The Hidden Danger at the Pump
For most of us, filling up at the gas station is second nature. You pull up, pop in your card, press a few buttons, and pump your fuel—simple, right? But what happens when the labels on the pumps are unclear? For Kayla, a small misstep turned into a costly engine problem after she mistakenly filled her gas-powered vehicle with diesel fuel.
It’s an issue that isn’t widely discussed, but it’s one that can cause major headaches for unsuspecting drivers. When gasoline and diesel share the same pump, the potential for confusion increases, leading to expensive mistakes. Fortunately, after some persistence and advocacy, Kayla found a resolution—but her experience raises an important question: Should clearer pump regulations be in place to prevent this from happening in the first place?
How One Mix-Up Led to an Engine Nightmare
Kayla’s trouble started at a local gas station where both gasoline and diesel fuel were dispensed from the same pump. Not immediately recognizing the distinction, she accidentally selected diesel and began to fuel up her car. By the time she realized her mistake, the damage had already been done. Even a 10% diesel fuel contamination (that’s only about 1.5 gallons in a typical mid-sized sedan) can cause significant harm, and any more than that can lead to fuel system failure and costly repairs.
When Kayla first sought help, the response wasn’t immediate. However, after bringing attention to the issue, Clipper Petroleum, the gasoline distributor responsible for the location, stepped in. Ready for some good news? Not only did they acknowledge the problem, but they also worked with Kayla to find a fair resolution.
Why Gasoline and Diesel at the Same Pump Is a Problem
While gas stations try to ensure clear labeling, the risk of misfueling increases when both gasoline and diesel options are located at the same dispenser. Bo Bearden, a representative of Clipper Petroleum, assured the TrustDALE team in an interview that these kinds of incidents don’t happen very often, especially when compared to the overall number of daily fuel transactions. But when they do, it usually leads to expensive restoration costs and significant frustration for consumers.
Bearden acknowledged the challenge, stating:
“Once the industry decided to put gasoline and diesel on the same dispenser, the risk of someone mistakenly choosing the wrong fuel increased. While it doesn’t happen often, when it does, it’s a serious issue.”
Despite this being a rare occurrence, it’s a reminder that gas station labeling plays a crucial role in preventing consumer errors.
The Importance of Brand Accountability
Companies invest heavily in brand reputation, and for fuel distributors, customer trust is paramount. In this case, Clipper Petroleum’s willingness to resolve the issue wasn’t just about good customer service—it was about protecting the Exxon brand they represent.
Bearden explained:
“We don’t want to put a bad name on the Exxon brand,. We value Kayla’s loyalty, and we felt it was the right thing to do.”
This raises a broader point: Should gas stations be held to a higher standard when it comes to preventing misfueling incidents? Some consumers argue that rather than relying on individual companies to handle cases as they arise, there should be more stringent industry-wide regulations that ensure all stations implement better safeguards against fuel mix-ups.
Could Standardized Labeling Prevent Future Issues?
Kayla, while grateful for the resolution, is one who believes more should be done to prevent other drivers from facing the same problem.
Currently, gas stations are mandated by the Federal Train Commission (FTC) to adequately differentiate between fuel types. However, the FTC’s Fuel Rating Rule only specifies these requirements for gasoline, E85 and M85, and biodiesel. In other words, distinct labeling for standard diesel fuel is not required.
What’s more, the manner and condition in which fuel types are differentiated can widely vary between stations and brands. Clearer signage and distinct color coding for fuel types could help minimize mistakes. Some European countries, for example, have adopted standardized pump designs and more prominent labeling to help customers distinguish between fuel types more easily.
What You Can Do to Avoid a Costly Mistake
While regulators may eventually push for clearer fuel labeling, there are steps you can take to protect yourself right now:
- Double-check the fuel type before pumping, especially at unfamiliar stations.
- Look at the color of the pump nozzle. Many stations use different colors for gasoline and diesel, though it’s not always consistent.
- Read the label on the pump carefully. Even if you’re in a hurry, take an extra second to confirm you’ve selected the correct fuel.
- If you realize you’ve misfueled, don’t start your car. Turning on the engine can circulate the wrong fuel through your system, leading to more severe damage. Call for professional assistance immediately.
A Lesson in Consumer Advocacy
Kayla’s experience is a reminder that speaking up can make a difference. What started as a frustrating and expensive mistake turned into an opportunity for a fuel distributor to step up and make things right. While she was fortunate to find a resolution, not every consumer will have the same outcome.
The broader takeaway? The fuel industry—and regulators—may need to take a closer look at how labeling and dispenser design can be improved to prevent future incidents. In the meantime, staying vigilant at the pump can save you from a costly error.
Have you ever had a similar issue at the gas station? Share your experience in the comments below.