The Kansas Department of Agriculture’s weights and measures program inspectors test approximately 26,000 gas pumps throughout the state at least once every 18 months, according to a fact sheet from the department.
The compliance rate for gas-pump accuracy in 2006 and 2007 was 96 percent.
Inspectors also randomly collect fuel samples that are analyzed by a private laboratory. The tests are to check for impurities in the fuel and to confirm that the octane rating of the fuel matches the octane label at the pump.
In 2007, the compliance rate on fuel quality was 94 percent, down from 97 percent in previous years, the fact sheet stated.
The sheet also provided warning signs that a pump might not be accurate. Signs to watch for include:
• Pump hose leaking fuel
• Meter does not start at zero or does not reset to zero.
• Total gallons multiplied by price per gallon does not equal the total cost of the sale.
• The display cannot be read because of burned-out bulbs, broken glass, or other defect.
• The pump has a sign stating “Total sale is doubled” or the computer will not compute at the actual per-gallon price.
• Pump does not have a state approval sticker, or the last date is more than 18 months old.
• Errors on the receipt, whether in number of gallons dispensed, price per gallon, or total purchase price.
“Bad gas can cause a host of problems, ranging from reduced fuel efficiency to an engine that won’t run,” the sheet said.
Check with a mechanic first to identify a cause, if you think the problem is due to bad fuel. If that is the case, report it at once to:
Kansas Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures, Forbes Field Building 282, PO Box 19282, Topeka KS 66619-0282, or call (785) 862-2415.
Provide as much detail as possible, including when and where the purchase was made, including date, time, street address and city; the pump number, which can be found on a yellow sticker that reads “Kansas Weights and Measures Identification Number.” Also provide a clear explanation of the concern, whether it has to do with fuel quality or quantity.