this. I also write checks a certain way that is unique to me.
I do not top off the tank. When the pump clicks off, that’s it.
However, last week I was at a pump where the automatic shutoff failed. I was watching the numbers and thinking, “Based on what the gauge said, there’s no way it should be taking this much, right?” A couple of seconds later gas started pouring down the side of the car and on the ground. So yeah, I guess I topped off my tank there. I went inside to complain about the malfunctioning pump and they came out and washed the gas off my car. Next time I’ll listen to my instinct, but never having had an experience with a broken automatic shutoff and thus not knowing it was possible, I stupidly stood around waiting. No more!
My work truck is a Suburban. It has a 44 gallon tank. Sometimes the automatic shutoff hits with 5 or more gallons to go. I have to give it a few more clicks just to be sure.
That and the gas gauge sometimes fails to work, so I depend on the tripometer. 300 miles = must fill up now! Sometimes the truck is left to run at high idle for 8 or more hours (it’s a live truck for my TV station).
Every ounce counts. I have run out of gas in it. It sucks.
I can get 3/4 to a whole gallon into my tank after the pump clicks. In my little Cavalier, that’s 20-30 miles.
Conservatively, that’s an extra day in terms of my commute. Some hand-flexing and extra seconds at the pump buys me a whole day between tank fills which seems worth it to me.
My emissions system is still dandy fine after 8 years so I fail to see a downside to having extra fuel. I can pay for it now or later, I’d rather have it in my tank.
I do it to get it to an even number. Just a bit of OCD on my part.
I don’t, because I live in NJ. But occasionally the pump jockey does top it off and it pisses me off. Look- I’m paying with a credit card. There’s no difference to you (other than you’re getting a few more cents out of me) if it comes to $43.87 or $44.00. It’s not like you had to fish some change out of your pocket. Just put the pump away when it clicks off, pal.
One, I make sure my total miles doesn’t change much, this way loosely monitoring my engine’s efficiency. If it varies much I find out why.
Two, I put in even dollar amounts, that way when I get my bill a cursory glance suggests the purchases are mine and no fraudulent activity.
I do that too.
Besides, do you have absolute faith that the gas pump will cut off at exactly the right fill level for every vehicle on the road? There’s going to be a margin of error, a little topping off is not going to hurt anything.
Yes, exactly. No further reason is necessary. Life is short and stopping to buy gas is boring so I’d like to do it as seldom as practical.
I bet your paint finish is going to be swirly in that area now. Especially if your car was dirty.