Fill Your Tank Based on Actual Volume
It’s common for people to fill their gas tanks to the brim or based on the amount of cash they have on hand. However, this habit can make you vulnerable to fraud at gas stations, as the pumps can be programmed to cheat based on the amount of money instead of volume.
To avoid this, it’s best to request that the attendant fill your tank in liters. If you need a lot of gas, fill up; if you need less, just ask for a liter or two. When your tank is almost empty, simply request an even number of liters that is lower than your tank’s capacity to prevent overflow.
Avoid Overfilling Your Tank
Overfilling your gas tank not only leads to inefficient vehicle performance but also increases energy consumption, resulting in heavy and uneven operation. Additionally, it can inadvertently facilitate fraud at gas stations.
Instead, just fill your tank with enough gas for your journey. The lighter your vehicle, the less gas it will consume, helping you save fuel.
Choose the Right Time to Fill Up
While it may seem insignificant, choosing the right time to fill your gas tank is crucial. In the morning, gas is cooler and denser, so you get more for your money. Conversely, during hot afternoons, gas expands; if you fill up with 10 liters, you might only get about 9.2 to 9.3 liters, with the rest being vapor.
Therefore, to ensure you get your money’s worth, try to fill up early in the morning instead of during peak hours like noon or evening.
Use the Correct Type of Gas for Your Vehicle
Different vehicles require different types of gas to function efficiently. For example, scooters typically use 95-octane gas, while motorcycles use 92-octane. Using the right type of gas helps your vehicle save energy and run smoothly. Filling up with the wrong type of gas can lead to unburnt fuel, causing deposits in the engine and increased energy consumption.
Additionally, check the gas quality to avoid counterfeit gas. A simple way to do this is to pour some gas onto a white piece of paper. If it leaves a stain after evaporating, it’s likely counterfeit, and you should avoid filling up at that station.
Compare Prices Between Fill-Ups
Pay attention to the price per liter and compare prices between fill-ups at the same station to spot any abnormal discrepancies. If you usually fill up with VND 50,000 and your tank is full, but the next time you fill up with the same amount and your tank isn’t full, you might be a victim of quantity fraud. This is a sign to inspect that station more carefully.
Additional Tips for Prolonging Your Vehicle’s Lifespan:
Avoid filling up during hot weather: It’s best to fill your tank in the morning or evening when it’s cooler, as gas evaporates more quickly in high temperatures, leading to waste.
Turn off your engine while filling up: Always turn off your engine when filling up to prevent fires caused by ignition of gas vapors from your engine’s spark plugs.
Check the meter before filling: Ensure the attendant resets the meter to zero before filling. Otherwise, you might end up paying for gas that wasn’t pumped into your tank.
Don’t let your tank reach the red mark: Driving with a near-empty tank can damage your engine. Air can enter the fuel system, reducing efficiency and potentially causing long-term damage.
