Pumping gas is a monotonous activity that we often mindlessly do. However, this task, while it seems simple and straightforward, has the potential to be very dangerous if you are not cautious and alert. Check out these 11 things that you should be doing every time you visit the gas pump.
McIntosh Energy owns and operates five fueling stations throughout Fort Wayne, IN. Click here to see our locations.
1. Turn Off Your Vehicle
Whether you are just “topping off” your tank or maybe it’s 15º outside, leaving your car running when pumping gas can be very dangerous. If any static electricity combines with the heat and vapors being put off from your engine, and with the gasoline in close proximity, fires can start. Take a moment and turn the ignition off with your keys-in-hand. The risk is not worth the warm(er) car.
2. Leave Your Phone in the Car
Have you ever seen a sign that says ‘No Cell Phone Use While Fueling’ at the pump? There is the potential for a mix of electricity and gasoline that could cause trouble. It is also possible for cell phone batteries to explode, which would be a huge problem. While both are still somewhat of a possibility, cell phone dangers at the pump originate more from the art of distraction. Driving while operating your phone is a big no-no, but it is even a bad idea when you’re fueling up. You may forget to pull the fuel pump out of the car fuel tank, you could overfill your tank, or even just miss what is going on in your surroundings. All in all, put the phone down for a couple of minutes to focus on the task at hand. The only appropriate time to use your phone is when you are using your phone to pay through the Sunoco App. After payment, place your phone back in your car.
3. Lock the Car Doors
Many people already have the habit of locking the doors as soon as they get in or out of the car, which is a great practice to keep you and your car safe. At the gas station is no different. Taking a quick second to lock your doors can prevent thieves or other criminals from entering your vehicle from the passenger side when you’re not paying attention. Combine this with looking at your phone and you may have no idea anything is happening! Stay safe by taking this quick easy measure to protect yourself and your belongings.
4. Touch Something Metal
When you get out of your car, you may notice that you get shocked by sliding out of your seat, especially during the winter season. We all know the dangers of electricity combined with gasoline, so it is a great idea on your way out of your car, to touch the side of your car before getting near the gas pump, or touch anything metal at the station. This will “discharge” you and allow for a more safe, and shock-free pumping experience.
5. Put Out the Cigarette
This one explains itself. Fire + gasoline = BAD!
6. Inspect the Card Reader
Gas stations have been notorious for being an easy place for card skimmers to steal your card information. It’s always wise to take a moment to inspect the card reader for anything that looks off. Giving the card reader a little tug or jiggle may help distinguish a card skimmer on a card reader. All of our MacFood Mart-Sunoco stations are equipped with top-of-the-line EMV Chip Readers which is proven to help reduce the likelihood of card skimming. Learn more about the advantages of EMV-chip-readers here.
7. Stay With Your Car
Leaving your car unattended while allowing the pump to auto-fill your tank could result in a catastrophe. Even if the pump has always clicked off for you in the past when you lock the gas pump trigger, all it takes is one pump or fuel tank error to cause an overfill. Oil spills are a serious environmental and health and safety risk and should be prevented at all costs. Monitoring the pump and car’s behavior while fueling up is a simple way to prevent a serious mess.
8. Don’t Sit in Your Car
It is so tempting to go back inside of the comfort of your vehicle while pumping gas, especially during cold weather. Getting into your car can cause static electricity, which as previously said, does not mix well with gasoline, and it can cause a lapse of attention for the gas pump. As said in the “Stay With Your Car” tip, it’s important to be alert and conscious of what the pump is doing and to not overfill your tank.
9. Wash Your Hands After
Gas pumps are something that everyone touches but are more difficult to sanitize. It is helpful to keep a bottle of hand sanitizer in your car to disinfect your hands after touching the pump to help prevent the spread of germs. Even better, if time allows, run inside the station and thoroughly wash your hands in the restroom. Don’t forget to sing the ABCs–twice! Each of our MacFood Mart-Sunoco stations is equipped with a clean public restroom for your convenience.
9. Tap the Fuel Pump Nozzle
After your tank has been filled to your liking, it is a great idea to slowly remove the nozzle from the gas tank while tapping it inside the tank to help any gas drip off into the tank and not outside of it. This is a great way to prevent gas spills on your skin, which can cause rashes or burns, or on the ground, which can be toxic to our environment. Doing this process slowly and meticulously can help you also get every last drop of gas into your tank!
11. Use Your MacFood Mart Rewards Card
It pays to use your Rewards Card at our stations. You earn 2 points per gallon purchased which you can, in turn, spend like cash in-store or on future fuel purchases. It’s like free money! Sign up now and save 30¢ off every gallon for the first 30 days or 100 gallons when you register your Rewards Card to be used for ACH Payment. Simply link it to your checking account and verify the account, and you’re set. Free, safe, and secure – always. Learn more about our rewards program here.
Don’t want to have to worry about traveling to a gas station for fuel? Get it delivered to your site for your fleet! Learn about our fuel delivery services here. McIntosh Energy is a fuel company located in Fort Wayne, IN. We own and operate 4 convenience stores and 5 gas stations throughout the Fort Wayne area.
