1. The person filling asks you about the capacity of the tank. If you intend to fill full tank (about 37-38 litres when the orange warning comes on) do not disclose how much might go in.
2. There are too many people around to distract you. People asking Cash or Card, Windscreen Cleaning, Whats’s the Mileage, etc are all distracting tactics. They will fill your tank for more than what it can take!!
3. The person filling constantly keeps tinkering with the nozzle lever. The constant release – re-release of that lever disrupts the flow of fuel. Since the pump does not react that fast, it keeps on counting.
4. You ask for fuel worth Rs 1000/-, they fill for 200/- and claim miscommunication. What they actually do is, they pretend to fill the balance without reseting the counter. Result, you get Rs 800/- worth fuel while paying Rs 1000/-.

Chances are that the vehicle is giving good mileage but you are filling less gas. Fact.

How to counter this? Simple…

Just follow the simple tactics. Or develop your own counter tactics.

1. Dont get distracted.
2. Chance on them, ask for Rs 1500/- worth of fuel or full tank and ask to stop at 1000/-, decide and change your mind suddenly. (a friend suggested recently)
3. Check the counter at all times.
4. Ask the guy filling (politely) to not touch the nozzle while filling. Clearly tell him. “Don’t touch till it reaches 36 litres” (if filling full tank).

Given all the above, many pumps do have their counters rigged, in that case, look for sudden drop in mileage as a tell tale sign of less fuel in the tank.