MotorHappy and Hatfield Motor Group’s advice for motorists at the petrol station

If you are a motorist, going to the petrol station is a common experience. Most times we’re in a rush, with only enough time to fuel up before heading off to our destination, but in some instances we have a little time. In these cases, we can attend to all the checks we can do at a garage. MotorHappy and Hatfield Motor Group offer helpful tips on dos and don’ts at a petrol station, as well as what we should be checking on when we have a little extra time.

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Here are MotorHappy’s do’s and don’ts for when you’re at the petrol station:

• Never fill up immediately after a tanker has filled up the petrol station. Filling up during or just after a tanker has filled up the petrol station should be avoided, as the tankers pump fuel into the tanks underneath the floor of the petrol pump at high pressure, which churns up the dirt and sludge inside the tank. Filling up at this time increases the chances of sludge, and other impurities, entering your car’s fuel tank, which can be damaging over time.
• Make sure that the pump’s meter has an inspection sticker. The system that dispenses fuel is mechanical and can malfunction or be tampered with, leading to a situation where you end up paying more for less fuel. To avoid this situation, the law requires that pumps are calibrated and inspected regularly. After inspection, a sticker is affixed to the pump, so you can see it’s been done.
• Be 100% sure which type of fuel your car uses. It sounds so obvious, but it’s essential to know whether your car takes petrol or diesel, and check that your car is being filled with the right one, as mistakes – and serious car damage – happen. Also find out what’s recommended for your car – 93 or 95. While 95 might be more expensive, it could help your car run better, and save you money in the long run.

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Five things Hatfield Motor Group says you should check when at the petrol station:

• Tyre pressure. Without proper tyre pressure, you use more fuel and increase your chances for tyre failure. Monitoring the inflation of your tyres also ensures that your wheels stay aligned. We recommend that you check the tyre treads at the same time, so you know when to have your tyres replaced.
• Oil. If your oil levels are low, your vehicle’s engine cannot maintain proper lubrication and parts will wear down faster. It is vital that your car’s oil is regularly monitored in order to avoid both long and short-term safety issues. For an accurate reading, oil should be checked last.
• Transmission fluid. Checking your transmission fluid can go a long way toward ensuring that your gears are taken care of. Low levels may be a sign of a more significant issue. For an accurate reading, we recommend that you check your transmission fluid while your engine is still warm.
• Brake fluid. Cars don’t consume brake fluid, so, if you find yourself running low, you have a big problem. Without brake fluid, you won’t be able to brake. If a petrol attendant tells you that you have low brake fluid levels, you should take your vehicle to a service centre right away.
• Monitor the refueling process. This element is quite different to the other points on this list, and instead, is focused on the petrol attendant that is assisting you. As humans, we sometimes make mistakes, so, we recommend that you exit your car during the refueling process and ensure that the correct petrol type, and price, have been selected.

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