Lexi Webster
Filling up your car in Australia can be a daunting task, especially for new drivers. With various fuel types and payment options available, it's easy to get confused. However, by following a few simple steps, you can confidently and safely refuel your vehicle. First, it's crucial to know which side your fuel cap is on to avoid the embarrassment of having to move your car. Once you've parked on the correct side of the pump, you can proceed to choose your fuel type and payment method. Then, you can start fuelling, keeping an eye on the pump's screen to ensure you don't overfill. Finally, remember to securely replace the fuel cap and nozzle before driving off.
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What You'll Learn
Finding the correct pump
Firstly, check which side your fuel cap is on. This is important because you'll need to pull up next to the correct pump. You can check this by looking at your dashboard—there should be a little icon of a fuel pump with an arrow pointing to the side of your fuel cap. If there's no arrow, note which side the fuel hose is showing on the icon.
Once you've identified the side of your fuel cap, you can pull up at the petrol station. Go slowly, and be prepared to wait for people to move so you can access the correct pump. Pull up about half a metre out from the pump, with the nose of your car lining up with the end of the pump.
If you're renting a car, make sure you ask the rental company to show you where the fuel cap is and how to open the flap. You don't want to waste time figuring this out at the pump.
If you're driving a Subaru or Camry, the petrol release lever is usually on the right-hand side of the driver's seat on the floor, and is usually a pull-up lever.
If you're unsure about which pump to use, ask someone for help. If you're at a service station, you can ask the pump attendant to show you how to use the pump.
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Opening the fuel cap
- Using a lever inside the car, usually located on the floor near the driver's seat. Look for a symbol of a bowser.
- Pressing a push button catch on the fuel cap itself. When the car is unlocked, try pushing the fuel cap on the side closest to the back of the car.
- Older car models may require the use of a car key to unlock the fuel cap. Check if the fuel cap has a keyhole.
- Some fuel caps are unlocked using the car's central locking mechanism or through the menus of the touchscreen.
- If you are driving a rental car in Australia, you can check the car's manual or Google the specific make and model to find out how to open the fuel cap.
It is important to note that the fuel tank lid must remain shut at all times while the vehicle is operating. A failed lid or improperly shut fuel tank cap can pose a safety hazard or create a vacuum in the fuel tank, leading to improper functioning of the vehicle.
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Choosing the right fuel
Diesel or Petrol?
The first step is to identify whether your vehicle requires diesel or petrol. Diesel is usually black, while petrol is typically green and labelled as unleaded. This distinction is crucial, as using the wrong type of fuel can cause significant issues for your engine.
Octane Ratings
Once you've determined whether your car requires diesel or petrol, you'll need to choose the right octane rating. The Research Octane Number (RON) or octane rating indicates how resistant the fuel is to early ignition, also known as 'knocking,' in your engine. The higher the octane number, the more resistant the fuel is to premature ignition.
In Australia, you'll commonly see petrol fuels labelled as 91 RON, 95 RON, or 98 RON. Unleaded 91 petrol is the most common type of fuel in Australia and is suitable for most cars. However, high-performance vehicles are better suited to higher octane fuels like 95 or 98 premium unleaded petrol, as they are more likely to burn fuel at higher temperatures.
E10 Fuel
Another option available in Australia is E10 fuel, which is a blend of 10% ethanol and 90% unleaded petrol. E10 fuel has a higher octane rating than standard unleaded, typically 94 or 95 RON. While E10 may offer better performance for cars tuned for it, it is less energy-dense, resulting in slightly lower fuel efficiency. Additionally, there are reports of E10 causing corrosion in some engine components, particularly plastic and rubber parts of the fuel system.
Premium Diesel
If you own a diesel vehicle, you'll usually have the option of standard diesel or premium diesel at service stations. Premium diesel options contain various additives, depending on the brand, and are designed to reduce foaming at the pump, run cleaner, and decrease the amount of black soot emitted from your exhaust. While some reports suggest that premium diesel may offer better mileage, it is essential to try different options and decide if the potential benefits justify the higher price.
In summary, choosing the right fuel for your car in Australia involves selecting between diesel and petrol, considering the appropriate octane rating, and exploring alternative options like E10 or premium fuels. Always refer to your vehicle's user manual or seek advice from a qualified mechanic if you are unsure about the best fuel choice for your specific car.
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Paying for fuel
There are two ways to pay for fuel in Australia: paying at the pump or paying indoors. If you choose to pay at the pump, you can do so by inserting your card into the card slot and entering your PIN. After fuelling your vehicle, you can return to your car and drive away.
If you prefer to pay indoors, you will need to take note of your pump number, which can be found at the pillar of the kiosk. Head inside and approach the cash desk. Inform the attendant of your pump number and specify the amount of fuel you wish to purchase. You can state the amount in litres, the amount of money you wish to spend, or request a full tank. After fuelling your vehicle, return to the cash desk to complete your payment.
It is important to ensure that you have the means to pay for your fuel before filling up. Some individuals choose to keep a dedicated credit card in their car for purchasing fuel. This can be helpful for accumulating rewards points and managing fuel expenses separately from other purchases.
When paying for fuel, it is also crucial to select the correct type of fuel for your vehicle. Petrol is typically labelled as unleaded and is usually green, while diesel is usually black. Choosing the wrong type of fuel can cause significant damage to your engine and result in costly repairs.
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Refuelling your car
Locate the Fuel Cap
Before driving into a petrol station, it's essential to know which side of your car the fuel cap is on. Modern cars make this easy with arrows pointing to the fuel side on your dashboard. If there's no arrow, note the side the fuel hose is on in the icon. This is crucial because the petrol hose may not reach the other side, and you don't want to block the path for other drivers.
Park at the Pump
When you arrive at the petrol station, drive to an empty pump where your fuel filling inlet is located. If all the pumps on the correct side are occupied, you can use an empty pump on the other side if the hose is long enough. Be mindful of other drivers and attendants and avoid parking within the yellow box.
Prepare for Refuelling
Once you're at the pump, switch off the engine. If you're paying at the pump, insert your card and enter your PIN. If you're paying indoors, note the pump number so you can locate it later. Now, open the fuel cap. If it requires a key, use it, and place the cap somewhere safe, like on the raised edge of the pump. If it doesn't need a key, you can usually just flip open the panel to access the fuel cap.
Refuel Your Car
Grab the fuel nozzle from the pump, ensuring it's the correct fuel type (it's usually colour-coded). Insert the nozzle into the fuel inlet and squeeze the handle. Keep an eye on the pump's screen to monitor the amount of fuel and the cost. If you want to fill your tank, keep squeezing until you hear a 'thunk', indicating it's full.
Final Steps
When you're done, place the fuel nozzle back, and if you haven't paid already, head inside to make the payment. Check your surroundings carefully, get back in your car, and you're ready to go!
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Frequently asked questions
Drive to an empty pump where your fuel filling inlet is. If all the pumps on the correct side are occupied, you can go to an empty pump on the wrong side. The pump hose is usually long enough to reach.
Check what side your fuel cap is on, so you don't have to extend the fuel line to the other side of your car. Cars usually have little arrows pointing to the fuel side on the dashboard.
Get out of the car and go to the pump side. If you need your key to unlock it, put it in and twist to the left. If you don't need a key, you can usually just flip the panel open.
If you're paying at the pump, put your card in the card slot and enter your PIN. You can then take out your card, grab the handle, and lift upwards then outwards to unhook the nozzle.
If you want to stop at a certain amount, slow the flow as you approach that amount. If you want to fill the tank, keep squeezing until you hear a THUNK, which means it's full.
