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The Mysterious Forecourt Penny

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mike142sl:
Some time ago we were discussing the mysterious penny that can be added to your bill after you have filled up at the pump, especially when you have been really carefull to put a specific amount in like £20. Well I have been speaking to someone who used to work on the pumps that petrol stations use and he told me
--- Quote ---There is a sensor about half way up the nozzle that guages how much fuel passes over it and into your car, and thus how much you have used. when you have hit your nice round £20, YOU NEED TO SHAKE THE NOZZLE OUT into your car - because there are always a few drops left in the nozzle tip. so if you dont shake it out and just lift the nozzle straight back to the pump, then these drips go back down the nozzle, over the sensor and it reads it and adds a couple of pence on.

and before you ask, no they cannot have sensors that only read one way as there is not supposed to be anything travelling up the other way, anyhow.
--- End quote ---
Seems to make sense as I always tip the pump handle before replacing it and have never had the mysterious penny added.

Just though you might be interested.

Disco-Ron:
So thet're charging for the same fuel twice....... nice idea, i wonder how much revenue they get simply from a few drops of fuel charged double, and even then not taken by the customer, so i guess they get another charge when the next customer takes it.... [-X

Disco Matt:
That would explain it - I've never had it happen and I always give the nozzle a good rattle around before putting it back. Mainly to avoid ending up with diesel dripping down the side of the truck!

V8MoneyPit:

--- Quote from: Disco-Ron on December 31, 2008, 12:36:06 ---So thet're charging for the same fuel twice....... nice idea, i wonder how much revenue they get simply from a few drops of fuel charged double, and even then not taken by the customer, so i guess they get another charge when the next customer takes it.... [-X

--- End quote ---

I find it hard to believe it's designed with the sole intention of defrauding the public! It's just a quirk of the design that would cost a fortune to correct. And that cost would have to be passed on the the customer anyway.

Disco-Ron:
True... however, all these modern cars with computers that tell you what your instant mpg is, i believe work on the flow rates through the supply and return pipes to the engine/tank....... so they must flow one way only.... how come they can't use something similar.....

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