Step 2:
Approach the appropriate petrol pump
Be sure which kind of fuel is used in your car. Drive up to the appropriate petrol pump.
See that your car's fill spout is facing the pump that has the right fuel for your car.
Leave enough space between your car and the pump so you can move without restriction. Make sure you leave enough space for other cars to pull up at the other pumps.
Step 3:
Create a secure environment
Take extra care in service stations.
Close all the windows on your car.
Shift automatic cars into the parking position and manual cars shift into first gear.
Put on the parking brake.
Turn off the ignition. Double check your car and all its electric devices are turned off before filling up with petrol.
A SAFETY WARNING
Avoid potential static electricity problems at the petrol pump.
Once outside the car stay outside. Do not re-enter the vehicle during refuelling. Built-up static electricity from the seats may discharge at the nozzle. Although explosions of this type are rare, it is best to avoid any risks. Have everything you need at hand so that you don't need to return to the car. If it's necessary to get back into the car you should always discharge first by touching a metal part of the vehicle with a bare hand. Upon getting out of the vehicle touch the door handle facing away from the fill point.
Turn off your mobile phone. Electromagnetic waves from a phone could ignite fuel fumes.
A useful tip! Make sure you comply with the terms and conditions of the petrol station. Ask an attendant if you are unsure about anything regarding payment policy or fuel selection. Check if advance payment is required.
Step 4:
Open the petrol tank door
Tank doors on older cars are usually opened by hand, often with a key. On newer cars, you may have to release the door with a button inside the car.
Step 5:
Remove the filler cap
Unscrew the cap of the petrol tank.
Put the petrol cap in a safe place where you won't forget it.
Step 6:
Select the required fuel type
Choose the pump handle for the fuel you need. You may have to indicate the fuel type and the pump's number to an attendant in order to be able to operate the pump. Advance payment may be required before the pump is ready for use.
Double check you have selected the correct fuel type. Work out if your car uses diesel or petrol, if it needs petrol find out whether it is regular, premium, or super.
SAFETY WARNING
Always fill up with the correct fuel type.
Double check petrol requirements, particularly if you are driving a hire car and it is your first petrol stop.
Never put diesel fuel in a non-diesel engine as this will lead to engine breakdown.
Top Tip!
Use only fuel with the required octane number. 98 octane petrol in a 95 octane engine will not increase car performance, it will only increase your petrol bill.
Step 7:
Insert the petrol pump nozzle
Lift the pump handle off its stand. Make sure the counter resets to zero- you don't want to pay extra.
Avoid fuel spills from the start. Keep the handle upright so no fuel can spill. Insert the nozzle securely into the filler hole by firmly pushing it in all the way
Step 8:
Operate the pump
Press the lever or the switch on the handle that triggers the petrol flow. Pump switches may differ according to the service station. If in doubt, look for printed directions at the pump and follow instructions.
Most pump triggers lock into place, allowing you to step away from the fumes during pumping. You can give your windscreen a quick wash in the meantime.
Step 9:
Remove the nozzle.
Listen for a click sound that occurs when the fuel stops pumping. Don't try to add any more when the tank is full, as the petrol will flood the tank door compartment where it will evaporate, or worse, spill on the ground. Remove the petrol hose and put it back on the stand.
Step 10:
Replace the petrol tank cap.
Don't forget to replace the tank cap.
Firmly screw the cap back onto the filler hole and shut the petrol tank door.
Step 11:
Wash your hands
Despite latex gloves, it is a good idea to wash of any fuel residues from your hands. Use plenty of soap and water before getting back on the road. Drive efficiently to make the most out of a gallon to keep your visits to the petrol station at a minimum. Saving fuel and protecting the environment. |
