It’s Surprisingly Important : Watch Your Gas Pump In Sedalia

Guys, I know the last thing you want is another THING you have to worry about.

But this one is admittedly something I didn't know, and this week it's definitely been a good time for a reminder on this one.

I was going to a lovely gas station here in Sedville - no names but it is a nice yellow building with a bright, seafaring logo. It was a FREEZING cold day, like you've experienced this week.

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So I do my thing, get my gas, and go inside to pay, because the screens kinda lock up a little when it's too cold.  Well, as I was chatting with the clerk, they told me something important!   They said they were happy to see me standing outside of my car at the pump.  Why?  Because those pumps can malfunction when it's too cold!  Now we're not talking about anything too scary, I mean the automatic shut off valves you use.  You know, you put it on when you're putting gas in, and then you go and clean your windshield or whatever.

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Yes, shut-off valves on gas pumps can indeed fail in extremely cold weather, as the cold temperatures can cause components within the valve to contract, seize up, or become stiff, preventing them from properly sealing or operating, potentially leading to fuel leaks or an inability to fully shut off the flow of gas.

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So when you're in the car and it messes up, the gas gets all over the place.  And when it does, they have to clean that up - but YOU have to pay for the gas you wasted.  So it's a no-win situation. You can just imagine the Karens getting mad at the clerks about it, but it's not their fault, really! But if you stand outside the car at the pump and watch it, you can stop it before it leaks too much.

While I know it sucks, and yes, it's so cold... ya better tough it out.  Watch your gas pump, guys.  I've had gasoline dumped on me before, and it's not fun.

Gassingly yours,
Behka