Katerina Swanson
Putting fuel in your car can be daunting if you've never done it before, but it's a simple process. Knowing how to do it is essential, as putting the wrong fuel in your car can cause havoc with your engine and lead to expensive repairs. You should also be aware of where your fuel cap is, how to open it, and how to pay for your fuel. This guide will take you through the steps of filling your car with fuel, from finding the right pump to avoiding common mistakes.
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What You'll Learn
Locating the fuel cap
The fuel tank lid has to remain shut while a vehicle is operating. A failed lid or a loosely shut fuel tank cap can be a potential fire hazard or create a vacuum in the fuel tank, leading to improper functioning. Therefore, knowing the location of the fuel lid opener is essential for quick access to the fuel tank, saving time and reducing stress.
The fuel cap is typically located on either side of the vehicle, depending on the car model and manufacturer. Some cars have the fuel cap on the driver's side, making it easier to pull up close to the fuel pump and reducing the walking distance once you step out of the car to refuel. However, in countries like the UK, Australia, India, Japan, New Zealand, and Hong Kong, where the steering wheel is on the right side, preferences tend to reverse. Automakers still manufacture some vehicles with the gas cap on the left or right, regardless of the steering wheel's position.
To determine the side of the fuel cap, look for an indicator on the fuel gauge, usually a small gas pump symbol with an arrow pointing left or right. This indicates the side where the nozzle is located. Additionally, if your vehicle has a single exhaust, the fuel filler will always be on the opposite side of the vehicle from the exhaust pipe outlet.
Knowing the exact location of the fuel tank cap opener can be beneficial in various scenarios, especially when driving a new or unfamiliar car or assisting a new driver. It saves time, prevents fumbling and frustration, and ensures a quick and smooth refueling process.
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Opening the fuel cap
- A lever inside the car, usually on the floor near the driver's seat. Look for a symbol of a bowser or a small lever with a gas pump on it, then pull the lever up to engage it. You will hear a small "thunk" or click sound when the gas tank door is unlocked.
- A push-button catch on the fuel cap itself. When the car is unlocked, try pushing the fuel cap on the side closest to the back of the car.
- Some older car models have fuel caps that are unlocked using the car key. Check if the fuel cap has a keyhole.
- Some cars have a remote fuel tank cap opener on the floor in front of the driver's seat. Pulling on the lever grants access to the fuel cap and tank.
- Newer cars may have a fuel release button on the driver's side door, rather than a lever.
If you are unable to locate the fuel cap opener or if it is stuck, you can try the following:
- Open the trunk and move the access panel near the fuel tank.
- If there is no access panel, remove the cloth lining near the inside of the fuel tank.
- If the gas tank door is stuck shut, there may be a problem with the release lever inside the car, which can be accessed by removing the plastic access panel closest to the fuel tank.
- For vehicles without a trunk, such as trucks, take the car to a licensed mechanic to access the mechanism.
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Choosing the correct fuel
Choosing the right fuel for your car is essential to keep it running efficiently. The type of fuel you need depends on your car's make and model, as well as your driving style.
Firstly, you should always refer to your owner's manual to determine the best fuel for your vehicle. The manual will specify the recommended octane rating for your car's engine. Octane ratings measure the fuel's resistance to "knocking" during combustion, which is caused by the mixture of fuel and air detonating prematurely in the engine. The higher the octane number, the greater the stability of the fuel.
In general, high-performance engines require higher octane fuel. This is because higher octane fuel has a higher resistance to pre-ignition, which is necessary for engines with higher compression ratios. However, using higher octane fuel in a car designed for regular octane will not improve performance and is a waste of money.
Another factor to consider is the additives in the fuel. Premium fuels tend to have a higher level of additives, such as detergents, which help keep engines cleaner and minimize emissions. If you are concerned about engine health, choosing a premium fuel with more additives may be beneficial. However, it is important to note that the benefits of these additives may be negligible for many cars, and you may end up paying more for fuel with no added benefit.
In addition to the type of fuel, there are also different blends available, such as flex fuel or E85, which is a blend of ethanol and gasoline. Using ethanol-free gas can lead to better mileage but may be offset by its higher cost. It is essential to check your owner's manual to see if ethanol-free gas is suitable for your vehicle.
Lastly, besides traditional fuels, there are alternative options available, such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), biofuels, electric, and hybrid vehicles. LPG is cheaper than petrol and diesel, but cars need to be specially converted to run on this fuel. Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly common and offer a fuel-free option, while hybrid vehicles combine two types of energy, such as petrol or diesel and electric.
In conclusion, choosing the correct fuel for your car involves considering the recommendations in your owner's manual, the octane rating, the additives in the fuel, and exploring alternative fuel options.
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Paying for fuel
However, paying with cash is still an option at many gas stations. Typically, you would need to go inside the station to pay the clerk before filling up your vehicle. Some stations may also allow you to pay after you pump the gas, but this varies depending on the station. Additionally, paying with cash can often get you a discount on gas, as the station avoids credit card fees.
There are also various fuel card options available that can provide discounts and other benefits. For example, the Pay with GasBuddy+™ card offers savings at stations nationwide, and can be used at any station that accepts Mastercard®. Similarly, the Easy Pay card from Circle K provides discounts on fuel prices and can be obtained at participating stores or by mail.
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Refuelling
Preparing to Refuel
Before heading to the petrol station, it's a good idea to know which side your fuel cap is on. You can usually find this by looking at your dashboard at the fuel gauge, which often has a small pump icon with an arrow pointing to the side of your fuel cap. Knowing this will help you choose the correct pump when you arrive at the station.
At the Petrol Station
When you arrive at the petrol station, drive slowly and be prepared to wait for people to move so you can access the pump that matches the side of your fuel cap. Pull up next to the pump, about half a metre away, with your car's nose lining up with the end of the pump. Ensure your handbrake is on, the gear is in neutral, and the engine is off. Take your keys and money with you when you exit the car.
Opening the Fuel Cap
Go to the pump side of your car and locate the fuel cap. You may need to use your key to unlock it, or it might simply involve flipping open a panel like a small door. If you need to use your key, insert and twist it to the left, then place it somewhere safe, such as on the raised edge of the pump. After opening the panel, you will see the actual fuel cap, which you can twist open or pop up.
Choosing the Correct Fuel
Take a moment to ensure you are about to put the correct fuel into your car. Diesel is typically black, while petrol is usually green and labelled as unleaded. Putting the wrong fuel into your car can cause havoc with your engine and lead to costly repairs.
Paying for Fuel
Some pumps have card machines, allowing you to pay directly at the pump without interacting with the station staff. Insert your card, enter your PIN, and then remove your card. If the pump doesn't have a card machine, you will need to lock your car, note the pump number, and head into the kiosk to pay at the counter.
Filling Up
Grab the nozzle handle and lift it upwards, then outwards to unhook it from the pump. Insert the nozzle into your fuel hole. Some fuel may dribble out, but this is normal. Once the nozzle is firmly in place, squeeze the handle. The fuel will start flowing, and the pump will make a noise. Keep an eye on the pump's screen to monitor the amount of fuel and the cost. Release the handle when you've reached the desired amount.
Final Steps
After refuelling, make sure to securely screw the fuel cap back on and close the covering panel if your car has one. If you paid at the pump, you can now leave. If you paid at the kiosk, retrieve your card and/or change, and then you're ready to go!
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Frequently asked questions
There are two main ways to open the fuel cap. One is to press a button on the inside of the car near the driver's seat, and the other is to push on the fuel cover. You can also try using your key or flipping open a panel.
Diesel is usually black and is dispensed by yellow pumps, while petrol is usually green and labelled as unleaded. You can also check your fuel cap, which usually states the recommended grade.
Many petrol stations offer a 'pay at pump' service, where you put your card into the chip and pin machine at the pump before filling up. Otherwise, you can lock your car, note the pump number, and pay at the kiosk.
