FAQ's Gas Pumps

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Expand/Contract Questions and Answers

Am I responsible for the gasoline that is spilled on the ground at a gas station because the automatic shut-off valve on the nozzle did not shut off?
Yes. It is commonly understood that you assume the responsibility and liability for refueling your own vehicle. It is wise to remain close at hand if you are using the automatic shut-off valve to stop the pump just in case there is a malfunction.
If a gasoline pump and a diesel pump are right together and I inadvertently put diesel fuel in my gasoline tank or visa-versa, am I responsible?
Yes. It is not wise for the station owner to put them together, but as long as they are labeled properly, you are responsible.
What steps can I take to prevent being cheated at a gas station?
Verify that the advertised sign and the pump price are the same. Make sure the pump starts at zero. Know the estimate of what the capacity of your gasoline tank is. Make sure a current Weights and Measures seal is visible on the pump.
I bought a new gas can the other day at the local hardware store. It's supposed to be a five gallon can but I got 5 ½ gallons in it. I think the pump must be in error.
This is one of the most common complaints we receive, and the short answer is that all tanks are not created equal. The stated capacity of what's stamped on your gas can is often more of an approximation than a fact. A major manufacturer may buy fuel tanks from a variety of suppliers, all of which may hold either a little more or a little less than the stated capacity.
I filled up at the gas station yesterday and put 15 gallons of gas in my tank. However, when I got to the station, my fuel gauge still was on 1/4 of a tank and my owners manual says the tank only holds 16 gallons. How can this be? I think the pump must be in error.
This is the most common complaint we receive, and the short answer is that all tanks are not created equal. The stated capacity of your gas tank in your owner's manual is often more of an approximation than a fact. A major manufacturer may buy fuel tanks from a variety of suppliers, all of which may hold either a little more or a little less than the stated capacity. Also, the volume of fuel contained in the filler tube will vary. The City Sealer of Weights and Measures will investigate all complaints received. For a detailed explanation of why the pumped volume of fuel may be greater (or less) than the rated capacity of your automobile gas tank, refer to the following article in the August 2005 NIST Weights and Measures Quarterly. read article (pdf)

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Am I responsible for the gasoline that is spilled on the ground at a gas station because the automatic shut-off valve on the nozzle did not shut off?

If a gasoline pump and a diesel pump are right together and I inadvertently put diesel fuel in my gasoline tank or visa-versa, am I responsible?

What steps can I take to prevent being cheated at a gas station?

I bought a new gas can the other day at the local hardware store. It's supposed to be a five gallon can but I got 5 ½ gallons in it. I think the pump must be in error.

I filled up at the gas station yesterday and put 15 gallons of gas in my tank. However, when I got to the station, my fuel gauge still was on 1/4 of a tank and my owners manual says the tank only holds 16 gallons. How can this be? I think the pump must be in error.