Gas pump woes

[Dan-IA]

How far off can the gas station's pumps be off? I won't name names on here, but I just went to town and got 5 gallons in a gas can. Pump read 5.5 gallons when I hit the line exactly on the side of the can.

Gas station is owned by a chain with a different name about 40 miles away, and they don't really keep up on repairs too good. 5 pumps, 2 unleaded, 2 super unleaded, 1 diesel. 2 regular unleaded been out all winter. Only gas station in town.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Try making the volume check a couple more times and if still in error contact The Iowa bureau of weights and measures. If in error and the inspector finds an intent to defraud then the station may be closed.
Iowa weights and measures

 

[roger 52]

Who inspects the pump in your state? Dept of Agg? Dept of Revenue? Contact them to see if pumps are up to standards.
Most will do a surprise inspection if you file a complaint.

 

[Anonymous-0]

When you go back for a volume check make sure you have confidence that your vessel is accurately labeled for the volume measured. I would hate to see the only station in town closed.

 

[roger 52]

While we are on gas, Why are we still paying that .009 on a gallon of gas that hasn't sold for less than a dollar in 20 years? Do we really think we are getting a bargain for $2.999 versus $3.000? Why can't we get rid of that .009 and just pay the extra .001 and get rid of the darn thing. Once it is paid, we will lose it forever and gas will be what we say it is.

And another thing, How is it that gas can jump .21 per gallon at the touch of a computer but it takes 2 weeks for it to drop that same .21?

 

[Goose]

You might want to check your own can to make sure the 5 gallon mark is correct by filling it with 5 gallons with a known accurate 1 gallon container. Might keep you from winding up out in left field with the sun in your eyes.

Then, if the pump still rings up wrong, by all means call the State.

 

[Patsdeere]

That .009 is all a mental game. Just like cars that are priced at $27,999. People look and say it is below $28K which is a good price. Or take houses, why do they price them at $599K? It is below $600 which is a mental barrier.

Now in regards to the price changes. Why should they be in a rush to lower them? We keep buying it.

The part that gets me is that when there is a problem the costs jumps $.20 that day, but the gas in the station tanks doesn't cost them any more so until their costs go up, why should we have to pay through the nose?

 

[Anonymous-0]

Yes being a paranoid cheapskate Ive experienced the same.The problem is most likely the flex of the plastic gas can.When the division of weighjts and measures in my state checks they use a glass container hidden in the filler.The dishonest stations have a switch and will flip it if they know they are being tested.I was told by an inspector from Weights and Measures to stick to the major brands,saying its always an off brand gas station that gets caught.I do know this somewhere, someplace, someone is screwing me right now and there aint a damn thing I can do about it.

 

[RodinNS]

I quite routinely put 6 gal in a 5 gal plastic container. Those red plastic cans swell a LOT. I wouldn't trust that.
There are measuring vessles out there for that purpose, or a metal can should be more accurate.
That's not to say that the pumps aren't off, but I'd want to check them with something more substantial than a plastic jerry can before condemning them. Even a standard oil pail would be mroe accurate than the 'proper' jerry can...

Rod

 

[Anonymous-0]

The pumps are correct your plastic gas container is the one at fault. Big difference from low temp to summer as gas sure does expand.

 

[RAW in IA]

Severa years ago Iowa decided to get rid of the odd .9c and rounded it up to even cents. Didn't last long as someone made a big fuss and the all went back to the .9c again. I was working for a guy at the time who was upset when they rounded it up becuse the station would be making the extra tenth of a cent and was ripping him off! WOW , maby 2 cents on a lrge tank of gas!>

 

[Anonymous-0]

It's the Specific Gravity of the fuel.If you want value fill up in the winter or early, before the heat of the day.

 

[2x4]

whenever the State inspector for weights & measures came to cheack our pumps, he had a metal can whatever time of year.