It's bothered me for some time that in almost every other country, when filling up with petrol, you can hook up the handle, and let it do itself.

I'm sure it's just some silly UK health and safety legislation, but it annoys me none the less.

After a bit of investigation, I noticed that there are some small holes in the side of the filler handle.

Last time I filled up, I tried sticking a paperclip through the hole in the side, and it works! The handle will hook onto the paperclip poked through the hole and let you relax as it fills your car with fuel.

Before you ask, of course it does click off as you'd expect once it's full!

I've found it best to use one of those large paperclips, not one with ripples in it, just a flat one as it's a bit stronger, but a little one will work.

Give it a go, in this weather I love being able to put my hands in my pockets while my car fills up.

Neil.

P.S. Let me know how you get on with this trick, my girlfriend said I was stupid for working this out, so if it works for you, reply to this post, I'll show her how many people think I'm not stupid!

 

Tis indeed a H&S thing. There are reports of people locking the pump on, then going back to their seats in the car, working up a static charge, which promptly discharges into the fuel tank via the metal nozzle and hey presto, instant fireball.

Chances are probably slim to none, but it has been known! Think I saw a forecourt vid of one once....

 

I must be older than I realised - I can remember (just!) when UK pumps had the lock thingymajig still in place

Have a

 

IIRC,

They did have them once upon a time.

I use the filler cap for the same purpose - poke it in the handle, instead of hooking it on the car.

Oddly, some pumps seem to cut off if you do that.

 

Haha, thanks, I always wanted a Blue Peter badge!

(did I say that out loud)

 

....you can get them on fleabay

 

Blimey, what are they doing in the car?


Does this also mean your passengers should have to get out?

 

Hehe, not sure. Must be the nylon knickers I reckon!

 

In US states were you are allowed to pump your own gas, the nozzles had a little flip down catch set into those holes, or else you could use the filler cap to wedge the pump open.

Tried it in the UK & had the pump shut down by the attendant until I took the cap out.

 

The Humble papaer clip is also very good to reset TOM TOM when it does not want to play!