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‘Can Anyone Explain?:' Man Pumps Gas at Shell Station. Then He Takes a Closer Look at Where His Fuel Is Coming From
‘Can Anyone Explain?:' Man Pumps Gas at Shell Station. Then He Takes a Closer Look at Where His Fuel Is Coming From

Motor 1

time3 days ago

  • Automotive
  • Motor 1

‘Can Anyone Explain?:' Man Pumps Gas at Shell Station. Then He Takes a Closer Look at Where His Fuel Is Coming From

When a man spotted just two pipes running from the ground into a three-grade fuel pump, he asked a question that earned him plenty of snark online. But here's the thing: He wasn't wrong to wonder. If you've ever chosen mid-grade gas, you've unknowingly been part of a clever little chemistry experiment. In a clip that's been viewed more than 3 million times, TikToker Jesse Miller ( @jess_m603 ) looks at the exposed piping on the gas pump he's using and wonders aloud why only two pipes are feeding into the pump from the underground storage tanks. Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . He asks, 'Does anyone want to explain to me why there's two pipes that go in, but there's three (octane) options?' What Miller stumbled upon is actually how most gas stations across the U.S. work. Despite offering three fuel grades (typically 87, 89, and 91 or 93 octane), many stations only store two types of gasoline underground: regular (87 octane) and premium (91 or 93 octane). The midgrade option isn't stored separately; instead, it is created at the pump by blending the other two. This is a standard, regulated practice in the industry, not some shady corner-cutting maneuver. The pump blends the two fuels in real-time to create a consistent mid-grade option, all under the control of precision hardware and software. How Blended Midgrade Fuel Works Trending Now Pittsburgh Man Is Tired of Getting Roasted for Buying a Ford Bronco Sport. Then He Does Something About It 'They Would Exchange Stories Like it Was Vietnam:' Man Says Enterprise Was the 'Worst Job' He Ever Had. Here's Why Midgrade blending typically occurs either in the pump's metering chamber or in the fuel line leading to the nozzle. The proportions are managed by the dispenser's onboard software, which adjusts the mix according to the octane rating selected by the customer. For mid-grade, that might mean dispensing 50% regular fuel and 50% premium, although the exact ratio can vary depending on the specific grades used. The process is highly regulated. Blended fuel must meet strict octane accuracy standards enforced by state Weights and Measures programs. Pump calibration must be accurate to within a fraction of an octane point. Local agencies routinely inspect these dispensers to ensure compliance with these standards. The practice of blending fuel at the dispenser is a carefully engineered solution that reduces costs and simplifies operations at fuel stations. Most stations are designed with just two underground storage tanks . Having fewer tanks also means fewer potential failure points. With less hardware underground, there is a reduced risk of environmental contamination from tank leaks, and fewer inspections are needed to stay in compliance with state and federal regulations. According to the American Petroleum Institute, minimizing underground storage complexity helps operators reduce long-term environmental liability and operating overhead. For station owners, using pump-blending technology also means greater flexibility. Instead of dedicating a third tank to mid-grade fuel , something that may sell less frequently, they can create it only when needed, optimizing space and costs without compromising fuel quality. Is It Legit? Or a Scam? Miller's post solicited a lot of jokes, some at his expense. One person jested that the pipes pump Coca-Cola and water. Another jibed, 'Same reason why your sink can do hot, cold, and warm.' A third wrote, 'Hold onto your hat, but if you go even farther there's only one hose.' Despite the suspicions and jokes in the comments, there's no deception involved in this process. Fuel blending at the pump is a well-established and legal practice in the United States, regulated by both federal and state agencies. Each state maintains its own Weights and Measures program , which is responsible for inspecting fuel pumps, verifying accuracy, and ensuring compliance with labeling and volume regulations. Dispenser calibration is regularly tested to ensure that the proper octane levels are being delivered. Violations, such as dispensing under-octane fuel or shorting customers on volume, can result in significant fines or temporary shutdowns. Consumers are protected not only by automated systems inside the pumps themselves, but by regular oversight and enforcement from local regulators. Motor1 reached out to Miller via direct message. We'll update this article if he responds. More From Motor1 'Completely Misses the Point:' Germany Slams the EU's Gas Car Rental Ban Idea 'So Do Not Forget It:' Lamborghini Owner Says This Is How Much Gas Caps Are. So Why Isn't It Attached to the Car? 'If He Acts Like That From Rejection in Public…:' Female Motorcyclist Gets Hit on by Man at a Gas Station. Then She Rejects Him The 2026 Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake Is the Antidote to Luxury SUVs Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )

‘How Bad Is This?:' Woman Opens Up Her Gas Tank. Then She Sees What Her Son Stuck Inside. Is it Fixable?
‘How Bad Is This?:' Woman Opens Up Her Gas Tank. Then She Sees What Her Son Stuck Inside. Is it Fixable?

Motor 1

time4 days ago

  • Automotive
  • Motor 1

‘How Bad Is This?:' Woman Opens Up Her Gas Tank. Then She Sees What Her Son Stuck Inside. Is it Fixable?

Kids do the darndest things. Sometimes it can end up costing their parents big bucks. It can happen in an instant. You're taking care of a child, and one moment they're playing peacefully, and the next they've cut their sibling's hair, taken a sudden fall, or shattered one of your coveted knick-knacks. Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . In a viral video with more than 1.1 million views, mom Leigha Barth ( @watersmagic ) shared the not-so-great surprise her son left in her car. In the TikTok, Barth appears to be at a gas station about to pump when she notices something weird in the fuel hole. When she takes a closer look, Barth notices something strange that isn't usually there—a small stick stealthily inserted by her son when she wasn't looking. 'Welp…any advice?? My son put sticks in my gas tank. I did NOT get all of it out,' she says in the text overlay. In the caption, she asks mechanics, 'How bad is this?' What Should She Do? Getting something in your gas tank is definitely concerning, but this isn't necessarily a worst-case scenario. The severity depends on several factors: the size of the debris, how far it's traveled into the system, and whether your car has been driven since it happened, according to several car forums . Trending Now 'Just Beware:' Woman Buys A 2025 Nissan Rogue. She Says This One Feature Can Be Risky If You Don't Pay Attention 'I'm So Sorry For Wasting Y'all's Time:' Woman Notices a 'Burning' Smell in Her New Car. The Mechanic Says Something Unexpected Most modern fuel systems have built-in protections. There's typically a fuel pickup screen at the bottom of the tank that's designed to catch debris before it can reach the fuel pump. The fuel filler neck also has some natural barriers that prevent larger objects from reaching the actual tank. What you should do: Don't start or drive the car until you've addressed the issue: Try to remove what you can see using long tweezers, needle-nose pliers, or similar tools; and Get professional help if you can't remove all the debris or if any has fallen deeper into the tank. If organic material like wood breaks down in gasoline, it could create smaller particles that might clog filters or damage fuel system components. In worst-case scenarios where debris reaches the fuel pump or injectors, repair costs can range from hundreds to over a thousand dollars. Many people have dealt with kids, or perhaps a jilted ex , putting various objects in gas tanks. Often the debris can be removed without major expense if caught quickly. The key is acting fast and not driving the vehicle until the problem is resolved. A professional mechanic can assess whether the tank needs to be dropped and cleaned or if simpler removal methods will work. DIY or Take It to a Mechanic? People who reacted to Barth's post had conflicting suggestions about what she should do. Some were more serious than others. 'Get rid of the kid for sure,' a top commenter joked. 'Shrink the kid and make him fish it out. Call Rick Moranis or Wonka ASAP,' another added. A commenter who identified themself as a mechanic reassured Barth that it might not require professional assistance. 'Get what you can out, any of it that makes it to the tank isn't going to hurt anything. The pump will be fine. The filters wont clog up from that, the pump won't be affected, you can drive it where ever you need to go,' they wrote. 'I would even let my wife drive with the kids if this was our car is how little of an issue it is as long as you get enough out of the filler neck to allow gas to pump in normally. Get one of the skinny grab thingys from Harbor Freight or somewhere similar to get down in there and get any visible pieces out.' More From Motor1 'Completely Misses the Point:' Germany Slams the EU's Gas Car Rental Ban Idea 'So Do Not Forget It:' Lamborghini Owner Says This Is How Much Gas Caps Are. So Why Isn't It Attached to the Car? 'If He Acts Like That From Rejection in Public…:' Female Motorcyclist Gets Hit on by Man at a Gas Station. Then She Rejects Him 'Disaster for Me:' Hyundai's Sports Car Boss Mourns The Loss of Gas Hot Hatches Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )

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