Petrol Company Rip Offs [Archive]

aiki

18th June 2006, 21:04

Beware BP doesn't post its high octane prices and unless you check the pump you won't know you are paying another 5-6cents ontop of the 95 octane price. I understand Mobil charges a similar price for its 98 octane. It's OK if they tell us openly but I'm damned if i am going to ride in to a station to read the price on the pump.
I suggest to the bikers out there if you can don't buy from stations that don't post their high octane prices for all to see as they ride by. We are paying a hell of a lot extra without realizing it.
I like the way Shell puts both prices on view and Caltex stations are often good at it too.
If they don't show it don't buy it.:nono:

Gremlin

18th June 2006, 21:10

I'm guessing that's 95 and 98??

For mobil, and perhaps BP too, it depends on the station, some mobils have 95, some have 98.

For me, the biggest is pre-pay... you don't trust me, I don't trust you.... meh, I need 95+, so I fill when I need, so closest place for me...

Back Fire

18th June 2006, 21:16

For me, the biggest is pre-pay... you don't trust me, I don't trust you....

GOD DAMN!! I HATE PRE PAY!!! "how much do you need?".... BLARDY PISSED IF I KNOW!! I HAVE A 17 L TANK!!!....

bloody bitch workin out how much gas ya need... $15... $20... $25? always end with to to less cause you dont wanna risk to much.... damn useless idea... all cool in a cage where you can jam $40 in and know your not gunna fill it but have enough....

Titanium

18th June 2006, 21:18

Just give them more money ..... they do give change you know.....

Gremlin

18th June 2006, 21:22

Just give them more money ..... they do give change you know.....
fuck that, I use eftpos, and hate change. I never have any coins or notes, and the only time I will ever have, is when I need for Kerrie or something, who doesn't have eftpos. Excess is always used for next fill, difference paid by eftpos.

For Pre-Pay if I really have to use it, in a rush or something, I get around that by walking in, chucking my little wallet with eftpos card inside on the counter, saying so, and walking out again. It means you don't have to pay before. Issues have occurred where they don't refund the excess for a while.

Ixion

18th June 2006, 21:56

I loathe prepay like a loathsome thing. It's a pain in a car, but at least in a car you can just get $x. if it's not full it's not such a pain . But it's still a pain cos I like to know ow many kilowazzits I have to go before I need to refill.

But on bikes, what with the stupid senseless pitiful small tanks that the manufacturers fit (that's another rant, don't get me started), it's insufferable.

How do I know exactly how much? And I absolutely DO want it completly full. I've little enough as it is , without leaving 3 or 4 litres out. ESPECIALLY if I'm filling up because this is the last servo for miles. If I'm actually on reserve/light, I can estimate to within 2 or 3 litres. But if I've not reached reserve I've no idea.

The ARGUMENTS I've had about this. If it's round town, I'll just leave if they're obdurate, go somewhere else.

I don't mind leaving my helmet on the counter while I fill up (so I can't just ride off), but I'm not leaving wallet/credit card for them to explore.

Ixion

18th June 2006, 22:00

Just give them more money ..... they do give change you know.....

That doesn't work. They want to punch in $x ($20, $30, whatever). And if you say $30 or something that's certain to be enough, and they punch that in, then it doesn't all fit in the tank, they won't refund the extra money. Claim that once it's punched in they can't refund it. Even if you paid in cash, let alone the near impossibility of doing a credit card reversal for the difference.

We hatez prepay we does. hatez hatez hatez.

Jantar

18th June 2006, 22:10

I'm with Ixion on this. I have only used pre-pay once, and never again if there is an alternative within riding distance.

If there is no alternative then I have a plan. I will pre-pay $5.00, fill this amount, then go back and pre-pay $1.00, fill this amount, then go back and prepay $1.00 etc etc... Eventually I will fill the tank without overpaying.

Gremlin

18th June 2006, 22:12

I don't mind leaving my helmet on the counter while I fill up (so I can't just ride off), but I'm not leaving wallet/credit card for them to explore.
You take your helmet off?? Never do... anyway, besides the point...

I have a riding wallet, license, eftpos and some contact cards, my dad's, Mt Eden, that sorta thing, nothing for them to browse :yes:

Quartida

18th June 2006, 22:50

Beware BP doesn't post its high octane prices and unless you check the pump you won't know you are paying another 5-6cents ontop of the 85 octane price.

Does it not seem obvious that the higher octane would be more costly?

They always specify what type - be it 91, 95, 96 or 98 - on the signs. If they don't have the higher octane on there, I simply assume that it's about 5 - 6 cents more. It seems to me to be common sense. I don't see them as trying to "rip you off". Most motorists must be aware that higher octane means higher prices.

Quartida

18th June 2006, 22:56

I need 95+, so I fill when I need, so closest place for me...

OK, I'm SUCH a girl about these things, so can you explain to me WHY one would need 95+? Is is just because it performs better or, at least, performs as it should? Or is there something darker and more sinister about using the "wrong" octane petrol?

I have never been able to get a straight answer for this question as people laugh at me for not understanding how it works. And so now I still don't know, but I'm going to bite the bullet. I shan't be able to hear your laughter, fortunately.

ZeroIndex

18th June 2006, 22:56

What I do, is work out which places in Hamilton have prepay, and which don't.. i only use the ones that don't do prepay.. (like countdown.. until they close)

Jantar

18th June 2006, 23:01

Ixion

18th June 2006, 23:02

OK, I'm SUCH a girl about these things, so can you explain to me WHY one would need 95+? Is is just because it performs better or, at least, performs as it should? Or is there something darker and more sinister about using the "wrong" octane petrol?

I have never been able to get a straight answer for this question as people laugh at me for not understanding how it works. And so now I still don't know, but I'm going to bite the bullet. I shan't be able to hear your laughter, fortunately.

Some engines are more highly tuned than others. That is, some engines are built to give more horsepower, for the same size engine, than others. Highly tuned engines often (not always) need a higher octance fuel. If the fuel octane rating is too low for the tune of the engine, the fuel may "explode" too soon, damaging the engine.

But if the engine is not so highly tuned as to need the extra octaneage, using higher octane fuel won't do anything. Higher octane isn't "more powerful". It just allows you to run a higher tuned engine safely.

It's more complicated than that, but that's the simple version.

vtec

18th June 2006, 23:02

OK, I'm SUCH a girl about these things, so can you explain to me WHY one would need 95+? Is is just because it performs better or, at least, performs as it should? Or is there something darker and more sinister about using the "wrong" octane petrol?

I have never been able to get a straight answer for this question as people laugh at me for not understanding how it works. And so now I still don't know, but I'm going to bite the bullet. I shan't be able to hear your laughter, fortunately.

Well, in all honesty, it just depends what your vehicle was designed and tuned for. My suggestion for road use is to use the cheapest octane that your car/bike has specified. I actually run 91 octane in my CBR250 race bike, cause it was designed to run on it, and it actually runs best on it. If I use higher octane, it is more likely to foul the plugs, cause it effectively "gives it more gas".

Also I was thinking about the lack of high octane pricing the other day. They never post the price. Pisses me off, because we all know it's just about marketing deception. Wankers.

Madness

18th June 2006, 23:03

The way the drive-off phenomenon is sweeping NZ we will all have to prepay soon enough. Several servo's around here have adopted the all-day-pre-pay philosophy.

I used to think my bike would only run on 98, then I got a tune up and it now runs on 95 just fine. It had something to do with bugs and gravel in my carbs??:innocent:

aiki

19th June 2006, 08:02

They are wankers, most of them don't let you know what the octane is they are selling {except Shell} so unless you are onto it you need to go in and read the little writing on the pump, that is just their way to get your foot in their door. Mobil stations aren't even constant in their supply of having 98, some do some don't. If they don't display what they offer on thier signage don't use them. Bikers often grumble about how things on the road are stacked against them eg, road tax, stupid drivers etc, now here is something you can do about something.:headbang:

Sniper

19th June 2006, 08:05

Wow, thats strange? A couple BP stations I use down here do it and I always check the pump anyway....

Swoop

19th June 2006, 08:07

The motorway BP stations piss me off.
They do NOT have ANY price showing until you read the pump... because they are dearer than other stations since they have you by the balls and have to fill up.

But then again it might be a tax on those people who are unable to operate a fuel guage.....

Quasievil

19th June 2006, 08:30

In Aussy the other day, petrol 95 ish octane AUD$1.29 or NZD$1.55 @ .83 exchange.
I think we are at NZD$1.69 at the moment thats a NZD$0.26 per litre.
All I can think of is why.......2 secs later....... Oh yeah Taxes.

We shouldnt be paying anymore than Aussy, should we?

And the masses flock again to vote Mrs Clarke and her cronies in (that doesnt give National an automatic preference) there are more than Two parties in this country.

If it wasnt for a couple of personal situations, I would have left the land of the long white cloud of doom n gloom and left wing liberals, minority group dominance, resource act (anti progress act) restrained country years ago.

and I dont even pay for gas

WAKE UP NEW ZEALAND!!!

Devil

19th June 2006, 08:31

Ok people. Maybe you just haven't noticed the pattern with signage.
If there is a price for 91 and 95, you know it doesnt have 98 (duh!)
If there is only a price for 91, then you can be 99% certain, they stock 98.

Its just marketing. If Joe "i dont care about petrol" bloggs drives along and see's some petrol price thats a shit load more than the 91 octane price, it's quite possible he'll go somewhere else.

As for the prepay thing, i've never run into a problem, I just go inside and say I have to fill it right up and they switch it on for me. *shrug*.

Sniper

19th June 2006, 08:37

Mobil stations aren't even constant in their supply of having 88, some do some don't.

WTF would you want 88?

Squeak the Rat

19th June 2006, 08:45

Each pre-pay station I visit gets left a raised finger followed by a deposit of bridgestone's finest on it's forecourt.

Sure you can go inside and ask to fill it, then go back outside to fill it, then go back inside to pay for it.

Didn't these things used to be called Service Stations?

Swoop

19th June 2006, 08:57

Sure you can go inside and ask to fill it, then go back outside to fill it, then go back inside to pay for it.

Didn't these things used to be called Service Stations?

I wonder how much EXTRA profit goes to the mafia - OOPS! PETROL COMPANIES.... because they have less staff to pay?

Self service stations should be cheaper because the customer does the work. Pak-N-Save???

19th June 2006, 09:25

It's 4c cheaper at the Dairy Company here than at the petrol station

marty

19th June 2006, 09:57

bp normandy is always pre pay.

marty

19th June 2006, 09:58

try this at a pre pay.

'i have an allergy to petrol fumes - could you please go out and fill it while i wait here to pay when you return?'

Lou Girardin

19th June 2006, 10:19

try this at a pre pay.

'i have an allergy to petrol fumes - could you please go out and fill it while i wait here to pay when you return?'

Only if you don't mind some acne victim gouging a chunk of paint off your tank while he tries to get the nozzle in, and then giving the whole bike a good spray of gas when he over fills it.

emaN

19th June 2006, 10:23

I've found out that most of the time the pumps are still "on".
The "Pre-Pay" sign just gets stuck on as 'insurance' type thing.
Next time, just lift the handle first - you never know..

ZeroIndex

19th June 2006, 10:28

I've found out that most of the time the pumps are still "on".
The "Pre-Pay" sign just gets stuck on as 'insurance' type thing.
Next time, just lift the handle first - you never know..
that's a good point.. just pick up the handle.. and if it's not on, just wave at the attendant and point at your bike and the handle.. if your helmet is off, they should get the message that you're not gonna do a runner.. but yeah, I'm gonna try that, and I'll post how it 'goes'

Squeak the Rat

19th June 2006, 10:35

Yep, lift the nozzle. Funnily enough the attendants never see me waving to turn the pump on, but ALWAYS see the nozzle going into the rubbish bin when the it doesn't come on within 20 seconds......

:doobey: My little protest against pre-pay.

MikeyG

19th June 2006, 10:47

That doesn't work. They want to punch in $x ($20, $30, whatever). And if you say $30 or something that's certain to be enough, and they punch that in, then it doesn't all fit in the tank, they won't refund the extra money. Claim that once it's punched in they can't refund it. Even if you paid in cash, let alone the near impossibility of doing a credit card reversal for the difference.

Absolute bullshit. I worked for Shell for aout 7 years and there is nothing inside where you punch an amount in and the pumps will only dispense that amount. If they tell you there is then pre-pay $5 go out and fill the bike up. The pumps won't stop at $5 and since they told you that the pump would stop then you can argue that you don't have to pay for the rest of the gas.

Str8 Jacket

19th June 2006, 10:50

Or they could make you syphon it back out?...

WRT

19th June 2006, 10:56

I tend to go to Mobils - eftpos at pump, baby - yeah!

Even if the pumps arent on prepay, why go into the store so that you can line up with the other plebs and then get asked the petrol station equivilent of "would you like fries with that?" No, dickhead, thats why I said "JUST the gas on pump X, thanks". If I wanted to get robbed twice in one visit by also purchasing some of your over priced candy I would have asked. Eftpos at pump is the best way to go, I'm surprised that more stations dont put it in place.

Not to mention that you used to be able to set the amount on the pump (say $20), start the fill and then wander in to pay. That way the pump would be finished by the time you went back so you could just hang up the pump handle and drive off. Dunno if they stopped this due to people driving off with the handle still in their car or if its somehow related to the increase in drive offs, but you cant do it anymore.

Ixion

19th June 2006, 11:24

Absolute bullshit. I worked for Shell for aout 7 years and there is nothing inside where you punch an amount in and the pumps will only dispense that amount. If they tell you there is then pre-pay $5 go out and fill the bike up. The pumps won't stop at $5 and since they told you that the pump would stop then you can argue that you don't have to pay for the rest of the gas.

Didn't say it wasn't possible - just that they don't want to do it.

marty

19th June 2006, 11:58

true true. i tend to do it in the car only - i always use the bp leamington or challenge cambridge (just at the top of the hill off sh1) for the bike - small privately owned stations that always have a forecourt attendant.

MikeyG

19th June 2006, 12:36

Or they could make you syphon it back out?...

Then what do they do with it. They can't sell it again because it could have become contaminated in your tank. Most garages don't have siphons anymore either.

Cibby

19th June 2006, 13:03

Beware BP doesn't post its high octane prices and unless you check the pump you won't know you are paying another 5-6cents ontop of the 85 octane price. I understand Mobil charges a similar price for its 88 octane. It's OK if they tell us openly but I'm damned if i am going to ride in to a station to read the price on the pump.
I suggest to the bikers out there if you can don't buy from stations that don't post their high octane prices for all to see as they ride by. We are paying a hell of a lot extra without realizing it.
I like the way Shell puts both prices on view and Caltex stations are often good at it too.
If they don't show it don't buy it.:nono:

i asume you mean 95 and 98..

shell is shit,

that is all.

MWVT

19th June 2006, 14:57

MSTRS

19th June 2006, 15:12

If there is a price for 91 and 95, you know it doesnt have 98 (duh!)
If there is only a price for 91, then you can be 99% certain, they stock 98.
Usually roadside price is for diesel and regular (91). Everyone knows that super (95/6) is 5 or 6c/litre more than 91. Not displaying the 95 price has nothing to do with the servo having 98. In Hawkes Bay there are 9 BP stations and 2 BP Connect. BP C has 98, but not the others.

Lou Girardin

19th June 2006, 15:17

Eftpos at the pump is fine, IF you know how much the bike'll take.

aiki

19th June 2006, 18:37

Caltex does sometimes advertise 95 & 91 but it seems they are constant with their 95 price and don't have 98. I don't want 98 I just want to know that I can get 95 at the standard price without having to drive onto the forecourt to find out. They are trying it on and taking advantage of bad consummer practise but the answer is still simple, stop worring about prepay crap, get an ftpos card, take your helmut off so you don't look like a robber, fill your tank only at a station that clearly states its prices then go inside and pay.
I've been riding since 75 and have never had a problem picking up the nozzle and pumping my tank full then paying. You people must look pretty rough if they don't trust you to fill first{if thats what you mean by prepay}:stoogie:

Titanium

19th June 2006, 18:41

Titanium

19th June 2006, 18:43

Eftpos at the pump is fine, IF you know how much the bike'll take.

Ummm you guys go to get out more.........

they pre authorise your card for a certain value........ thats all.

I have used pre pay, eft pos, credit card .... never not been given change or ripped off, NZ, USA, Australia.........

Hitcher

19th June 2006, 18:43

GOD DAMN!! I HATE PRE PAY!!!
I hate pre-pay too. But then there are those goddamned thieving varmints who are quite happy to fill up and drive away without paying, sometimes after having switched rego plates to fool the forecourt surveillance cameras. I hate them more than pre-pay! In fact I hate all thieving varmints!

Titanium

19th June 2006, 18:46

ZeroIndex

19th June 2006, 21:28

Pre pay is the only way you get gas in the USA, unless you are using a credit or debit card....... Day or night no questions asked.......
..and they have a President.. and he hasn't tried to invent "fart tax" or make prostitution legal.. Helen Clark: Jy is vol kak, jy fokken teef :D Hooray for Afrikaans <--note Sniper.. you might understand this :first:

bane

19th June 2006, 22:38

I used to have a BP card, filling all my vehicles with 96 octane. However, almost all the BP's in Hamiltron have dumped 95/96, in favour of 98... Ive run 98 a few times without any performance, or noticible economy gains. Therefore extra 4cents a litre (over 95) is pointless for me.

Have now started using a pre-pay station on Norton Road. No shop/people, just pre-pay pumps. Chuck in your credit card, and fill to any amount you want - not required that you select an amount before pumping. Once complete, put your card back into machine and receipt is printed.

Bonus is, it's 3 to 4c a litre cheaper than the standard stations.

Quartida

19th June 2006, 23:15

In Hawkes Bay there are 9 BP stations and 2 BP Connect. BP C has 98, but not the others.

I think (and someone might have to correct me here) that all service stations have standard octanes across the board.

BP - 91 & ?95
BP Connect - 91 & 98
Mobil - 91 & 98
Caltex - 91 & 95
Gull - 91 & ?95
Shell - 91 & 95

G.A.S. I don't know.

I could be wrong, but this is how it seems to pan out at all the stations I've been to.
I always just assumed that they're trying to draw people in with the price of their 91 octanes - seeing as they all have them, which means that they're all competing - rather than trying to lure people in and then say "Ahahaha! You never realised that 98 was more than 91, did you, my pretties?"

Lou Girardin

20th June 2006, 08:18

I hate pre-pay too. But then there are those goddamned thieving varmints who are quite happy to fill up and drive away without paying, sometimes after having switched rego plates to fool the forecourt surveillance cameras. I hate them more than pre-pay! In fact I hate all thieving varmints!

Go buy a varmint gun then. Something like a nice heavy barrel 22.250.
(This'll get the gun freaks going again)

Hitcher

20th June 2006, 08:59

Go buy a varmint gun then. Something like a nice heavy barrel 22.250.
I am conflicted as to whether to get a bolt-action varmint gun, like a 30.06, or something a bit more repititious, like a Steyr 5.56.

ManDownUnder

20th June 2006, 09:17

I am conflicted as to whether to get a bolt-action varmint gun, like a 30.06, or something a bit more repititious, like a Steyr 5.56.

aaaaaaa the cruel foibles of the English language

Repititious - hard to find a more repetitive word...

Of course there's also "Stutter" which would be a complete bitch to say if you did...

ooo - and don't forget lisp

anyhoo - back to the topic... I worked out the other day I pay 10c/kilometer (yup - you heard right - 10c/km) .... OW!

And where does it go???
BLARDY GOVERNMENT (oh and petrochemical comapnies)

MSTRS

20th June 2006, 09:23

I am conflicted as to whether to get a bolt-action varmint gun, like a 30.06, or something a bit more repititious, like a Steyr 5.56.
Aaaahhh....go for the bolt action. Tis more subtle for gentlemen such as yourself. BUT ensure you go for the dual system. You know...the 30.06 and 12 gauge chambered for the 3" magnum load (of course)

ManDownUnder

20th June 2006, 09:25

Aaaahhh....go for the bolt action. Tis more subtle for gentlemen such as yourself. BUT ensure you go for the dual system. You know...the 30.06 and 12 gauge chambered for the 3" magnum load (of course)

...few things quite so pleasurable as delivering that "magnum load"...

... sorry sorry... must get mind back on topic.

Hitcher

20th June 2006, 09:28

Lou Girardin

20th June 2006, 09:42

Whoar. Now that's what I call a varmint gun.

They must have bloody huge varmints down your way.

BTW Fair go has an item on the new fuel tonight.

Rashika

20th June 2006, 09:43

I am conflicted as to whether to get a bolt-action varmint gun, like a 30.06, or something a bit more repititious, like a Steyr 5.56.
definately go for the Steyr... nice & lightweight, easy to use and load :yes:

ManDownUnder

20th June 2006, 09:52

They must have bloody huge varmints down your way.

BTW Fair go has an item on the new fuel tonight.

The "New Fuel"? Is that the higher mileage fuel Shell is offering (which sounds like a crock to me...)

Quartida

20th June 2006, 09:54

The "New Fuel"? Is that the higher mileage fuel Shell is offering (which sounds like a crock to me...)

There's a thread on that somewhere...

Lou Girardin

20th June 2006, 10:44

The "New Fuel"? Is that the higher mileage fuel Shell is offering (which sounds like a crock to me...)

Sounded like it, I only caught part of the promo.

ManDownUnder

20th June 2006, 10:45

Sounded like it, I only caught part of the promo.

I look forward to that. Cheers
MDU

Skyryder

20th June 2006, 18:19

Saw a promo for Fair Go Monday night. They were doing a fuel test of some sort. Any one see it or know what this was about??

Skyryder

Phurrball

20th June 2006, 19:23

Prepay upsets me in general, as I formerly worked at a full-service, independently owned garage in Dunedin. Yep, we even washed your windscreen while the fuel was going in, made up 2-stroke for yer mower or filled up your bike (if you wanted us to...) very carefully! *sigh*

Can't say I've ever had too much of a problem getting a pre-pay pump unlocked to fill my bike. The Gull I usually go to has a single pump for filling up at night, so I go to that pump.

Beware using Mobil's EFTPOS at pump with a credit card - they use some sort of odd $100 debit system that is refunded after a week as a form of payment insurance. Mrs P spotted discrepancies in her available Visa balance and phoned them (the bank) up. This is how we found out that Mobil do this odd thing. Fine if you have lots of available credit...but not so good when you're a student with a $500 limit.

My other gripe with EFTPOS at pump is that the card readers are always gammy. The farthest, least used pump is the best bet for a card reader that actually works!

That all said, support independent garages that offer actual service! Not the fuel company owned sites that offer till-monkey, button-pushers that couldn't make up 5L of 25:1 2-stroke if their life depended on it!

(no offence to those employees who I'm sure don't have choice in their job description, remember I used to be one too, but I got to know my regulars, and took pride in offering full service)

Virago

20th June 2006, 23:47

Quartida

21st June 2006, 00:08

Yep, we even washed your windscreen while the fuel was going in

Wow, I actually had forgotten that that used to happen.

SwanTiger

21st June 2006, 00:13

(no offence to those employees who I'm sure don't have choice in their job description, remember I used to be one too, but I got to know my regulars, and took pride in offering full service)

Great Post.

Personally, if I come across a gas station that provides me with a great service I always make a mental note and use them again. The BP Service Station and occasionally the Kopu Mobil are the only two stations on the Coro Loop where I've "Enjoyed" there service.

A small amount of effort certainly makes a huge difference.

Virago

21st June 2006, 00:16

Great post.......
........And congrats on the 1000, swanny....:yes:

ZeroIndex

21st June 2006, 06:23

Never used pre-pay yet, hopefully I never will. Between three vehicles, I spend around $8,000 - $9,000 a year on gas, 90% of that at the same station. The day they ask me to pay in advance is the day I take my business elsewhere...

You're right Phurrball, about "the good old days". When service station staff where out on the forecourt, there wasn't the same "drive off" problem.

My biggest gripe with self-service at these huge "fuel barns", is that they will often have only one check-out operating, with a huge queue of customers waiting to pay. They've got you over a barrel, as having taken the fuel, you have to pay.....
with reference to "the good old days" in south africa, back in my ignorant days (driving a car), you never actually needed to get out of your car at a petrol station.. you would get there, click the petrol cap. tell the attendant "full it up, check the oil and water, and the air pressure in the tires, wash the windscreen".. then when that was all done, hand over your card/cash, you'd get your change back (you'd normally tip the attendant a 1 or 2 rand (south african currency).. not much, but for argument sake, just say $1 (if your car took $200 worth of petrol)

The only reason for getting out of your car, was if you wanted to get ripped off at the petrol station food thingy, or go to the bathroom..

Motu

21st June 2006, 08:02

Ah,the good old days ''on the pumps'' .I hated it as I'm not too good at mental arithmetic and giving change.I'd be out there with money stuffed in my pockets giving change on the fly with what I had on me,and we went down to the last cent in those days.I'd come back inside after 10 transactions and go oh fuck - and just ring it up as one sale.We had bulk oil on tap out there too...and a shot of RedX.It was a pain when credit cards came out - you'd be really busy,and some prick would say he wanted to pay by card....so you'd have to go inside and run his frigging card through the zip zap machine while keeping an eye on all the customers out at the pumps.There was no display at the till,you read off the pumps,and if they hung up it would go back to zero - ''oh,I just got a couple of bucks worth mate''...yeah right.Next day the office lady went through ''the tape'',and if it didn't all add up there was hell to pay...for real...out of your own pocket! Service with a snear.

Ixion

21st June 2006, 08:56

RedX. That's the stuff I was trying to think of the other day when people were talking about additives.

What happened to it?

"Gelignite Jack" Murray reckoned it worked, and HE oughta know. Anyone else remember Gelignite Jack, and the Round Australia Trial. Now that was a proper rally!

Motu

21st June 2006, 11:10

RedX? - shit,we just used ATF,looked the same and probably did the same job.My father always said - ''fill 'er up and a shot of RedX mate'' when we stopped for gas in the Humber 80.

The RedX Round Australia Trial must of been a huge test of cars back then - I wonder how far my Diamante would get in those conditions?

sunhuntin

21st June 2006, 20:27

Or they could make you syphon it back out?...

i work for bp....and have had a few people put the wrong petrol in their vehicle [diesel in a petrol and vice versa] fact is...it is then up to the customer to get their vehicle towed and drained...it is illegal to drain petrol on a forecourt [what my manager told me] and even if we could...where would we put it? as someone else said, the petrol once in a tank is contaminated and cant be used again.

my site doesnt have prepay, and im more than happy for any bikes that come in leave their lids on....i do when im filling. we work the forecourt....staff member out on the court about 90% of the time...we do oil, water, tyres, windscreens if asked. i know how to mix 25:1 lawnmower petrol....but only if its done by liters...being asked for $10 2stroke oil mix [$2per 200ml oil to 5 liters i think] i know youll get more than 5 liters for $8 [or thereabouts] so makes it tricky to work out. the owner of my site owns all 4 bp here in wangas....the 3 on the same side of the river are all bp2go...one of which runs 98, due to customer demand. the other 2 2gos run 95, and the 4th bp is just a regular bp which also runs 95 [i think...they are the ones with shitty service]

only time we fail to meet our customers expectations is when we are trying to get lpg bottles filled.... then its a case of the customer is allowed to fill their car, but not allowed to fill their gas bottle. we still serve cars if we get the chance, but dont really have time to do oil and what not.

ixion....we use valvemaster for an additive...im guessin thats the same as redx?

Edbear

21st June 2006, 20:37

Saw a promo for Fair Go Monday night. They were doing a fuel test of some sort. Any one see it or know what this was about??

Skyryder

Seen th thread about it yet?

Quartida

22nd June 2006, 00:17

No...? Linky linky please.

/EDIT: Ahem. http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=31218

Wolf

22nd June 2006, 14:23

One of the service stations near where I live is on permanent prepay, another nearby was still on prepay at 1 in the afternoon - pissed me off... To the point that when I rolled into another servo before seven in the morning and was able to just put the petrol in and go inside and pay I actually thanked the bloke for not being on prepay. He said they do have prepay for the middle of the night and I said "yeah, but it's not on now while your competitors up the road were still on prepay in the middle of the afternoon."

My take on prepay: perhaps if they stopped ripping us off, they wouldn't have to be so worried about people stealing it. (That is, the companies who set the prices and the policies.)