Tesco refusing to fill petrol on the wrong side of the pump?

mattymoo

Our local petrol station (a BP) stopped allowing people filling up with a stretched hose.

Reason was simple - the hose retractor mechanism had been broken by people doing this. The hose fits over pulleys and the stretching action pulled the hose out of the pulley guides. This resulted in the extended hose failing to retract properly, being draped across the forecourt for the next customer in line to drive over and damage.

It was a safety issue but also a maintenance issue as well.

photome

mattymoo wrote: »

Our local petrol station (a BP) stopped allowing people filling up with a stretched hose.

Reason was simple - the hose retractor mechanism had been broken by people doing this. The hose fits over pulleys and the stretching action pulled the hose out of the pulley guides. This resulted in the extended hose failing to retract properly, being draped across the forecourt for the next customer in line to drive over and damage.

It was a safety issue but also a maintenance issue as well.

Fair enough

I cant remember last time I used a retractable hose though, all pumps I use are just one length of fixed hose which is long enough to reach to the other side. I do have an estate which may make it easier

jackieb

roddydogs wrote: »

Its not the side the fuel guage is, its the side the nozzle/hose is on the little "Pump" on the fuel guage. Or is this not so on BMWs?.. Still dont understand how the attendendent has time to look at every car filling up to stop people anyway, arnt they to busy serving.?

I looked at our car's petrol gauge this afternoon. This isn't the case with our Audi. The filler is on the driver's side - the petrol gauge is on the right hand side but the little pump on the gauge is on the left.

Must be an urban myth.

vikingaero

jackieb wrote: »

I looked at our car's petrol gauge this afternoon. This isn't the case with our Audi. The filler is on the driver's side - the petrol gauge is on the right hand side but the little pump on the gauge is on the left.

Must be an urban myth.

Whilst is might occur, I find that newer cars have an arrow next to the petrol pump icon showing the direction of the filler or an arrow within the petrol pump icon.

Lum

roddydogs wrote: »

Then what happens when the car thats just filled wants to leave?

Exactly the same as what would happen had I driven in forwards and had the filler cap on the other side of my car.

I'm not advocating driving in via the exit, just drive in the normal way and find somewhere to do a 3 point turn. There is usually a queueing or parking area you can use for this.

Also, re the original post, how does the attendant know what side your fillingup?, their self fill surely?

Usually because you're standing beside the car with the nozzle in the hole waiting for them to switch the damn pump on. Long gone are the days when they'd do this before you even got out of the car. First they have to ANPR your numberplate, then check that the person operating the pump looks over 16 and apparently now check that you aren't stretching the hose.

cyclonebri1

janninew wrote: »

I always wait to use the 'correct' pump, except one 1 occasion, I was in OH's car and forgot that his petrol cap was on the other side to my car. I thought I would chance it, when all of a sudden a heard a loud voice over the tannoy asking the 'lady with the Mazda to stop filling and turn my car around!' I was mortified, everybody turned to look, I just wanted the ground to open up and swallow me!! I've never done it since!! :eek:

Pefrect opportunity missed to stand there with the still flowing hose in your hand spraying all over the forecourt, looking confused and bewildered, :rotfl:they'd thinkl twice after that mess was cleared up ;)

roswell

vikingaero wrote: »

Whilst is might occur, I find that newer cars have an arrow next to the petrol pump icon showing the direction of the filler or an arrow within the petrol pump icon.

I think the op means in the sence of "Im a little tea pot this is my handle this is my spout" The warning light to say you need fuel the Hose is on the left of the pump if its left fill and the right if its right fill.

Thats what i think he means dont know how true it is though.

scragend

roswell wrote: »

I think the op means in the sence of "Im a little tea pot this is my handle this is my spout" The warning light to say you need fuel the Hose is on the left of the pump if its left fill and the right if its right fill.

Thats what i think he means dont know how true it is though.

It's not true at all. It might work for some cars either by the manufacturer's choice (but in that case they would probably use the small arrow as described by vikingaero), or more likely just sheer coincidence - after all there's a 50% chance they will match - but there is no standard or rule, as some would have you believe.

Inactive

Simple cure, avoid Tesco, I do.

They actually charge more for their fuel than my local village garage.:eek:

It is an absolute pleasure to visit Spain and still get an attendant to fill your car for you.

OK_Sauce

Until now I've never seen this as a problem for anyone. I ALWAYS join the shortest queue whether on the left or right. If it's on the 'wrong' side then I just park as close to the pump as possible and line the car up so the pump 's hose rests over the boot (it's a saloon). Cannot see ANY reason why I shouldn't do this and would argue the point if it was suggested otherwise. If the nozzle is up the correct way would exacly would the problem be???????