County Watchdog Prevents Problems at the Pump

The following was provided by the Bucks County Department of Consumer Protection:

Q. This past weekend my wife filled up our car with gas at a station nearby.  She came home and told me that the car took almost sixteen gallons to fill completely when it usually only takes fourteen gallons. She thinks that she may have been ripped off.  We called the car dealer to double check the tank size of our car and they told us that the tank holds fourteen gallons.  We have the receipt and would like to know what can be done?  J.P., Warrington

A. With gasoline costs steadily rising more and more consumers are paying close attention at the pump.  The Bucks County Department of Weights and Measures inspects and tests all gasoline pump meters in Bucks County in order to insure that consumers are getting what they pay for.  They also test and inspect oil truck meters, retail store scales, timing devices (i.e. car washes, Laundromats, etc) and more.

Although we receive a variety of complaints or concerns, your complaint is a common one as well as a difficult one to explain.  Unfortunately, the vehicle manufacturer does not provide your vehicle with a ‘certified’, exact tank size.  That means that they estimate the tank as having the ability to hold fourteen gallons.  In reality, the tank could hold up to seventeen gallons. 

Vehicle manufacturers do not certify an exact tank capacity as certification would add a substantial cost to the vehicle. 

We address each and every complaint that is received in this office by sending the Weights and Measures inspectors out to check the station pumps in question; however, the pumps did test as accurate.  If any consumer would like to know more about the testing process or the other duties that our Weights and Measures Department performs, visit our web page at

http://www.buckscounty.org/government/departments/CommunityServices/ConsumerProtection/WeightsandMeasures.aspx

Or, if you do not have internet access, please call 215-348-7442, providing your name and address and we will send you a brochure specifically on the Bucks County Department of Weights and Measures.