How does exactly the "Gas Pump" work; how do we know if we are really getting what we paid for?

Answer 1

in my state the gas pumps are inspected and certified that the gas indicated on the pump is the actual amount that go into the tank.

Answer 2

In general consumer protection in the US totally sucks and I am assuming this is a US question. But class action law suits make millions for lawyers and I expect giving short measure at gas stations would be a vast case if you could prove it.

In the UK they check the pump calibration every single day, they use test measures and they pump a couple of gallons of each grade from each pump into each measure. If the pump doesn't dispense within the required tolerance it is taken out of service. What they pump out is just dumped back into the tanks.

In the UK they also have "weights and measures" which is part of Customs and Excise, they come along at random and test the same way, they also check the calibrated measures being used. Giving short measure is a huge issue, big fines.

Answer 3

You are getting cheated at the gas pumps. Every time you feel a "bump" in the pump, you are getting an air bubble, and that is counted as gasoline. Therefore, you are also paying for air, as well as the gas. You might be missing about a tenth of a gallon with every fill up. No wonder they charge 9/10 at every gas station. That pays for the air bubbles in their gasoline.

Answer 4

I have always questioned this as well. There are too many stations to be properly monitored, and I have read of stations doing a couple of things to cheat you.

1) They short you on the gas. This can be set within the software (on newer pumps)

2) They cheat you on octane ratings. i.e. You pay for 93, but you get 91

Answer 5

gear and levers ma'am gears and levers.
also , you get more when its coldes, like late at night or early morning due to the heat expansion