5 gas station mistakes that even experienced drivers make

Experienced drivers make the biggest mistakes in a hurry. Gas stations are no exception. Some of them can turn into serious troubles or car repairs for a large sum.

fuel error

Replacing gasoline with one octane rating for another will only have an impact if its quality is reduced. The consequences will not be as dire as compared to using diesel fuel instead of regular gasoline (or vice versa). Such errors occur, despite the difference in guns at dispensers for different types of fuel.

The use of diesel fuel instead of gasoline is fraught with failure of the catalyst and the injection system. If the replacement is reversed (gasoline instead of diesel), then the fuel pump, injector and injectors will fail. There can be several reasons for the wrong choice of fuel:

• commonplace inattention, for example, a lively conversation on the phone while choosing a gun;
• recent change of vehicle: purchase of a new or use of a rented car;
• confusion between personal and work transport.

If a replacement is detected already at the time of filling the tank, then it is important to immediately follow the recommendations that will help to avoid serious problems:

• do not start the engine under any circumstances;
• call a tow truck and deliver the car to the service station;
• order from the specialists of the station a complete flushing of the engine and fuel system. A mixture of gasoline and diesel will also need to be completely removed from the tank.

Refueling with the engine running

At the entrance to any gas station there is a sign instructing you to turn off the engine. This requirement is justified by safety: a spark from a running engine or static voltage can ignite fuel vapors that have accumulated near the car.

It is dangerous to refuel a running car made in the Soviet Union or having a "cut out" catalyst. These vehicles are not protected against emissions of unwanted elements such as sparks. Refueling a "conditionally safe" car with a running engine can lead to more than just a fire. With such operation, the on-board computer and fuel sensor will gradually fail.

Filling "under the neck"

Motorists try to fill the gas tank "to the eyeballs", prolonging themselves an additional ten kilometers of travel. Such refueling violates fire safety regulations. At any temperature, gasoline poured "under the neck" will pour out of the tank when driving on rough roads and potholes.

Escaping fuel can be ignited by an accidental spark, a thrown cigarette butt, or if it comes into contact with a hot muffler or brake system.

Refueling nozzle not in place

Due to inattention, drivers often leave the gas station without removing the gun from the gas tank. From the point of view of gas stations, this situation is not critical. The gun will either detach automatically from the hose, or it will break off and the fuel spill protection will work. The car owner is threatened with reimbursement of the cost of damaged equipment.

In relation to the vehicle, the consequences can be more sad. Through the open neck of the gas tank, fuel will pour out. It can easily be ignited by a spark or heated parts of the car during operation.

Open car doors

Each car owner carefully takes care of the safety of his property when placing the car in the parking lot. However, little attention is paid to safety at gas stations. If there are no assistants at the station, then the driver will have to leave the car to pay and install the gun. Most do it without thinking, leaving the car doors open.

Such a driver is a godsend for thieves. It only takes a few seconds and an unlocked door to steal a bag or valuables from the passenger compartment. The most desperate thieves can completely steal a car using the keys left in the ignition.

Driving safety is not only about following the rules of the road. To avoid trouble, even experienced drivers should follow simple rules at gas stations.