Mercedes Mullins
Filling fuel in your car is a simple process, but it can be daunting for new drivers. It is important to know the basics of fuelling your car to avoid any mishaps. Firstly, you need to locate the fuel cap on your car, which can be on either side, and understand how to open the fuel cap cover. Once you reach a gas station, you need to choose the right type of fuel for your car, as using the wrong type can damage your engine. You can pay at the pump using a card or pay inside the kiosk after filling up. After filling up, make sure to securely tighten the gas cap to avoid any leaks.
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What You'll Learn
Locating the fuel cap
The location of the fuel cap is not standardised across all vehicles. Different car manufacturers and models may have different locations for the fuel cap. For example, Japanese cars often have the fuel cap on the left side, as Japan has left-hand traffic. In countries where the steering wheel is on the right side, such as the UK, Australia, India, Japan, New Zealand, and Hong Kong, some automakers still manufacture vehicles with the fuel cap on the left.
To determine the location of the fuel cap, look at the fuel gauge, which usually has a small gas pump symbol with an arrow pointing to the side where the fuel cap is located. Additionally, if your vehicle has a single exhaust, a rule of thumb is that the fuel filler will always be on the opposite side of the vehicle from the exhaust pipe outlet.
Once you have located the fuel cap, you will need to know how to open it. Some cars use levers, typically found in the footwell next to the left foot of the driver, while others use buttons, usually located in the cockpit. Some vehicles may also unlock the fuel cap using the central locking mechanism or through the menus of the touchscreen.
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Opening the fuel cap
First, determine which side of the car your fuel cap is on. This may seem obvious, but it's easy to forget, especially if you're driving an unfamiliar car. A helpful trick is to look at your dashboard; locate the fuel gauge, and you'll often find a small pump icon nearby with an arrow pointing to the side of the car where the fuel cap is located. Knowing which side the fuel cap is on will save you time and hassle when you pull up to the pump.
Next, you'll need to locate the latch or release mechanism to open the fuel cap cover. This could be a latch, a push door, or a button inside the car. Some cars simply have a small gap where you can insert your finger and pull open the cover. If you're unsure, check your car's manual or look inside the fuel door for instructions. Knowing how to open the cover ahead of time will save you any stress when you're at the pump.
Once the fuel cap cover is open, you'll see the actual fuel cap. This could be a twist-off cap that you simply twist open, or it might be key-operated, so be sure to have your car key ready. If you're unsure, try twisting the cap first, as this is the most common mechanism. If it doesn't budge, try using your key.
After opening the fuel cap, place it somewhere safe and accessible, such as on the raised edge of the pump, so you don't forget it or accidentally drive off with it still on the edge of the pump. Now you're ready to start fuelling your car. Remember always to return the fuel cap to the closed position securely when you're done fuelling to prevent fuel loss and potential issues with your vehicle's performance system.
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Choosing the correct fuel
Firstly, you should always check your vehicle owner's manual for guidance on the recommended fuel type. Most modern engines have sensors built-in that help resist 'knocking' or 'pinging', which is caused by the fuel-air mixture igniting early. This is measured by the fuel's octane rating, which you can see written on the pump. The octane rating of the fuel you need will depend on the type of engine you have. For example, engines designed for regular-octane gas will not benefit from using high-octane fuel, and using unleaded gas with lower octane levels than recommended can reduce performance and cause damage over time.
In the United States, the standard unleaded gasoline typically has an octane rating of 87. Midgrade has a octane rating of 88-90, and premium fuel has a rating of 91-94. While some vehicles can benefit from premium gas, most drivers can save money by using regular unleaded without sacrificing performance.
You should also be aware of the different types of gasoline available. For example, non-ethanol gas is not blended with ethanol and can lead to better mileage, but it is usually more expensive. You should refer to your owner's manual to see if this is the correct fuel for your vehicle. Another example is flex fuel or E85, which is a blend of ethanol and gasoline, with the percentage of ethanol depending on the time of year and weather conditions.
Remember, it is essential always to take a moment to check that you are using the correct fuel for your car to avoid costly mistakes.
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Paying for fuel
Paying at the Pump
The "pay at the pump" feature is now available at many filling stations, allowing customers to pay for their fuel directly at the pump without interacting with a station attendant. To use this method, simply insert your credit card, debit card, or fuel card into the designated slot on the pump. You will then be prompted to enter your PIN or zip code for verification. This convenient option bypasses the need to go inside the gas station or walk away from your vehicle. However, it's important to be cautious as thieves sometimes target these pumps to steal card information through devices called "skimmers."
Debit Card vs. Credit Card
When deciding whether to use a debit card or a credit card to pay for fuel, there are a few things to consider. Debit cards offer the advantage of immediate payment without incurring interest charges. On the other hand, credit cards provide additional fraud protection as the funds are not immediately withdrawn from your account. Credit cards may also offer rewards or cashback incentives for fuel purchases. However, using a credit card for fuel can lead to interest charges if you don't pay off your balance each month. Therefore, it is essential to weigh the benefits and risks associated with each payment method.
Cash Payments
If you prefer to pay in cash, you may need to follow a slightly different process. In some locations, you can pay directly at the pump with cash. However, in other cases, you may need to go to the cash desk after filling your tank. At the cash desk, you will typically need to provide information such as the pump number, the type of fuel, the amount of fuel dispensed, and your preferred payment method (receipt or invoice).
Other Payment Options
With the advancement of technology, some gas stations now offer contactless payment options. You can use mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay at certain pumps for added convenience. Additionally, some pumps have ordering touchscreens, allowing you to purchase fuel and even order food or other services simultaneously.
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Refuelling the car
Refuelling your car can be a daunting process if you've never done it before, but it's actually quite straightforward. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Locate the Fuel Cap
Before you need to refuel, it's a good idea to familiarise yourself with your car. Check which side of the car the fuel cap is on—this is usually indicated by an arrow next to the fuel pump icon on your dashboard. Knowing this in advance will save you time and stress when you're at the petrol station.
Prepare to Refuel
When you're running low on fuel, head to a petrol station. It's a good idea to know a few petrol stations along your regular routes, so you don't find yourself running low on fuel with no station in sight. Once you're at the station, turn off your engine and exit the car, taking your keys and payment method with you.
Open the Fuel Cap
Go to the pump side of your car and locate the fuel cap. If it's locked, use your key to unlock it and remove the cap. If it's not locked, you can usually just flip open the panel like a small door. Be careful not to misplace the cap—you can put it on the raised edge of the pump for safekeeping.
Choose Your Fuel
Before you start pumping, make sure you're using the correct fuel type. Petrol is usually green and labelled as unleaded, while diesel is typically black. Check your car's manual or the inside of the fuel door to confirm the type of fuel your car requires. Using the wrong type of fuel can cause serious damage to your engine.
Start Pumping
If you're paying at the pump, insert your card and enter your PIN. Then, lift the pump nozzle upwards and outwards to unhook it from the pump. Insert the nozzle into your car's fuel hole. You may need to squeeze a trigger to start the flow of fuel. Keep an eye on the pump's screen to see how much fuel you're dispensing and the associated cost. Stop when you've reached your desired amount or wait for the automatic shut-off when the tank is full.
Final Steps
Once you've finished fuelling, carefully replace the nozzle and close the fuel cap securely. If you didn't pay at the pump, note the number of the pump you used and head to the kiosk to complete your payment. Get back in your car, start the engine, and check your surroundings for pedestrians and other cars before pulling away slowly.
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Frequently asked questions
There are two main ways to open the fuel cap. One is a button on the inside of your car near the driver's seat, and the other is to push onto the fuel cover. The cap itself may be a twist-off one or may be key-operated.
Diesel is usually dispensed from a yellow pump and petrol from a green pump. The inside of your fuel cover will usually say what the recommended grade is. If it doesn't, you can check your car's manual. It is important to ensure you do not put the wrong fuel in your car.
If you're not using pay-at-pump, you can put your fuel in, lock your car, note the number of the pump, and head into the kiosk to pay at the counter.
Get back in your car and start the engine. Check carefully all around for pedestrians and other cars, then pull away slowly.
