Using a petrol pump machine involves a few simple steps, from parking correctly to selecting your fuel and paying.
To use a petrol pump machine, you first need to position your vehicle correctly, select the correct fuel type, dispense the fuel, and then complete the payment.
Getting Started at the Petrol Station
- Arrive and Position Your Vehicle: Drive onto the forecourt and select a pump. It's important to position your car so that the fuel filler cap is on the side closest to the pump for easy reach of the hose. While the reference mentions wanting "like the back window to be next to the pump," the standard practice is aligning the fuel cap side. Check which side your fuel cap is on before you park.
- Turn Off Your Engine: Before opening your fuel flap, make sure your engine is completely switched off for safety.
- Open Your Fuel Flap: Locate and open your car's fuel flap. This might be done via a lever inside the car or by simply pushing the flap itself. Unscrew the fuel cap and place it securely in its holder (if your car has one) or somewhere safe like the roof of the car.
Using the Pump
- Select the Pump and Authorise Payment (Sometimes Required First): At some stations, you may need to authorize payment before you pump, either by inserting your card into a reader at the pump or paying inside the kiosk first and telling them which pump number you are at. Other stations allow you to pump first and pay afterward inside.
- Choose Your Fuel Type: Petrol pumps offer various fuel grades, as indicated by signs like "All grades here." Common types include:
- Unleaded Petrol/Gasoline: Standard fuel for most petrol cars.
- Premium Unleaded: Higher octane petrol.
- Diesel: For diesel engine vehicles.
- Specific grades: Often labeled with octane numbers (e.g., 95, 97, 98) or brand names.
Select the correct nozzle for your vehicle's fuel type. It's crucial to use the right fuel to avoid damaging your engine. Nozzles often have different colors or shapes to help distinguish them.
- Insert the Nozzle: Lift the chosen nozzle from its holder on the pump. Insert the nozzle firmly into your car's fuel filler neck.
- Start Pumping: Squeeze the trigger on the nozzle. You may need to lift a catch or press a button on the pump screen first, depending on the machine. The pump screen will display the amount of fuel being dispensed (in liters or gallons) and the cost.
- The Automatic Shut-Off: The nozzle has an automatic shut-off mechanism. When the fuel tank is full, the flow will stop abruptly, often with a click. Do not try to add much more fuel after this, as it can cause issues.
- Finish Pumping: Release the trigger. Carefully remove the nozzle from your car's fuel filler neck. Allow any excess drips to fall into the small drain area near the filler neck if available.
- Return the Nozzle: Place the nozzle securely back into its holder on the pump. This action tells the pump you are finished and calculates the final amount.
- Replace Your Fuel Cap and Close Flap: Screw your fuel cap back on until it clicks (if applicable) or feels secure. Close your fuel flap.
Payment
- Pay for Your Fuel: If you paid at the pump beforehand, you are done. If not, note the pump number shown on the machine display (or just remember which pump you were at) and go inside the station kiosk to pay the cashier. You can typically pay with cash, card, or contactless payment methods.
By following these steps, you can efficiently and safely refuel your vehicle using a petrol pump machine. Always observe safety signs on the forecourt, such as prohibiting smoking and using mobile phones while pumping.
