Ameer Randolph
Filling up your car with fuel for the first time can be daunting, but it's a straightforward process. Before you head to the petrol station, make sure you know what type of fuel your car uses (diesel or petrol) and which side of the car the fuel cap is on. At the petrol station, pull up at the pump nearest your fuel cap, turn off the engine, and put your fuel cap towards the pump. Remove the nozzle from the pump and place it inside the fuel cap. If you're paying at the pump, put your card in the card slot and enter your pin. Then, squeeze the nozzle handle to start fuelling. Keep an eye on the pump's screen to ensure you don't overfill. Once you're done, return the nozzle to the pump, re-attach your fuel cap, and pay if you haven't already.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Finding a petrol station | Choose any petrol station, but avoid going just after the fuel tank arrives as fresh petrol tends to carry sediment. |
| Queueing up | Don't cut in the queue and drive carefully. |
| Choosing a pump | Pull up at the pump nearest your fuel cap. |
| Opening the fuel cap | This could be manual or automatic. It may require a key, flipping a panel open, pressing a button inside the car, or pulling open. |
| Choosing the fuel type | Petrol is usually green and labelled "Unleaded" or "E10". Diesel is usually black. |
| Payment | Many stations offer a “pay at pump” service, where you put your card into the chip and pin machine at the pump. Otherwise, lock your car, note the pump number, and head to the kiosk to pay. |
| Filling up | Place the nozzle into the fuel cap, squeeze the handle, and keep an eye on the pump's screen to monitor volume and price. |
| Replacing the fuel cap | Make sure the fuel cap is firmly screwed back on and the covering panel is shut. |
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What You'll Learn
Finding a petrol station and queuing up
Finding a petrol station in the UK is straightforward. There are over 8,000 petrol stations in the UK, with Shell being the brand with the highest coverage, followed by BP. You can search for a petrol station by typing a town, postcode, or address into a map application on your phone or computer. This will bring up a list of nearby petrol stations, along with their addresses and opening hours. Alternatively, you can use a fuel card to locate petrol stations that are part of a specific brand's network. However, keep in mind that no single brand has more than 30% coverage in the UK, so you may need to go out of your way to find a specific brand's station or use a debit/credit card at the nearest station.
Once you have found a petrol station, be prepared for potential queues, especially during peak hours or times of fuel shortages. In recent years, there have been reports of long queues at petrol stations due to various factors, including supply chain issues and panic buying. Queues can be lengthy, with some people reporting waiting times of up to two hours. It is recommended to fill up as you normally would to help alleviate the pressure on petrol stations and to avoid contributing to fuel shortages.
When joining a queue at a petrol station, look for a designated queue area or follow the line of cars that are waiting. Stay alert and be prepared to move forward when the car in front of you advances. It is important to be considerate of other drivers and avoid cutting in line or blocking traffic unnecessarily. Keep a safe distance from the car in front of you and be mindful of your surroundings to ensure the queue moves smoothly.
While queuing, you can pass the time by listening to music, a podcast, or an audiobook. You can also use this time to plan your route, check your tires, or ensure that your vehicle is in good condition. If you need to use your phone, consider pulling over to a safe area to avoid holding up the queue or causing a hazard. Remember to remain patient and avoid honking unless necessary.
Once you reach the pump, the process may vary depending on the petrol station. Some stations offer self-payment directly at the pump, while others may require you to go inside and pay before or after fuelling. Always follow the instructions displayed at the pump, and if you are unsure, don't hesitate to ask for assistance from the station attendants.
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Opening the fuel cap
Locating the Fuel Cap Opener:
Firstly, you need to locate the fuel cap opener. This could be a small lever, a push-button, or a keyhole, usually located near the driver's seat or on the fuel cap itself. Some cars also have an electronic locking mechanism, which can be operated through the central locking system or via a touchscreen menu.
Understanding the Mechanism:
Different car models have different mechanisms for opening the fuel cap. It could be a simple lever or button that you push or pull to release the fuel cap. In some older car models, you may need to use the car key to unlock the cap by turning it left (anti-clockwise).
Once you have located the opener and understood the mechanism, follow these steps:
- Hold the fuel cap with one hand to keep it stationary.
- With your other hand, insert the key into the keyhole (if your car uses a key mechanism).
- Turn the key anti-clockwise (to the left) to unlock the cap.
- Remove the key from the lock.
- Now, use your hand to turn the cap anti-clockwise. It should come off easily.
Closing the Fuel Cap:
To close the fuel cap, simply follow these steps in reverse:
- Screw the cap back on by turning it clockwise with your hand.
- Insert the key into the lock and turn it clockwise (to the right).
- Remove the key, and the cap should now be locked securely.
Troubleshooting:
If you are unable to open the fuel cap, don't panic. It may be that your car has a different mechanism, or there could be an issue with the locking feature. Try checking the owner's manual for specific instructions, or consult a mechanic or your car dealer for further assistance.
Remember, understanding how to properly open and close your fuel cap is not just about convenience but also about safety and ensuring a smooth refuelling process.
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Choosing the right fuel
Unleaded Petrol
Unleaded petrol is the most common fuel used to power cars in the UK. It has an octane rating of 95 and is suitable for most standard vehicles, balancing cost with performance. It is mixed with bioethanol to make it more environmentally friendly.
Super Unleaded Petrol
Super unleaded petrol has an octane rating of 97-99 and enhances performance and fuel efficiency in high-performance cars. It is recommended for older vehicles that require a higher octane level. It is also known as premium unleaded and has a higher combustion rate.
Diesel
Diesel is the second most popular type of fuel in the UK. It is more fuel-efficient and has greater torque. Diesel fuels can affect both the performance and lifespan of your car. Premium diesel burns quicker and more efficiently, giving higher performance and a cleaner engine.
Electric
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) require no fuel and are powered by rechargeable plug-in batteries. They are the greenest type of vehicle and are increasing in popularity.
Hybrid
Hybrid vehicles are powered by two distinct types of energy: fossil fuel (petrol or diesel) and electricity. They are growing in popularity as they are cleaner than fossil fuel vehicles and more powerful than most electric vehicles.
When choosing the right fuel for your car, it is important to consider your typical driving patterns, including daily commute distance and frequency of long-distance travel. You should also evaluate the environmental impact of each fuel type and choose a fuel that aligns with your environmental values.
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Paying for fuel
UK Fuels, one of Europe's biggest fuel card companies, offers a range of cards for businesses and companies registered in the UK. These cards can be used at over 7,200 sites across the UK, including major brands such as BP, Texaco, Esso, Shell, and supermarkets. The cards provide access to competitive tariffs, discounts, and loyalty points, as well as paperless invoices, purchase history, and easy online account management through their Radius Velocity portal. The cards also have added security features, such as PIN protection and transaction alerts, making them safer than cash transactions.
The BP Plus Hybrid card, for example, offers access to over 14,000 public charge points, including ultra-rapid options. Users can pay at the till by swiping the card and entering a PIN or signing for the transaction. Additionally, the Shell/Forax Fuel Card is accepted at almost 3,500 locations across multiple brands, providing flexibility and convenience.
For businesses with fleets of vehicles, the EV hybrid card from UK Fuels can be particularly useful. It allows for seamless organisation and tracking of fuel and EV charging expenses in one place. This card also supports contactless payments at charging points, making refuelling quick and efficient.
It's worth noting that fuel cards may have specific requirements and limitations. For instance, the UK Off Base Fuel Ration Program's fuel card is for 'duty driving' related to the US military mission and expires when the associated ID card or driving/fuel permit expires.
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Closing the fuel cap
Step 1: Screw the Cap Clockwise
Once you have finished fuelling your vehicle and replaced the nozzle, the first step is to screw the fuel cap back on. Hold the cap with your hand and turn it in a clockwise direction to tighten it. This is the opposite direction to opening the cap, which typically involves turning it counter-clockwise or anti-clockwise. Ensure you screw the cap tightly to create a proper seal.
Step 2: Lock the Cap (if applicable)
Some fuel caps have a locking mechanism that requires a key. If your fuel cap has a lock, insert the key and turn it to the right (clockwise). This will secure the cap and prevent unauthorised access.
Step 3: Check for a Proper Seal
After tightening and locking the fuel cap, it is important to verify that it is properly closed. Check to see if the cap is securely in place and does not turn or wobble. A properly sealed fuel cap is essential to prevent fuel vapours from escaping and to maintain the correct pressure inside the fuel tank.
Troubleshooting a Stuck or Difficult Cap:
In some cases, you may encounter difficulty closing the fuel cap due to various reasons. Here are a few tips to address common issues:
- Locking Mechanism Issues: If the locking mechanism is damaged or stuck, try holding the cap stationary while turning the key. Ensure you are turning the key in the correct direction as specified by your vehicle's instructions.
- Contamination or Debris: If the cap or fuel tank threading is contaminated with dirt, leaves, or debris, carefully clean the area and try closing the cap again.
- Vacuum Seal: Under certain conditions, such as excessive heat or low fuel levels, a vacuum-like seal may form inside the fuel tank, making it difficult to close the cap. Try closing the cap slowly and firmly while pressing it down.
- Cold Weather: In cold temperatures, the gas cap seal may become stuck. Attempt to close the cap firmly while being cautious not to use excessive force, as this could damage the filler neck.
- Broken Cap or Housing: If the fuel cap is broken or damaged, it may not close properly. In this case, you may need to replace the cap or seek assistance from a qualified technician.
Remember, a properly closed fuel cap is essential for the safe and efficient operation of your vehicle. Always take the time to ensure the cap is securely tightened and locked before driving away from the fuel station.
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Frequently asked questions
You can check your dashboard—where the fuel gauge is, there’s often a little pump icon with an arrow pointing to the side your fuel cap is on.
This depends on your car model. Some require a key, some are push doors, some require you to press a button inside the car, and some simply have a little gap to pop your finger underneath and pull open. The cap itself may be a twist-off one or may be key-operated.
Many petrol stations offer a ‘pay at pump’ service, where you will need to put your credit or debit card into the chip and pin machine at the pump and have it authorised before you lift the nozzle and put the fuel in. If you’re not using pay at pump, you simply put your fuel in, then lock your car, note the number of the pump you’re using, and head into the kiosk to pay at the counter.
