@meanjoe75fam…No to your question. I have an older gas container that I used to pour the 1.5 gallon into from the new container. It came up to the 1.5 gallon mark. I don’t think the station intentionally set their pumps to deliver a lower amount and I don’t really know if that’s even possible. I believe that they knew about the problem but just let it ride since they were just inspected prior to this all happening.
I don’t think a pump can dispense 1.5 gallons and register 2.0 gallons…There is simply not that much adjustment variation built into the meter…When a meter is calibrated, a 5 gallon calibrated container is used with a glass site gauge about a 1/2 inch in diameter making up the last couple of ounces. The dispensers are allowed to have slight variations + & - but never more than, say, 2 ounces per 5 gallons dispensed…The adjusting mechanism is set and sealed…If these seals are tampered with, the station owner has some explaining to do…
Consumer gasoline containers always will hold a little more than is marked on the container…This is to provide room for expansion and perhaps a pint of 2-stroke oil…
If they are indeed cheating customers I would return at night with a hacksaw and cut off the nozzle of the cheating pumps. Then they will get the message.
Did I say that? Ooops.
I know you were joking, but if somebody did what you “suggested,” they would most likely be quickly identified. I live in a fairly bad area, and most (maybe all) of the gas stations have continuous video surveillance.
I know you were joking, but if somebody did what you "suggested," they would most likely be quickly identified. I live in a fairly bad area, and most (maybe all) of the gas stations have continuous video surveillance.
I live in a fairly nice area…and most (maybe all) of the gas stations have continuous video surveillance.
There’s a gas station near me who’s pump accuracy is very questionable. I stopped going there years ago…and filed a complaint with the state. From what I gather from friends who also have visited that place recently…they think the pumps are still not accurate. Of course they are NEVER off in the consumers favor.
@Caddyman…you are entitled to your opinion but nothing is impossible when it comes to the mechanical or digital world. I agree that there should not be a that much “adjustment variation” in a gasoline meter but a smart individual could find a way around that variation. In fact…the very company that ripped me off is under investigation right now because of unusual antics at their gas pumps.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) reports that fraud could be committed through pumps where the mechanism for counting the amount of gasoline turns faster than it is supposed to. If the station could control the meter while the average John Doe is pumping gas…they could easily control the speed when the inspector is there.
VDCdriver…I have no problems paying any of the bills I incurr. Thanks for the implication that because I am offended by being swindled that I’m a deadbeat.
If you’re fine with someone taking money from your pockets, good on ya. But I’d rather be asked before I’m forced to hand money over. If I pull up to a station I know has higher gas prices, that is my decision. If a gas station tacks 12 cents on before I’ve even pulled on the nozzle, I had no say in the matter, and that is NOT my decision.
And as Whitey pointed out, how many other people had this happen to them? It adds up if it’s every customer. 12 cents adds up to hundreds of dollars a day. Am I allowed to be offended by that?
What would Alexander Pope think of this situation?
@CGChick: I think you’re reading WAY too much into VDCdriver’s coments if you think he’s calling you a deadbeat. I think he’s making a valid point that anybody, for whom 12c represents a meaningful amount of money, wouldn’t be able to afford the ordinary expenses of transportation… so you must be over-emphasizing the importance of the 12c. (Not that you’re dishonest, etc.)
Basically, don’t shop at the offending station. Anything else represents a negative return on your investment: you’d have to exert >12c worth of PITA to stand any chance of getting you bit back.
“I live in a fairly nice area…and most (maybe all) of the gas stations have continuous video surveillance.”
+1
At this point in our existence, I think that video surveillance should be assumed.
To act on the assumption that there is no video surveillance is potentially…a danger to your continued freedom from arrest.
And, even if the OP did not comprehend my intent, I am glad that MeanJoe is sagacious enough to figure it out. The OP should do whatever she thinks is in her best interests, even if that means investing a huge amount of time. Personally, I would just resolve to never return to that station, but…that is just one man’s opinion.
I agree with you guys
If there’s something about a gas station that’s not to my liking, I cross it off my list
There’s a station near me that has low prices. The trade-off is that it takes twice as long to fill the tank, because the nozzle keeps clicking off every few seconds. I started going to another station, which was more expensive, but closer to my house. I can fill up my tank at a normal speed. The nozzles click off when the tank is full, NOT before.
There’s another nearby station which also has low prices. However, I pay cash, so I have to walk into the shop. The floor there is so messed up, that you’re always in danger of tripping or slipping. That didn’t seem worth it, either, so I also crossed that one off of my list.