14 Mistakes I See Way Too Often At The Gas Pump—and How To Avoid Them

Let’s be honest, stopping at the gas station is often just a routine part of our day. But it’s easy to make mistakes that can cost you money or even damage your car.

Ever put unleaded gas in your diesel truck by mistake? Or driven off with the gas pump still attached? You’d be surprised how often these things happen.

We’re covering 16 common gas station mistakes. Read on to make sure you’re not falling into these traps.

Forgetting the Nozzle

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We have to start with the most obvious, right? It’s surprisingly easy to drive away from the pump with the nozzle still in your fuel tank, especially if you’re in a hurry or distracted. This mistake can cause a lot of damage to the gas station pump and your vehicle. Always take a moment to make sure you’ve removed the nozzle and hung it back on the pump before driving off.

Pumping Fuel Into a Plastic Container

Refueling directly into unapproved containers, like random plastic bottles or non-standard jerry cans, is pretty dangerous. These containers may not be designed to handle gasoline and can lead to dangerous spills or vapor leaks.

Always use containers that are specifically approved for gasoline storage. These are designed to safely hold and transport fuel, reducing the risk of accidents during transportation and storage.

Pumping Gasoline Into A Diesel Vehicle

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Mixing up fuel types by pumping gasoline into a diesel vehicle or diesel into a gasoline vehicle is a huge mistake. This can lead to major engine damage and expensive repair bills. Plus, it’s pretty embarrassing. Always double-check the fuel pump labels and match the right nozzle to your vehicle’s requirements to prevent misfueling.

Choosing the Wrong Footwear at the Pump

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Wearing the wrong type of shoes, especially any with rubber soles, while pumping gas can actually increase the risk of static electricity buildup. This is especially true in dry and windy conditions. To reduce the risk of sparking a fire, wear shoes that are less likely to generate static, or make sure to ground yourself before touching the pump handle.

Misusing Gasoline Additives

Before you decide to pour any type of gasoline additive into your fuel tank, make sure it’s suitable for your vehicle. Using the wrong additives can lead to some bad engine damage or even void your car’s warranty. Take a quick look at your owner’s manual or talk to a qualified mechanic to understand the effects of specific additives.

Overlooking Static Electricity

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Static electricity is a subtle but serious risk at the gas pump. It can build up when you get in and out of your vehicle due to friction and then discharge when you touch the pump. This can potentially ignite gasoline vapors, which is pretty bad. To prevent this, make it a habit to touch a metal part of your car’s exterior—like the door—to safely discharge any static before you start pumping gas.

Pumping While Sitting in the Car

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It might seem convenient to sit in your car while the gas pumps, but this can be risky. Being inside the vehicle prevents you from keeping an eye on the fueling process and reacting quickly if something goes wrong, like a fuel spill or a fire.

Using Open Flames

Bringing any type of open flame near a gas pump is a major safety violation. Matches, lighters, or any other devices that can produce a spark are extremely dangerous in the presence of gasoline vapors, which are highly flammable.

Using the Wrong Fuel Grade

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Picking the right fuel grade is super important for your vehicle’s performance and fuel efficiency. Using a lower or higher octane fuel than recommended can mess with your car’s engine efficiency and potentially cause long-term damage. Always double-check your owner’s manual or the label inside the fuel door to see which fuel you need to use.

Not Ensuring the Gas Cap Is Secure

After refueling, make sure your gas cap is on tight. A loose or missing gas cap can lead to fuel evaporation, which wastes gas and releases harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. It also might trigger the check engine light on your dashboard, which could lead to a failed emissions test.

Smoking

Smoking at the gas station is a major no-go. Lighting up near open gasoline vapors can lead to disaster, including the risk of fire or explosion. The volatile nature of gasoline means even a small spark can have huge consequences.

Filling Up In the Middle of a Thunderstorm

Trying to pump gas during a thunderstorm is pretty hazardous. Lightning can strike unexpectedly and ignite gasoline vapors, creating a dangerous situation. The safest approach is to wait to fill up your tank until after the storm passes. If you find yourself caught at a station when a storm hits, stay inside your vehicle or the station’s store until it’s safe to refuel.

Topping Off the Tank

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It’s tempting to squeeze in a little extra gas even after the pump automatically shuts off, but doing so can actually be a little risky. Overfilling your tank can lead to spills, sending harmful vapors into the air and potentially damaging your car’s evaporative emissions system. This system is designed to capture these vapors, and when it’s compromised, it can lead to pricey repairs.

Leaving the Engine Running

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When you leave your engine running while refueling, you’re not just burning unnecessary fuel, you’re also creating a potential safety hazard. The engine’s operation can ignite fuel vapors, especially in a confined area like a gas station. To keep things safe, turn off your engine and take the keys out of the ignition before you start pumping.