There are many myths and dubious tips circulating online. One persistent claim suggests that during inspections at gas stations, a 10-litre container serves as the measurement vessel. The theory goes that fuel is pumped into this container to check how close the amount comes to the charged value, while simultaneously assessing fuel quality.
Proponents say that gas stations are aware of this practice and have designed their fuel terminals to deliver the same volume with minimal underfilling. In other words, you pay for a certain amount of fuel and you receive roughly that amount, with the system calibrated to keep discrepancies as small as possible.
Expert opinion
Alexey Revin, expert on driving and fuel efficiency, shares his assessment:
In his view, the advice is not particularly practical. First, a driver would need to make frequent trips to a gas station, which can be inconvenient unless the pump is located very close to home or work. Each extra trip adds up in time and fuel costs that can negate any perceived savings. Second, opening the fuel cap can allow moisture-laden air to enter the tank, potentially causing condensation on the tank walls and affecting fuel quality over time.
As an alternative approach, he recommends estimating fuel needs by watching the gauge. When the tank is in the last quarter, rather than counting liters, a driver can target a specific spend. For example, if a person intends to spend about 1500 rubles, they can aim to fill the tank so the level sits in the upper quarter of the indicator. This method helps with cash payments and gives a clearer sense of daily fuel costs on a bank card.
Regarding interactions with station staff, he advises against telling the attendant to fill the tank to the top. The staff often respond to phrases like full tank and may resume pumping only after the nozzle clicks off repeatedly. When the nozzle stops automatically and a backflow of liters and rubles is detected, the result is a misleadingly low final quantity. The recommended guidance is to avoid phrases that request a full tank or insist on the first cut-off. Instead, let the smart nozzle system operate to its designed safety cut-off, which reduces splashes and foaming.
This perspective emphasizes practical, time-efficient methods for managing fuel purchases while preserving fuel quality and avoiding unnecessary trips. It also highlights the importance of understanding how modern nozzle systems regulate flow to minimize waste and protect consumers. (Source: Behind the Wheel)