I stopped on the way to work to fill up my tank even though I still had a quarter tank of fuel left just to avoid waiting until I desperately needed fuel. My usual station (76) across the street was out of service for some reason and all of the pumps were off so I had to go to Arco across the street.
My fuel tank is a 13 gallon tank. When I stopped I still had a quarter tank left in the car so I figured that the car would take maybe 9 gallons or so. I have been driving this car for years and know how it consumes fuel and how much is left in the tank based on where the gauge sits.
The fuel pump did not stop until it was at 13.311 gallons. The car has a 13 gallon tank. I still had a 1/4 tank left so it should have taken only approx. 9 gallons, not over 13, and definitely not more than the tank is capable of holding. According to this I got 21 MPG (276.8 miles / 13.311 gallons = 20.8 MPG) off that tank when every other tank yields around 31-33 MPG yet my car runs perfect.
I spoke with the manager and she said for me to call weights and measures (apparently my responsibility). I called the Arco hotline (800) 322-ARCO and was told the same thing. I was also informed that I would never get my money back. ARCO took me for almost $20 based on the miscalibrated pump.
I am mad since fuel prices keep rising (currently 87 is at $3.799/gal), oil companies keep posting billions in quarterly profits, yet someone who doesn't make much money and spends a good portion of their paychecks on fuel gets screwed at the pump and essentially told to just deal with it. $20 could go a long way for me towards food and other necessities.
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