Mercedes Mullins
With over 55 years of experience as a mechanic, Scotty Kilmer has become an automotive influencer, sharing his knowledge on a popular YouTube channel. In one of his videos, Kilmer discusses the issue of overfilling your gas tank, advising viewers to avoid this practice. While some may think pumping extra fuel into their car is a good idea, Kilmer's expertise suggests otherwise. In this paragraph, we will delve into the reasons why you should refrain from pumping that extra bit of fuel into your vehicle.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Topic | Why not to pump extra fuel in the car |
| Expert | Scotty Kilmer |
| Expert Occupation | Mechanic |
| Expert Experience | Over 55 years |
| Expert Platforms | YouTube |
| Expert Content Format | Videos |
| Expert Content Topics | Motoring faults, car recommendations, car maintenance |
| Fuel Additives | Can be used to save money and improve engine performance |
| Fuel Station Recommendation | Avoid stations that practice price gouging |
| Fuel Station Recommendation | Avoid stations with a history of credit card theft |
| Fuel Station Recommendation | Be cautious of stations that don't treat customers well |
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What You'll Learn
Gas stations can trick customers into paying more for less fuel
With the cost of living rising, many people are looking for ways to save money. One way to do this is to be mindful of how much you are paying for gas and whether you are getting what you pay for.
Additionally, gas stations may add up to 10% of corn-based ethanol as an additive to the fuel, which is allowed. However, if your car's gas mileage is 10-20% lower than expected, it could indicate that the gas station is adding too much ethanol or other unknown additives, reducing your car's efficiency.
To avoid being cheated, Scotty Kilmer, a mechanic with over 55 years of experience, suggests purchasing a one-gallon gas can with a visible fill line to test the accuracy of the pumps. He also advises being cautious of gas stations with a history of credit card theft, as thieves can attach devices to the pumps to steal your credit card information.
In conclusion, while it may be challenging to spot all the tricks unethical gas stations use, being vigilant and following the advice of experts like Scotty Kilmer can help you avoid paying more for less fuel.
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Credit card thieves can steal your details at the pump
Scotty Kilmer, a mechanic with over 55 years of experience, advises drivers on fuel-related issues, including when to use fuel additives and how to avoid being overcharged at gas stations. Kilmer recommends being cautious about price gouging, where stations suddenly increase fuel prices during peak demand periods. He suggests testing the accuracy of the pump by using a one-gallon gas can with a visible fill line.
While Scotty Kilmer offers valuable insights into fuel-related matters, another critical aspect to consider when visiting gas stations is credit card security. Credit card thieves can indeed steal your details at the pump through a practice known as "card skimming." This involves criminals installing skimming devices onto card readers at gas pumps, ATMs, and other publicly accessible machines. These devices read and download card information, allowing thieves to create duplicate cards and make fraudulent purchases or withdrawals.
To protect yourself from card skimming, you can take several precautions:
- Safe payment methods: When possible, opt for payment methods that do not require inserting or swiping your card. Use cash, digital wallets, or contactless payment options instead.
- Inspect the card reader: Before using any point of sale terminal, take a moment to inspect the card reader for any signs of tampering. Look for additional pieces attached or missing components that could indicate the presence of a skimmer. Compare the card reader to nearby pumps to spot any discrepancies.
- Cover the keypad: When entering your PIN or ZIP code, use your hand or another object to cover the keypad. This simple step can prevent cameras or overlays installed by thieves from capturing your sensitive information.
- Security seal: Look for a security seal on the pump, which indicates that the pump has not been tampered with. The FTC provides images of what untampered and voided security labels should look like.
- Payment card preference: If you must swipe a card, it is generally safer to use a credit card than a debit card. While both types of cards usually offer zero liability protection for unauthorized transactions, debit cards are linked directly to your bank account. If thieves obtain your debit card information, they can quickly drain your account.
- Regularly review statements: Stay vigilant by regularly checking your debit and credit card statements for any fraudulent charges. This is one of the fastest ways to spot theft and take immediate action.
- Antivirus and VPN: Utilize a robust antivirus program to detect and disable malware on your devices. Additionally, consider using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to scramble your internet data and location, making it more challenging for thieves to steal information via Wi-Fi connections.
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Gas stations may add too much ethanol to the fuel
Scotty Kilmer, a motor mechanic with over 55 years of experience, has warned drivers about the dangers of pumping extra fuel into their cars. Kilmer, who has worked in gas stations since his teenage years, has learned to spot unethical practices that can cost customers money. One of these practices involves the addition of too much ethanol or other unknown additives to the fuel.
While fuel additives can be beneficial, as they can break down deposits in the engine and fuel lining, improving reliability and saving money in the long run, too much ethanol can negatively impact a car's performance. In the United States, fuel brands are permitted to add up to 10% corn-based ethanol as an additive. This type of fuel is known as E10 and is the most common motor gasoline sold in the country. E10 can decrease a vehicle's fuel economy by about 3% compared to gasoline without ethanol.
Higher ethanol blends, such as E15 (15% ethanol) and E85 (up to 85% ethanol), are also available but are approved only for specific vehicles. E15 can be used in flex-fuel and light-duty vehicles with a model year of 2001 or newer, while E85 is suitable only for flex-fuel vehicles. Ethanol has a lower energy content than pure gasoline, and its impact on fuel economy depends on the ethanol content in the fuel and the type of engine. Denatured ethanol (98% ethanol) contains approximately 30% less energy than gasoline per gallon.
In addition to the negative effects on fuel economy, ethanol can cause other issues if not properly managed by gas stations. In hot and humid regions, for example, ethanol's hygroscopic nature can lead to water accumulation at the bottom of storage tanks. If stations do not regularly drain this water, it can be drawn into customers' tanks when the station's tank is too low or has been recently refilled. This water-gas emulsion can then settle at the bottom of the car's tank. While stabilizers can be added to address this issue, it is an additional concern when dealing with ethanol-blended fuel.
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Fuel additives can improve engine reliability and longevity
Scotty Kilmer, a mechanic with over 55 years of experience, has advised drivers on when to use fuel additives in their cars. He believes that fuel additives can help fix issues and prolong the life of vehicles. In one instance, he added a fuel additive to a 2005 Pontiac Bonneville to help it start better.
Fuel additives also improve fuel efficiency by enhancing combustion efficiency. This allows the engine to extract more energy from the fuel, resulting in improved fuel economy and reduced fuel consumption. Additionally, fuel additives can help keep the fuel system clean by dissolving and removing deposits that accumulate in fuel injectors, intake valves, and combustion chambers. This ensures optimal fuel flow and reduces the risk of clogged components, preserving engine performance.
Furthermore, fuel additives can extend engine life by reducing engine wear and tear. They achieve this by minimizing friction between engine parts, leading to reduced maintenance costs over time. Fuel additives also protect engines against the negative effects of low-quality fuel or harsh environmental conditions, further contributing to engine longevity.
By using fuel additives, vehicle owners can maintain optimal engine performance and extend the lifespan of their engines. These additives are tailored for different types of engines, including diesel and gasoline, to ensure enhanced stability, improved burning efficiency, and reduced emissions. Overall, fuel additives play a crucial role in improving engine reliability and extending engine longevity.
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Scotty Kilmer's advice is based on outdated technology
Scotty Kilmer, a motor mechanic with over 55 years of experience, has gained popularity for his YouTube videos, where he advises viewers on motoring faults and cars to avoid. Kilmer's advice, however, has been criticized for being based on outdated technology. While he has extensive knowledge of older vehicles and gas station practices, his recommendations may not always apply to modern cars with newer technologies and systems.
Kilmer grew up working in gas stations and has leveraged this experience to educate his audience on the various ways unethical gas stations can overcharge customers. For example, he suggests that customers buy a one-gallon gas can with a visible fill line to test if they are getting the correct amount of gas for their money. While this advice can help consumers avoid being overcharged, it reflects Kilmer's focus on traditional gas station practices.
In addition to his gas station tips, Kilmer provides guidance on fuel additives and their potential benefits. He recommends adding fuel additives to improve engine reliability and fuel efficiency, which can save drivers money in the long run. However, some viewers have criticized his advice as outdated, particularly when it comes to newer vehicles with advanced technologies.
One example of Kilmer's outdated advice is his stance on fuel injection. While fuel injection has evolved and become more refined over the years, Kilmer is reportedly anti-useful information and stuck in the past with many of his opinions. He favors older vehicles, specifically mentioning old Toyotas, and his tricks may not be as applicable to modern cars with advanced systems and sensors.
While Kilmer's experience and knowledge of older vehicles are valuable, it's important for viewers to recognize that some of his advice may not be applicable to modern cars. As technology advances, it becomes crucial to adapt maintenance and repair approaches accordingly. Therefore, seeking information from various sources and staying up-to-date with the latest automotive advancements is essential for car owners.
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Frequently asked questions
Scotty Kilmer advises drivers not to overfill their gas tanks. If you know it usually costs $30 to fill up your tank, ask the attendant to fill it up for $25, as the pumps will automatically cut off at $25, preventing overfilling.
Scotty Kilmer, a mechanic with over 55 years of experience, has advised drivers on when to use fuel additives in their cars. He states that fuel additives can help fix issues and prolong the life of vehicles. Fuel additives can break down deposits in the engine and fuel lining, improving reliability.
Scotty Kilmer has pointed out several tricks that unethical gas stations use to overcharge their customers. For example, some stations adjust their prices during rush-hour traffic or when it starts raining. He suggests buying a one-gallon gas can with a visible fill line to test if the station is delivering the exact amount of gas you are paying for.
Scotty Kilmer has been criticized for making blanket statements about certain car brands. For example, he used a first-generation Boxster to claim that all Porsche cars are unreliable. He has also been criticized for being stuck in the past with many of his opinions, favoring older car models, and not keeping up with new technology.
