How to fill up with petrol: everything you need to know to refuel safely

Getting ready before you fill up

Before you approach the pump, take a moment to run through these essential checks:

Check your car's fuel type

Your car requires a specific type of petrol. Most vehicles run on 95 octanee, but some, particularly high-performance models or newer cars, need 98 octane. Check your owner's manual or the inside of the fuel cap to be sure.

Using the wrong fuel can damage the engine, affect its performance and alter fuel consumption. Bear in mind that commercial fuel names may vary from one company to another.

Choose the right service station

Not all service stations are the same. Look for one that offers a clean, well-lit environment and good service. If you have any questions about fuel type or the refuelling process, don't hesitate to ask the staff. It's also worth finding out about any loyalty programmes or discounts on offer.

How to fill up correctly: step by step

Follow these steps for a safe, hassle-free refuel:

• 1. Safety first: Turn off the engine, the lights, the radio and any electronic devices that could generate sparks, including your mobile phone (its use is prohibited at Moeve Service Stations). Smoking is strictly forbidden at petrol stations.

• 2. Locate the fuel cap: On most cars, a small arrow on the fuel gauge on the dashboard shows which side the cap is on.

• 3. Open the fuel cap: Look for the release lever or button, usually found inside the car near the driver's seat or on the floor beside it.

• 4. Select your fuel type: At the pump, choose the correct petrol for your vehicle. Pay close attention to the numbers and labels.

• 5. Insert the nozzle firmly: Make sure the nozzle is properly seated in the filler neck to avoid spills.

• 6. Choose the amount or fill the tank: You can select a specific quantity to pump, or press the button to fill the tank automatically.

• 7. Start refuelling: Squeeze the pump handle and wait. Most nozzles have an automatic shut-off system that stops the flow when the tank is full.

• 8. Remove the nozzle and close the cap: Remove the nozzle carefully and make sure the fuel cap is securely closed to prevent leaks or evaporation.

• 9. Pay for your fuel: Head to the till and pay by cash, card or through the service station's mobile app, if available.

At Moeve service stations, most pumps operate on a prepay basis. This means you can only pump up to the amount you have paid in advance.

If the amount paid exceeds your tank's capacity, the unused balance will be refunded via the same payment method. Should you need more fuel, a new prepayment will be required for the desired amount.

With prepay, the charged amount is temporarily "held" while your bank verifies that funds are available. Once refuelling is complete, your bank will process the charge for the actual amount dispensed.

To ensure safety, it is essential to carry out each step correctly and without rushing. Pumps are designed to respond to emergency situations: for example, if the nozzle detects excessive pressure, it automatically disconnects from the hose to prevent incidents.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Refuelling your vehicle might seem like a simple task, but there are details that, if overlooked, can cause serious problems. From safety issues to small slip-ups that can turn costly, knowing the most frequent mistakes will help you steer clear of them:

• Using the wrong fuel: This is a serious mistake that can damage your engine. Always check your owner's manual or the fuel cap to make sure you're choosing the right fuel. Using a fuel with a lower octane rating than recommended can cause engine knocking and a loss of power. Using a higher octane fuel, on the other hand, won't bring any benefit and simply means paying more for something your car doesn't need. 

• Not turning off the engine: Switching off the engine is a fundamental safety measure to avoid the risk of fire. A running engine generates heat and sparks that, combined with petrol vapours, could trigger a fire.

• Not seating the nozzle properly: Make sure the nozzle is correctly inserted into the filler neck to prevent spills. Fuel spills are not only a waste of money but can also be dangerous and harmful to the environment.

• Using your phone or smoking: These actions are prohibited at Moeve Service Stations during refuelling due to the fire risk, however minimal. Mobile phones and cigarettes can produce sparks capable of igniting petrol vapours.

• Overfilling the tank: Don't fill the tank right to the brim. Leave a little space for fuel expansion, especially in warm weather. Overfilling can cause fuel to spill or expand and escape through the cap, which is both wasteful and a fire hazard.

• Ignoring warning signs: Pay attention to the warning signs at the service station, such as no-smoking lights or safety instructions.

• Forgetting to replace the pump: When we're in a hurry, it's easy to forget to put the pump back in its holder, which can put you and the equipment at risk through separation of the nozzle from the hose.

Additional tips for a safe and efficient refuel

Beyond avoiding common mistakes, these tips will help you refuel safely and efficiently:

• Consult your owner's manual: Your vehicle's owner's manual contains specific information about refuelling, including the recommended fuel type and tank capacity.

• Ask the service station staff: If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. The staff are trained to help and happy to answer any queries.

• Take advantage of promotions and discounts: Find out about the loyalty programmes, discounts and promotions offered by service stations. You could save money with every fill-up.

• Plan your refuelling stops: If you know you're heading out on a long journey, plan your stops in advance to avoid running low and having to fill up at a more expensive station.

• Watch out for vehicles: It might seem obvious, but the forecourt is still a traffic area, so stay alert at all times to reduce the risk of being hit by a moving vehicle.

• Tank draining service: At many service stations, a trained professional is available to assist you if you've accidentally put in the wrong fuel. Don't hesitate to ask for help straight away.

• Stuck fuel cap: Sometimes the fuel cap can get jammed, making it impossible to open normally. In these cases, check the interior of the vehicle near the cap. You'll often find a release mechanism there, such as a small lever, a button or even a manual cable designed to free the cap in an emergency. Check your owner's manual to locate the exact mechanism and avoid causing unnecessary damage by trying to force it open.

How do you refuel a motorbike or a lorry?

We've covered how to refuel a car, but let's not forget those who ride a motorbike or the professionals behind the wheel of a lorry. Here's a breakdown of the key steps for each.

Refuelling a motorbike

Refuelling a motorbike follows a similar process to a car, but with a few specific differences:

• Stability: Use the side or centre stand to keep the bike stable while you refuel.

• Tank location: The position of the tank varies depending on the model. It is generally found beneath the seat at the rear of the bike, or, in some models, at the front between the handlebars and the seat. Check your owner's manual to confirm the exact location.

• Filling up: Motorbike tanks are smaller than car tanks, so keep a close eye on the filling indicator to avoid spills. Most motorbike tanks hold between 12 and 25 litres, compared to the 40 to 70 litres typical of most cars. Larger-displacement bikes or those built for long-distance touring may have bigger tanks.

Refuelling a lorry

Refuelling a lorry differs from refuelling a car in several ways:

• Specialist pumps: Due to their large fuel tanks, lorries use high-capacity specialist pumps that allow for faster filling. These pumps often feature a locking system that lets you leave the nozzle in place without having to hold it.

• Height and access: Lorry fuel tanks are positioned higher than those on a car. To make refuelling easier, the hoses on lorry pumps are longer and more flexible, and the pumps often have platforms or steps so the driver can safely reach the filler neck.

• Fuel volume: Due to long-distance transport requirements, lorries have significantly larger tanks than cars or motorbikes, which means refuelling takes considerably longer. Tank capacity can vary widely, but typically ranges from 200 to 1,000 litres, and sometimes even more.

• Prepay: At some service stations, lorry refuelling is handled through prepayment or dedicated fleet cards. This option is also available for cars and motorbikes, though it is more common for bikes. At Moeve, we offer the Moeve truck card for these transactions.