via mobile application, where you just need to scan the QR code on the speaker or select the speaker number on your phone.
⚠️ Attention: When paying “full tank” at the checkout, make sure that the cashier understands your request correctly and take the receipt. If there is not enough money on the card, the operator will turn off the dispenser and you will have to pay extra.
If you are using a terminal on the speaker, follow the instructions on the screen. Select the type of fuel, enter the desired number of liters or amount, attach a card. After a successful transaction, the gun will be unlocked.
What to do if the terminal does not see the card?
If the terminal does not read the card, try placing it with the chip down or the other side. If this does not help, there may be a communication failure on the terminal. In this case, it is better to pay at the checkout or in the app so as not to block the pump for other drivers.
Refilling technique: step-by-step instructions
The most crucial moment is the actual process of pouring fuel. Take the gun and insert it into the neck of the gas tank until it stops. There is a special latch on the pistol handle that allows the fuel to flow automatically, freeing your hand.
Pull the trigger of the gun and lock it with the latch. Fuel will flow into the tank. Stand next to the car, holding the handle of the gun, controlling the process. Modern pistols are equipped with a system automatic shutdown: When the gasoline reaches the filler neck, the stream will shut off and the gun will “shoot” or click.
Do not try to “finish off” a few drops after turning off, this may lead to fuel spilling on the body. Carefully remove the gun, holding it with the nose down, so that any remaining fuel flows into the tank and not onto your clothing or the pavement. Insert the gun back into the column.
| Action | Importance | Risk of error |
|---|---|---|
| Turn off the engine | Critical | Fire, spark |
| Remove static electricity | High | Vapor Flash |
| No smoking | Critical | Explosion |
| Pistol control | Average | Fuel spill |
Completing the process and closing the tank
After the gun is put away, screw the gas cap tightly until it clicks. This is important for the tightness of the system and preventing the entry of dust and moisture. Close the hatch and make sure it latches.
If you paid at the checkout, check the receipt for the correct amount and volume. When paying by card, a receipt may not be issued at the column, but the transaction will be saved in the bank's history. Make sure you don't leave personal items on the roof of your car or near the pump.
- 🔒 Check if the gas tank flap is closed.
- 💳 Put the card and check in a safe place.
- 👀 Look around for any spilled fuel on the wheels.
Now you can get into the car, start the engine and carefully, observing priority signs, leave the gas station territory. Do not forget that leaving a gas station is equivalent to leaving a secondary road.
If you accidentally spill gasoline on the side of your car, immediately wipe the area with a clean rag or ask for a rag at the checkout counter. Gasoline is aggressive to paintwork and can leave a dull stain.
Safety precautions and common mistakes
Gas station safety is not just a formality. Gasoline vapor is heavier than air and accumulates below, near the ground, so any spark, even from static electricity, is dangerous. Before touching the gun, it is recommended to touch the metal part of the column with your hand to remove static charge from clothes.
It is strictly forbidden to smoke on the territory of the gas station, use open fire or repair the car. You also cannot refuel while the engine is running, although some drivers ignore this rule. The vibration of a running engine and possible sparks in the ignition system create an unnecessary risk.
⚠️ Attention: Do not get back into the car while refueling! Sliding off the seat again generates static electricity, which can cause a spark if you touch the gun.
A common mistake newbies make is trying to fill a full tank “to the brim” after shooting a pistol. This leads to overflow, fuel entering the vapor recovery system and possible breakdown adsorber. Trust automation.
Removing static electricity before refueling is a simple but vital procedure to prevent fuel vapors from igniting.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to refuel during a thunderstorm?
Technically, gas stations have lightning protection, but the safety rules of most gas stations prohibit dispensing fuel during a severe thunderstorm with lightning strikes. It’s better to wait out the bad weather or leave.
What should I do if I filled in the wrong fuel?
If you notice an error before starting the engine, do not start the car, call a tow truck and take the car to a car wash to drain the tank. If you have already driven several kilometers, immediately stall and call for help. Continued operation of the engine on the wrong fuel can damage the injectors and catalyst.
Do I need to tell the cashier “full tank”?
Yes, if you want to refill the maximum amount. If you say a specific amount or liters, the column will turn off exactly at this value, even if there is still fuel in the tank. The phrase “full” activates the refueling mode before firing the pistol.
Why does the gun keep turning itself off?
Most likely, the nose of the gun rests on the walls of the neck or the flap, and the fullness sensor is triggered. Try changing the angle of the gun or inserting it deeper. This can also happen when fuel is supplied very quickly, when the vapors do not have time to escape.