How to refuel a car: simple tips and mandatory rules

How to properly refuel a car at a gas station using a gas station attendant

So, we decided on the choice of gas station, drove to it, did NOT confuse which side of the gas tank hatch you have and which side should you drive up from, be sure to turn off the engine and get out of the car.
Now what? Look around for the gas station attendant, although they always run up to approaching cars. If this happens in a big city, then in 95% of cases there will be a special employee at the gas station who will refuel the car himself. They are dressed in branded clothes, and you can easily recognize them. Be sure to open the gas tank flap yourself if it can be opened from the passenger compartment or using the secret on the lid.

Provide the gas station worker with the necessary information:

1. Type of fuel;
2. if the gas station has a prepaid system, then you go to pay immediately at the cash register and directly state there how much fuel is needed or for what amount, you will be refilled with fuel only after payment;
3. If the gas station has a post-paid system, then tell the gas station attendant the required amount of fuel, the amount, or say “until the tank is full,” and then go to the checkout to pay.

Before leaving, make sure the fuel nozzle is removed from the gas tank and the cap is tightly closed.

What is the best gasoline to refuel with?

Mazda tribute
There are 5 types of fuel. Each of them is designed for a specific engine type. Information about this is contained in the technical documentation for operating the vehicle. If you don't have it, fuel type information can be found on most car forums. Fuel types:

1. 92 – contains the least amount of additives (additives to gasoline that increase its octane number). Due to this, it has the lowest price. Suitable for most types of cars.
2. 95 – gasoline, which improves vehicle acceleration and maneuverability. It costs an order of magnitude more than 92. However, under the same operating conditions of the vehicle, it costs less than 92.
3. 98 – gasoline is intended for turbine engines. There will be no benefits for a simple motor from using it. The most expensive type of fuel.
4. DT is diesel fuel, which is the result of primary processing of petroleum products. Used by industrial vehicles (tractors, combines, dump trucks). Rarely used as a fuel for passenger cars.
5. Gas. One of the popular types of car refueling. To use it as fuel, it is necessary to install additional expensive equipment. However, the low cost of gas completely covers the cost of its installation.

Knowing the features of each gasoline, you can find the one that is right for you.

When and how to refuel your car?

This illuminated warning light on the instrument panel means that fuel is running low.

If the fuel level indicator in the tank is working properly, there is nothing difficult in tracking the moment when the car needs to be refueled. In extreme cases, the low fuel level warning light will indicate the need for refueling. It lights up when the level drops to a critically low level. If the light comes on, then on average you can drive another 40 - 60 kilometers until the car comes to a complete stop. In this case, it is better not to develop high speed, but to drive 60 - 70 km/h. Although it’s generally better not to bring things to the “red” zone. Modern engines and fuel equipment are extremely sensitive to the presence of impurities and debris, and with a low level of fuel in the tank, sediment and small solid particles settled at the bottom will likely enter the fuel system. Fortunately, the fuel filter will not let most of the debris through. Nevertheless, it is better to make it a rule to refuel when the needle is just approaching the zero mark.

Video: How to refuel a car

The frequency with which you will have to call at gas stations will largely depend on the volume of your car’s fuel tank, the type and size of its engine, and operating conditions. A diesel car, for example, all other things being equal, will be more economical than a gasoline car. But it is important to understand that fuel consumption and, accordingly, the frequency of visits to gas stations will not always be the same. In winter, when the car has to warm up for a long time, fuel consumption will increase. And if you have to frequently drive on slippery surfaces (snow, ice), on which slipping will periodically occur, then the car’s appetite will increase even more. If the frequency of visits to gas stations has increased for no apparent reason, then it won’t hurt to stop by a service station. Perhaps the increased fuel consumption is caused by some kind of malfunction.

Selecting a gas station and fuel type

Filling up at the first gas station you come across is not the best solution. Unfortunately, there are still plenty of careless sellers selling frankly low-quality fuel. So it’s better to spend a little time and study the reviews of experienced car enthusiasts who, through experience, found a gas station with the best price-quality ratio. During long trips, when it is not possible to return back on one tank of fuel, it is better to focus on branded gas stations. Their fuel costs a little more, but you don’t have to worry about its quality. In addition, at such gas stations there are usually small cafes and shops where you can relax a little and have a snack.

The fuel type can be: gasoline, diesel or gas. We will keep silent about the latter for now, since operating a car with gas equipment requires appropriate training and the availability of special documents. With gasoline and diesel fuel everything is simpler. Even novice car enthusiasts, as a rule, know what type of fuel their car needs. If you have to refuel an unfamiliar car (rented or a relative’s car), then you can read about the type of fuel required on a special sticker, which is usually located on the back of the gas tank flap.

Another question that beginners often ask themselves is whether it is possible to replace 95 gasoline with 92 gasoline? For some, the main argument is that the latter is a little cheaper. Some people firmly believe that 92 gasoline contains fewer additives. You really can’t argue about the price, but numerous tests have clearly proven that when replacing 95 gasoline with 92 gasoline, its consumption also increases. So it is unlikely that real savings will be achieved. But you can get into certain problems. In the event of a breakdown of the engine or fuel system, if the car is under dealer warranty, the discrepancy between the type of fuel used and that recommended by the manufacturer may result in denial of warranty repairs. As a result, saving a penny will result in serious expenses. So it’s better not to take risks and only fill the tank of your car with recommended fuel.

How to park at a gas station correctly

Pajero mini

A typical mistake for beginners is approaching the pump from the wrong direction. To avoid problems with maneuvering through a gas station, it is advisable to know which side the gas tank is located on. You need to drive up so that the pump and gas tank are at the same level. Then you should turn off the engine and put the car on the parking brake. If the entry to the gas station was made from the same side as the exit from the gas station, it is necessary to drive around the pump so as not to interfere with other road users after refueling is completed.

Video tutorial on proper parking and refueling.

Refueling a car with a gas system

UAZ on tracks

In recent years, more and more car owners are refueling their vehicles with gases, since this practice has the following advantages:

1. Financial savings: gas costs almost 2 times cheaper than the most budget brand of gasoline.
2. Extending the service life of the engine, as the load on the vehicle’s fuel system is reduced.
3. Reduces oil contamination, resulting in less frequent need for replacement.
4. The environmental purity of gas fuel, the volume of harmful emissions into the environment is reduced by more than 2 times.
5. Maintaining the ability to refuel with standard fuel.
6. High degree of safety if the system is installed by a qualified specialist.
7. Increased driving comfort, since the use of gas eliminates explosions of fuel particles that occur in the combustion system.

Despite such a large number of positive aspects, this method of refueling also has certain disadvantages:

Additional expenses for installing a gas system, which will only be worth it in the case of frequent or long trips. Lack of refueling options at some gas stations. Reducing the vehicle's power by 10%, which leads to a decrease in acceleration and maximum driving speed. Increasing the frequency of air filter changes. The inability to use the gas system at low temperatures, as well as the need for extremely careful operation during hot weather. The need to allocate a sufficiently large amount of space in the trunk for installation of the system. Increase in vehicle weight by approximately 60 kg. Risk of gas leakage and explosion if the system was installed without following the technology.

Gas filling at gas stations is carried out in accordance with the following instructions:

1. Initially, you need to make sure that there is no mechanical damage to the cylinder, malfunctions of its fittings and distortions of individual elements.
2. After entering a gas station, the driver and all passengers must leave the vehicle; before doing this, you must turn off the engine and put the car on the handbrake.
3. The driver must provide the gas station employee with full access to the gas cylinder, removing all protective elements.
4. An adapter is installed if refueling is impossible without it.
5. All other actions are performed by the gas station employee; the driver is strictly prohibited from connecting the filling hose independently, as well as performing any actions with the pump.
6. Payment for fuel is made at the cash desk. It is permissible to begin movements only after first making sure that the filling hose has been disconnected and a plug has been placed on the device.

How to choose a gas station for refueling?

When choosing a company to entrust your iron friend to, you need to pay attention to many factors. It often happens that in an effort to save money, fill up any fuel faster, other motives can lead to a deterioration in the condition of the engine. Not all gas stations supply truly high-quality products. In other words, even the same brand AI-95 or AI-92 may have differences in chemical composition, which reduces their quality.

To choose a gas station, you should pay attention to:

• Reviews from people who have been using gasoline or other fuel for some time;
• The presence of negative reviews, their number, perhaps they are simply dissatisfied with the quality of the fuel;
• Compliance of the price of the desired brand with the average for the region. Sometimes the low cost may be due to the same quality;
• The gas station has a certificate for the products sold with a clear indication of the purchase period, octane number and confirmation of quality, manufacturer.

Little-known gas stations that are in low demand or offer fuel at reduced prices may resort to artificially increasing the octane number. This is done on site by adding special chemical additives to the liquid. In other words, AI-95 can easily be created from AI-92. For the engine, this threatens clogging and the need for costly repairs in the future.

Foreign cars that run on diesel fuel and have rolled off production lines in recent years are susceptible to increased sensitivity to low-grade fuel. To restore the functionality of the engine and the fuel system as a whole, you have to shell out over several tens of thousands of rubles. The most common breakdowns are:

• Filters become clogged and require complete replacement;
• Clogged injectors;
• The fuel pump may require repairs of varying levels of complexity or a complete replacement with a new one.

For an expensive car, repair work will cost more; for a cheap car, the question of changing the car or investing a lot of money will be raised. In addition to the accumulation of deposits and dirt in the fuel system and engine, the vehicle may experience other “diseases”, namely an increase in fuel consumption with a loss of power and acceleration dynamics.

REFERENCE: Gazprom Neft and Lukoil sell and produce all their fuel independently.

To protect yourself from such troubles, you should make the right choice of gas station and stick to it as much as possible. The most popular gas stations in our country are TNK, Gazprom Neft, Lukoil, Shell, and BP. They have earned the trust of many car owners. This will save money on car maintenance, extend its service life and ensure quality use.

How to refuel a car

If a gas station is selected and the car is parked in front of the pump, you can proceed directly to the refueling procedure. To do this, you must first turn off the engine, then get out of the car, open the hatch covering the neck, and unscrew the plug. It is usually placed either on a column or on the body of an “iron horse”. The most important thing is to remember to put the plug back in place after refueling.

After the neck of the tank is opened, a refueling nozzle is inserted into it. It must be brought in a vertical position, otherwise the remaining fuel accumulated in it may spill out.

Having placed the refueling nozzle in the neck, you need to press the lever, which will ensure free (without the driver’s participation) flow of fuel during refueling. Next, you need to fix it in this position, for which there is a special bracket on the side of the handle. Now, as soon as the gasoline supply is turned on, the refueling procedure will be carried out automatically.

Remember a simple rule: gun in the tank, money in the cash register! Having inserted and fixed it in the desired position, you can go pay for fuel. You can make the calculation at your convenience. There are usually several refueling methods:

• a certain number of liters of fuel, for example 10;
• for a specific amount, for example 500 rubles;
• until the tank is full.

It is clear that the amount to be paid will be different in each case, but you can choose the option that is most convenient for you. So you give the pump number, how much fuel you need and pay the money.

Having calculated the required amount of fuel, the operator turns on the dispenser and gasoline begins to flow into the tank. Therefore, while you go to the cashier and pay for fuel, your car may already be refueled. Do not be afraid that some of the gasoline will not enter the tank and will splash out. Refueling nozzles are equipped with special sensors, and if the ordered amount of fuel does not fit, its supply is stopped. In this case, by the way, you can return to the cashier and get money for the excess gasoline you paid for.

All you have to do is return the refueling nozzle to its place, close the cap and the tank filler hatch and continue driving. Now you know how to properly refuel your car at a gas station, so such an operation will not present any difficulties for you. For more information about this procedure, watch the video:

Refueling a car is something every driver does. There is nothing complicated in such manipulation, you just need to follow certain rules, and then it will become the most ordinary thing for you.

Procedure for refueling a car at a gas station - instructions

1. We stop at a gas station and select the desired pump.

At first, it is advisable to choose those gas stations that require you to turn right to enter. Put off the treacherous left turn, which requires passing oncoming traffic and crossing the oncoming lane, until better times. In the gas station area, pay attention to signs indicating the direction of travel and road markings. Most often, gas pumps are located in the direction of travel of cars, so it won’t be difficult to drive up to them.

Video: How to Refuel a Car (Small Nuances)

Choosing the right column is more difficult. In modern cars, the fuel filler flap can be located either on the left or on the right. And you need to approach the pump from the exact side where the hatch is located in your car.

Made a mistake? No problem. Move forward, turn around and approach the column from the right side.

At the same time, try to ensure that the gas tank flap is opposite the column. Otherwise, you will have to pull the filling hose, which is not always convenient.

2. We fill up the car and pay for the fuel.

As soon as it comes directly to refueling, many motorists begin to fuss and make mistakes. So gather your courage and act according to a clear plan. First of all, you need to turn off the car and secure the car with the hand brake.

By the way, special information stickers placed on or near fuel pumps warn about this. Next, you need to open the gas tank flap. On most modern cars this is done from inside the car using a special lever.

It is usually located near the floor to the left of the driver's seat and is indicated by a characteristic icon. We pull the lever - the gas tank flap is open.

Further, the situation can develop according to two scenarios. If there are gas station attendants, they will unscrew the gas tank cap for you and, having specified what type of fuel your car needs, they will insert the gas nozzle into the hole. All you have to do is go to the window or enter the gas station building, tell the operator the number of the gas pump, the type of fuel and the number of liters. If you don’t want to bother with change, you can refuel your car for a certain amount of rubles. Don't forget to get a cashier's receipt. After this, all you have to do is return to the car, wait for the filling to finish, thank the gas station attendant and leave.

At self-service gas stations, the refueling scheme is almost the same. Unless you have to unscrew and tighten the gas tank cap and insert and remove the refueling nozzle yourself. By the way, it is not at all necessary to pull the trigger until all the fuel enters the tank. Near the trigger of the refueling nozzle there is a small locking lever - a latch, and using it is a rule of good manners. While you walk from the cash register to the car, some of the fuel will already end up in the tank. Refueling time will be reduced, and fellow car enthusiasts will thank you for it.

3. We debunk myths and fight fears.

What if all the paid fuel does not fit into the tank and gushes like a fountain onto the ground - a nightmare for novice car enthusiasts. Don't worry! The design of the refueling nozzle excludes such a development.

As soon as the fuel level rises to the barrel of the gun, the ingenious valve will “shoot” and almost instantly block the path of fuel. At the same time, you will hear a rather loud click, which will mean that there is no free space left in the gas tank. So you can safely refuel a full tank.

Not a drop of fuel will get past. The only inconvenience is that part of the money paid in advance will have to be returned, which will take some time. In the West this is easier.

Refueling the car went well. Now the main thing is not to forget to take the pistol out of the gas tank flap and return it to its place. Next time visiting a gas station will not seem so difficult. And in a couple of months you will remember your fears with a smile.

Low fuel level is detected by a sensor on the instrument panel. The light should light up and the arrow should drop to the minimum mark. In a well-oiled mechanism, subject to short-term operation, this is what happens. However, not everyone has their first car from a showroom; it happens to learn and switch to fairly worn-out vehicles at first.

There can be problems with the fuel sensor, ranging from inaccurate indication to complete failure. In this case, you should be aware of other signs that indicate a decrease in gasoline, diesel fuel or gas:

1. When operating, the engine makes unusual knocking or noises;
2. The presence of vibrations unusual for a car, which occur in response to a decrease in fuel concentration and the spark plugs passing a rhythm. In common parlance this is called “motor tripping”;
3. If the gas pedal is kept at the same level, then the vehicle may jerk and not drive smoothly even on a flat surface;
4. A drop in power and corresponding tachometer readings, accompanied by a feeling that the car needs to be helped to go faster.

A fuel indicator with a warning light is found in all modern cars; they make it clear that it is necessary to top up the fuel. The principle of operation is a sensor located in the fuel tank, which detects a decrease in the volume of liquid. As a rule, the alarm about the end of gasoline occurs when there are 6-10 liters left (depending on the design features of a particular vehicle). The developers thought of this specifically so that sudden stops in deserted areas would be as rare as possible.

Don’t panic and rush in search of a pump, because at least 5 liters will be enough to make small maneuvers for your needs, and refuel after that. This is enough to drive the car for another 50-100 km. Most likely, with a measured approach, you can find a better gas station, with more attractive prices, a store, and other advantages. According to the opinions of experienced drivers, automotive specialists and vehicle designers, the optimal time to replenish fuel reserves is when the mark is slightly less than half the tank on the dashboard indicator.

Rules for refueling a car using a tanker

Refueling with the help of a gas station is quite easy, since the car owner is required to perform a minimum number of actions.

Their sequence is described below:

1. It is necessary to remember which side of the vehicle the gas tank is located on and park near the gas pump so that it is at the same level with it.
2. After stopping the car, turn off the engine and put the handbrake on.
3. The gas tank is opened by pressing a special button or turning a lever, which is located under the driver’s seat for most brands of cars. In older cars, this process is carried out manually, so you will need to leave the car and open the roof yourself.
4. The tanker must inform the brand of gasoline that is planned to be filled, as well as its volume. He performs all other actions independently.
5. While the employee is refueling the car, you can pay for gas; the cash register is usually located next to or inside the store.
6. After making the payment, you can return to the car and check the gas station display, which should contain information regarding the number of liters of fuel paid and the total amount.
7. Departure from the gas station territory is carried out after the employee notifies you of the completion of the procedure.
8. You need to leave the gas station through a special exit, driving at minimum speed. Before entering the highway, remember to turn on the appropriate turn signal. If you need to make additional purchases in the store, you must leave your car in a specially designated place.

The fuel indicator will not begin to show changes immediately, but only after some time after the start of movement.

When is it time to go to the gas station?

Filling a car with fuel, at first glance, seems to be a simple and elementary process, however, for novice drivers who are behind the wheel for the first time, even this easy task can cause difficulties. First of all, you need to learn how to correctly determine the moment when it is time to go to the gas station.

This must be done in the following cases:

1. There is less than 10 liters of fuel left in the car’s tank, which will be indicated by the fuel level indicator. In this case, the arrow should be in the red zone, and the numbers on the dashboard will start flashing, displaying the distance in kilometers that can be driven without refueling.
2. The upcoming long journey through unfamiliar terrain, which makes it difficult to assess where the nearest gas station will be located.

Refueling time

It is important to know when the iron horse will ask you to “feed” it. If you don’t monitor your fuel consumption, you can end up in a very unpleasant situation and stall somewhere in a deserted place, where there is not a single gas station for many kilometers around. Of course, this is easier in the city, but you hardly want to walk with a canister to a gas station, spending a lot of time on it, especially if you are in a hurry.

To prevent this from happening, you must always monitor the fuel consumption indicator, which is usually located on the dashboard. The arrow (or digital scale) shows the level of the gas tank contents. When gasoline or diesel fuel runs out and passes a certain minimum mark (7–10 liters depending on the car), a light comes on on this device, signaling that it’s time to stop at a gas station. The best thing, of course, is to prevent this and refuel earlier, leaving some reserve of fuel in the tank. The peculiarity of this device is that when the needle approaches the minimum mark, it will begin to fall faster than before, and you may not be able to calculate the distance to the nearest gas station.

If you do run out of fuel and the car stalls, there are several options to solve this problem.

1. It’s better to carry a canister with you just in case. In such a situation, she can help you out. If you don’t have a canister, then an ordinary bottle will do. Take it with you and go to the nearest gas station to get some gasoline there. Then come back, fill the tank with the purchased fuel and go to this gas station with your car to refuel it.
2. Ask someone to tow you to the gas station.
3. If other cars are passing by, ask or buy from one of the drivers a couple of liters of gasoline to get to the nearest gas station.

Therefore, it is better to refuel the car when the arrow has crossed the middle mark, indicating that the tank is only half full.

Bottom line

We found out that there is nothing complicated in the refueling process. Soon after the first refueling, you will begin to treat this process like brushing your teeth in the morning - a matter of course.

But it is important not to forget about safety rules, because despite the apparent ease of setting up a gas station, it continues to remain an object of increased danger

Bon Voyage!

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