GASOLINE TIPS...
Tips for Buying Gasoline:
Good measurement is important when you buy gasoline and motor fuel. These fuels are sold by volume in gallons or liters. The price you pay for gasoline will depend upon:
- the octane level which may affect the performance of your car;
- the amount you buy; and
- any discounts offered.
A computer in the gasoline pump calculates what you owe based on the amount and the unit price of the gasoline. When comparing prices, be sure to compare gasoline with the same octane rating. Usually, the higher the octane rating, the higher the price. Also check to be sure you are comparing the same unit of measurement. Is the price per gallon or per liter? Compare the price of a gallon of gasoline at one station to the price of a gallon of the same octane at another station.
Many weights and measures officials routinely check gasoline pumps for accuracy. In many areas, they also check gasoline storage tanks to be sure that stations are selling the octane level advertised. If violations are found, the seller can be fined and the product can be removed.
Gasoline stations may offer a discount if you pay with cash instead of using a credit card. This "cash discount" is usually 2 to 8 cents per gallon off the regular price. On some pumps, you may be able to push a button to automatically show the discounted price.
In some cases, the attendant must figure out the cash discount and deduct it from the price showing on the pump. To figure the cash discount in this situation:
Here's an example:
You pump into your car, 10 gallons of gasoline. The credit price is $1.30 per gallon. The station offers a 5 cent discount per gallon if you pay with cash. How much should you pay if you use cash?
- Multiply the cash discount times the number of gallons. ($.05 X 10 cents = 50 cents)
- Subtract the total cash discount from the total credit price. ($13.00 - 50 cents = $12.50)
- You should pay $12.50 for your gasoline.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
Be sure the attendant or you are using the correct pump. The octane rating and the price per gallon or liter should be clearly marked on each pump.
Be sure the pump is set to zero before any gasoline is pumped.
Check the price by multiplying the number of gallons or liters by the unit price. Be sure this shows as total due.
Figure the cash discount, if any. Check that you are charged the right amount.
If using a credit card, check your receipt to be sure the amount billed is the amount on the pump. Take your card and any carbon paper from the credit slip.
If you have a problem or question that is not resolved with the gas station, contact your weights and measures office for advice.
Rules for Safe Refueling:
1) Turn engine off
2) Don't smoke
3) Don't use your cell phone - leave it inside the vehicle or
turn it off
4) Don't re-enter your vehicle during fueling
The Petroleum Equipment Institute (PEI) wants to make people aware of fires as a result of "static electricity" at gas pumps. Results of research on 150 cases of these fires performed by the organization reveal:
1) Out of 150 cases, almost all of them were women.
2) Almost all cases involved the person getting back in their
vehicle while the nozzle was still pumping gas. When finished,
they went back to pull the nozzle out and fire started, as a
result of static.
3) Most had on rubber-soled shoes.
4) Most men never get back in their vehicle until completely
finished. This is why they are seldom involved in these types of
fires.
5) Don't ever use cell phones when pumping gas.
6) It is the vapors that come out of the gas that cause the fire,
when connected with static charges.
7) There were 29 fires where the vehicle was reentered and the
nozzle was touched during refueling from a variety of makes and
models. Some resulting in extensive damage to the vehicle, to the
station, and to the customer.
8) Seventeen fires that occurred before, during or immediately
after the gas cap was removed and before fueling began.
PEI urges people not to reenter a vehicle while filling it with gas. If it is absolutely essential to reenter the vehicle while the gas is still being pumped into the car, PEI says to make sure to close the door touching the metal before pulling the nozzle out. This way body static will be discharged before ever removing the nozzle.
More information is available by going logging on at http://www.pei.org and clicking in the center of the screen on "Stop Static".