I pump my own gas because it's cheaper than the alternative. But at least I used to be able to sit in the car listening to my book while the tank was filling. A while back, though, my nozzle's "hold open" latch didn't work. I thought just my nozzle was just broken, but a look around confirmed that everyone else was also standing at the pump squeezing the handle.
It turns out that the "hold open" latch on nozzles from Vapor Systems Technologies have a malfunctioning switch. (The affected nozzles have the VST logo on the side.) As a result, the state fire marshal has ordered the removal of the "hold open" latches on VST gas pump nozzles statewide, including at my local gas station. You can read more about the problem here.
Maybe it's all for the best, for me at any rate. According to wikiHow, "Be careful about getting in your car while gas is pumping. This generates static sparks, and is the #1 cause of gas station accidents."
One perk in Beirut is that no one pumps their own gas. Every station is full service, so I just sit there in my car.
ReplyDeleteI first heard about the static spark thing from my sister and I was sure, SURE she was pulling my leg. It all seemed so improbable, but then I noticed the warning signs at the station so I guess it must be true.
Mary Ann, we have to go all the way to Oregon to get that perk.
ReplyDeleteI hope things are going well and safely for you in Beirut.