OK, we all heard about how we are getting ripped off at the pump because when its hot out we get less gass than what it says on the meter due to expansion. Doesn't the opposite also hold true that we get more gas when its freezing cold out (like right now!)?????
2007-12-14 03:55:50 · 4 answers · asked by Matt 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Other - Science
The gasoline is actually always at pretty much the same temperature, because it's in an underground tank. You don't have to go very deep at all and the ground temperature is right around 55 degrees F, year 'round. This is why they've FINALLY started installing geothermal heat pumps in place of regular HVAC systems in many places. 55 degrees is plenty cool for summer cooling, and much warmer than the usual wintertime outdoor air temperature, so it's good all year.
2007-12-14 13:27:24 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
The thermal expansion effects are likely to be second order compared to willful pump miscalibration by the service stations. If they calibrate their pumps to deliver only 3.9 quarts per gallon shown on the dial, you wouldn't notice the difference on any single purchase. However, the extra profit for them would be huge because of the volumes involved. Since there are so few pump inspectors and so many gas stations, the risk of any particular dealer getting caught with jiggered pumps in tiny, and even if they do the fines are small.
As in so many things, the odds always favor the house.
2007-12-14 10:20:52 · answer #2 · answered by gcnp58 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Freezing?
Its 72 degrees in Auburn, AL.
2007-12-14 04:47:45 · answer #3 · answered by Lady Geologist 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You guys are getting ripped off all the time, regardless of the weather. I'm getting richer by the minute cause I bought BP and Exon-Mobile shares back in 1998.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
2007-12-14 05:28:07 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋