Tips on pumping gas

[Medicalelf]

TIPS ON PUMPING GAS
I don't know what you guys are paying for gasoline.... but here in
California we are also paying higher. But my line of work is in petroleum
for about 31 years now, so here are some tricks to get more of your money's
worth for every gallon.

Here at the Kinder Morgan Pipeline where I work in San Jose, CA we deliver
about 4 million gallons in a 24-hour period through the pipeline. One day is
diesel the next day is jet fuel, and gasoline, regular and premium grades.

We have 34-storage tanks here with a total capacity of 16,800,000 gallons.
Only buy or fill up your car or truck in the early morning when the ground
temperature is still cold. Remember that all service stations have their
storage tanks buried below ground. The colder the ground the more dense the
gasoline, when it gets warmer gasoline expands, so buying in the afternoon
or in the evening....your gallon is not exactly a gallon. In the
petroleum business, the specific gravity and the temperature of the
gasoline, diesel and jet fuel, ethanol and other petroleum products plays an
important role.

A one-degree rise in temperature is a big deal for this business. But the
service stations do not have temperature compensation at the pumps.

When you're filling up do not squeeze the trigger of the nozzle to a fast
mode. If you look you will see that the trigger has three (3) stages: low,
middle, and high. In slow mode you should be pumping on low speed,
thereby minimizing the vapors that are created while you are pumping. All
hoses at the pump have a vapor return. If you are pumping on the fast rate,
some of the liquid that goes to your tank becomes vapor. Those vapors are
being sucked up and back into the underground storage tank so you're getting
less worth for your money.

One of the most important tips is to fill up when your gas tank is HALF
FULL or HALF EMPTY. The reason for this is, the more gas you have in your
tank the less air occupying its empty space. Gasoline evaporates faster
than you can imagine. Gasoline storage tanks have an internal floating roof.
This roof serves as zero clearance between the gas and the atmosphere, so it
minimizes the evaporation. Unlike service stations, here where I work, every
truck that we load is temperature compensated so that every gallon is
actually the exact amount.

Another reminder, if there is a gasoline truck pumping into the storage
tanks when you stop to buy gas, DO NOT fill up--most likely the gasoline is
being stirred up as the gas is being delivered, and you might pick up
some of the dirt that normally settles on the bottom.


good info!

[Damarus]

The dirt one is a myth. The outlets are at the bottom of the tanks, otherwise once the tank starts to empty, if you are trying to suck gas from the top you will only get air. So if there was dirt, you'd always suck it first basically.

Same story with your car - if your car runs iffy and the mechanic says it was probly because you let it get low fuel and it sucked some dirt from the bottom, he's lying - since the fuel line is always sucking from the bottom.

[CharlieM]

Same story with your car - if your car runs iffy and the mechanic says it was probly because you let it get low fuel and it sucked some dirt from the bottom, he's lying - since the fuel line is always sucking from the bottom.

Fuel pumps in your car sit on the top of the gas tank, in the boot of your car.
Go take a look, under the carpet of the trunk, ittl look something like this.

http://www.landyzone.co.uk/lz/attachments/f9/262d1134910413-fuel-pump-imgp1712-small-.jpg

Heres one pulled out of the tank.
http://e46.mit.edu/images/2006-01-13%20Project%20MITE46%20Exterior%20Summary/2005-04-04%20Fuel%20Pump.jpg

[Damarus]

which feeds from the bottom, no?

http://www.aa1car.com/library/returntype_efi.gif

My bad on my wording though, if it seemed like I meant the pump was under the tank or anything.

[WiGgLr]

I don't know what you guys are paying for gasoline.... but here in California we are also paying higher.


That bit made me laugh. I paid 105.9p per litre this morning and fuel is cheap at this end of the country.

105.9p in US currency is 218.3c

I know you guys like talking in gallons so here is that bit:
US Gallon: $8.26 (£4.01)
UK Gallon: $9.92 (£4.81)

Is California anywhere close to that?


Aside from that, seems good advice. I'll always fill up when it's a heavy frost :)

[Damarus]

At the moment, I pay around $1.50 per litre for Premium Unleaded (98 RON).

That's:
US gallon: $5.68AUD / $4.94USD / £2.42
UK gallon: $6.82AUD / $5.93USD / £2.90

Which is the most expensive prices we've ever had down under. 5ish years ago we were paying under $1 per litre.

[Digita1]

I remember when gas was $1.40/gal :(

WTB time machine

[Tengil]

In Sweden our 95 costs about 12 sek = $1,9 per liter
US Gallon: $7.11
UK Gallon: $8,53

[Archaos]

Don't drive much :|

[lilcookie]

I haven't been driving at all since I got to college, guess thats not a bad thing with gas prices.

[Grog]

copy and paste is your friend

[Medicalelf]

California's cost of living is expensive and we don't get paid as much as euros does. We rely a lot in our car to go anywhere. And when the price of gas will increase the rest will increase too >.<.

[damme]

California's cost of living is expensive and we don't get paid as much as euros does. We rely a lot in our car to go anywhere. And when the price of gas will increase the rest will increase too >.<.

Somehow I doubt you get paid less than euros.

[LinnEva]

Somehow I doubt you get paid less than euros.
dont doubt it too much

[Zelaton]

I just bought gas about an hour ago and it was $2.89 per gallon. Thats on the cheap end too. I think to fill my car it was $30. :( God, I remember being able to spend like $12-15 and it was full.

[Alrus]

California's cost of living is expensive and we don't get paid as much as euros does. We rely a lot in our car to go anywhere. And when the price of gas will increase the rest will increase too >.<.

Errm, if you compare the salary directly, Americans usually get paid way higher than Euros, they just dont have any public health care and things like that.

My mother doesnt even earn a tri digit salary a year, like most of the people living there. Oh and gas is about 1.3 euros a litre here too ^^

[Zelaton]

Errm, if you compare the salary directly, Americans usually get paid way higher than Euros, they just dont have any public health care and things like that.

My mother doesnt even earn a tri digit salary a year, like most of the people living there. Oh and gas is about 1.3 euros a litre here too ^^

Tri digit salaries...yeah maybe just in Cali? I know most middle class people in Ohio (midwest US) do not make tri digits. Average is here in Ohio is 52k per year. Shit, Gaf and I combined make that. :(

[Medicalelf]

A lot of people will lie about how much they make and the ones who get paid a lot of money won't say a thing about it. Just based on my observation

The minimum wage in california is 7.50 >.<

[Alrus]

Tri digit salaries...yeah maybe just in Cali? I know most middle class people in Ohio (midwest US) do not make tri digits. Average is here in Ohio is 52k per year. Shit, Gaf and I combined make that. :(

Cali and New York I guess... I was answering Medi's post, I know salaries vary a lot depening the state you're in :/

My mom makes 48k a year, which is really decent. Even tho she earned a lot more when she was into politics.

Now the cost of living in Belgium(and in most old european countries along with northern countries I guess) is crazy high for most things.

[BLACK]

I remember when gas was cheap...that was long before I could drive though. :P

[Alrus]

Gas was cheap 2 years ago lol.

[BLACK]

Exactly.

[Zelaton]

A lot of people will lie about how much they make and the ones who get paid a lot of money won't say a thing about it. Just based on my observation

The minimum wage in california is 7.50 >.<

Why lie though? If people judge you by how less or more of money you make thats stupid. If the subject arises (like it did in this thread) and salary comes up, I'm not shy nor do I lie about it. I make 16k being a retail pharmacy tech part time, Gaf makes over double of me as an IT (damn himmm!).

Minimum wage here in Ohio is $6.85 :( gah I don't know how someone can live on that!!!

back on topic: I know 30$ per week for gas for me is getting to be rediculous. I barely drive much and its mostly city miles (10 miles to work & back) I'm thinking of buying a hybrid next year, a Civic probably.

[damme]

dont doubt it too much

Norwegians don't count. I was in Oslo yesterday. 79 NOK for a sausage with bread made my belly sad :(

[LinnEva]

haha yeah, its expensive, but thats good, we get high salary and its reeally cheap to buy stuff when we go on vacation!

minimum wage in norway is around 15$

[Damarus]

So expensive in the US for fuel is $3 per gallon? T____T Cheap as hell lol.

It costs me over $60AUD to fill my car. I drive a 4 cylinder.

Oh and I fill up once a week :(

[Medicalelf]

I don't know why they lie about their salary. Especially guys, it's like hmmm I get paid more chicks should dig on me lol. You will also see some of them displaying their salary in myspace.

Oh i bought gas today and I paid 40+, I think it was 3.69/gal :(. But I have a civic so I only buy gas like once every 3 weeks, unless if I go travel in the weekend.

Wait a minute zel, you mean you only get paid like 8.5 to 9 dollars an hour as a pharmacy tech? >.< Is it really that cheap to live in Ohio?

[BLACK]

I make 40k a year.

[Medicalelf]

You make 40k a year doing what?

[Damarus]

Men.

[Alrus]

haha yeah, its expensive, but thats good, we get high salary and its reeally cheap to buy stuff when we go on vacation!

minimum wage in norway is around 15$

lol true, coming from belgium to the US, everything is extra cheap for me, I love it =P

[WiGgLr]

back on topic: I know 30$ per week for gas for me is getting to be rediculous. I barely drive much and its mostly city miles (10 miles to work & back) I'm thinking of buying a hybrid next year, a Civic probably.

I filled up yesterday morning, it cost me £50 (100$). That will last about 10 days (20 miles to work and back). Luckily I have a small and economical diesel car so my fuel lasts about 50% longer than it would with unleaded.

[damme]

I don't know why they lie about their salary. Especially guys, it's like hmmm I get paid more chicks should dig on me lol. You will also see some of them displaying their salary in myspace.

Well it probably works ;)

[BLACK]

You make 40k a year doing what?

You TOTALLY MISSED IT. COMPLETELY.

[Archaos]

He was being sarcastic Med. lol

I don't have a car, but when I get one its gonna be a hybrid or one that gets bookoo gas mileage.

[Alrus]

I wont buy a car before a long time, strong public transport system ftw ^^

[Medicalelf]

Yah, get a hybrid I never regret buying a honda. My honda is not a hybrid but it was a 2001 model and its 41/mpg or 39/mpg in the city. I used to drive 110miles a day and this car really save me a lot of money even until now. The hybrids are expensive though and I think if you have a hybrid you get a tax cut for that too.

I always miss a sarcasm >.<

[Archaos]

I wont buy a car before a long time, strong public transport system ftw ^^

Yeah the city my university is in has a good transport system so I don't really need to get a car until after I graduate.

[Damarus]

Yah, get a hybrid I never regret buying a honda. My honda is not a hybrid:???:

[Zelaton]

I don't know why they lie about their salary. Especially guys, it's like hmmm I get paid more chicks should dig on me lol. You will also see some of them displaying their salary in myspace.

Wait a minute zel, you mean you only get paid like 8.5 to 9 dollars an hour as a pharmacy tech? >.< Is it really that cheap to live in Ohio?

Yeah its decently priced living here in the mid-west/Ohio. I make $10 per hour, & work 34 hours per week. $16,320 to be exact. But, then take out taxes, union dues, medical, etc. Thats usually $70+ out of each check. Yeah...I don't bring home 16k in the end. :(

Next week/end of semester for college I will be full-time and making a bit more (12$ I belive my raise was at) and better benefits. Still not that great, but I'm not a certified tech yet. When I am certified, I will be making $15+ /hr. Not bad for a job that doesn't require a degree, just need to pass a test! Although I am almost finished with my Art degree. XD

[Medicalelf]

If I would be earning that much out here I won't be able to afford an apartment :(. I can probably rent a room for $ 500 in a not so nice area. But the rooms in the area that I am living in are 750/month and it's a small room, smaller than my bedroom in my apartment :(

[Medicalelf]

:???:

I don't think Hybrid was available at that time but that was then they came out with a model with civic that saves you in gas.

[Zelaton]

If I would be earning that much out here I won't be able to afford an apartment :(. I can probably rent a room for $ 500 in a not so nice area. But the rooms in the area that I am living in are 750/month and it's a small room, smaller than my bedroom in my apartment :(

Haha, we pay $700 per month for our 2 bedroom apt here in the suburbs. :O

Yeah I like the new Civic, I would def like to get the hybrid. Yeah I costs a bit more but its saving you lots in the long run. Not to mention you do get a tax break for it, like you said. :P

Only thing I cant STAND is the damn UGLY ass rims and how small they are. Why the hell do most hybrids have ass looking rims!?
http://www.marylandhonda.net/maryland_honda_civic_hybrid/FA3627EW_alabaster_silver_metallic_large.jpg
:confused:

P.s. I saw this while searching for a pic of the hybrid...Wow, sex.
http://www.thetorquereport.com/honda_fcx_concept-thumb.jpg

[Tengil]

Btw, pumping gas, isnt that what Talorth does? :em_luv:

[Medicalelf]

you can always change the rims, ou friend change his and because he have a long drive he always get a flat tire. I never had a flat tire with my civic and i already have 132k on it. I change the rims but its the same size tires and rims just not the cheap looking one

[Demon]

I have an account just for the gas, so aslong as I dont exceed 1k a month ( never happens) I never pay the gas prices any mind.


Also, cost of living in Cali-Ny are higher then most places. A studio apartment is like 950 in any decent area. My townhouse if rented would be around 6k a month which buy> rent. A shitty small ass house is like 700k when you could get the same down south for 200k. Either way. Gas sucks.

[Damarus]

XD9's look really hot on the FD Civic.

http://www.supremepowerparts.com/prod_images/thumb/WORK-XD9_th.jpg

[Medicalelf]

mine is like this and the same brand
http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/8997/b198sjc1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Siri]

I love how my 92 Nissan gets better mileage than the majority of the hybrids

-Vic

[Zelaton]

I love how my 92 Nissan gets better mileage than the majority of the hybrids

-Vic

Better gas mileage in a 15 year old car then a new hybrid that is 40 city/45 hwy mpg? How is that possible? :neutral:

[Medicalelf]

omg Zel I just realized that I pay 15,600/yr for my apartment and that doesn't include utilities, which is almost how much you make. How much is 1 bedroom apartment in your area?

[WiGgLr]

Better gas mileage in a 15 year old car then a new hybrid that is 40 city/45 hwy mpg? How is that possible? :neutral:

My car is a '94 Golf TDI, it's now done 160K+ miles. I get 48-52MPG out of it.

[Medicalelf]

Is it because it's a v4 and it's manual?

[WiGgLr]

it's manual, but it's not a v shaped block

[Talorth]

My car is a '94 Golf TDI, it's now done 160K+ miles. I get 48-52MPG out of it.

american gallons?

[Talorth]

Better gas mileage in a 15 year old car then a new hybrid that is 40 city/45 hwy mpg? How is that possible? :neutral:

i dont know, maybe he pushes it around?

[Talorth]

http://world.honda.com/news/2007/4071114All-New-FCX/photo/images/17.jpg

oh and that car you were looking at zel is the FCX concept, the production model is supposed to look like this one.

Kind of a neat idea around the whole FCX if any of you are interested in googling it.


oh, and lol @ the hybrid rims.

[Demon]

BOOGERS

[Zelaton]

My car is a '94 Golf TDI, it's now done 160K+ miles. I get 48-52MPG out of it.

Ya...thats Diesel they get better gas mileage. :P

[Zelaton]

omg Zel I just realized that I pay 15,600/yr for my apartment and that doesn't include utilities, which is almost how much you make. How much is 1 bedroom apartment in your area?

$400-600 per month depending where it is in this area.

[Tengil]

lol at the sig

[Damarus]

My cars get shit mileage and are shit expensive.

Possibly a combination of premium gas, flat foot and modifications >.>

[WiGgLr]

american gallons?

good point

I guess that's 42MPG (US)

[Damarus]

Oh yeah, btw. Lol @ V4.

[Medicalelf]

mine is a V4 :(, it's ok my work is only 5 miles away lol

[Damarus]

Honda don't make a V4.

Unless you mean your Honda Motorbike.

[Medicalelf]

are you serious? Mine is a v4, 2001 honda civic ex coupe

http://www.edmunds.com/honda/civic/review.html

not a v4?

[Zelaton]

are you serious? Mine is a v4, 2001 honda civic ex coupe

http://www.edmunds.com/honda/civic/review.html

not a v4?


4 cylinder maybe, not a "v" 4. :P

[Medicalelf]

ma bad then lol but accord comes with a v4 right?

[Talorth]

Believe they are v6

[BLACK]

God damnit, woman, it's an INLINE 4 not a V4.

[Damarus]

No Honda comes with a V4, except for a few Honda motorcycles. Only a handful of cars have ever come with a V4 and they are epic failures of cars. It's why I lol'd at V4, because they suck :p

[Talorth]

No Honda comes with a V4, except for a few Honda motorcycles. Only a handful of cars have ever come with a V4 and they are epic failures of cars. It's why I lol'd at V4, because they suck :p

I never knew v4 in cars even existed, ever, and I know shit about bikes.

[Demon]

I think im goign ot buy the new chevy malibu

[BLACK]

Malibu is a white man's car. Get the Impala. :P