Posted by Don on November 10, 2002 at 21:38:08:
In Reply to: Re: Re: Nozzle Drive-off posted by Dick on July 25, 2002 at 17:03:18:
: : I drove off with the nozzle in the tank. I paid the service station dealer what he told me he was charged to fix it: $220.00. Before paying I checked with Shell Oil national office for a range of repair fees and the $220 was within the range they quoted me.
: : : When a customer forgets to take the nozzle out of his gas tank before beginning to drive off (after refueling) how often does that damage the nozzle?
: : : I am being charged for supposed replacement of a nozzle and I think its a scam. I stopped after a few feet and when I examined the nozzle I saw absolutely no damage whatsoever and I argued that w/ the manager at the time.
: : : How can I defend myself?
: At my gas station we have about 10 driveoffs a year.
: Only once did it damage the nozzle.
: Did the hose have a quick-disconnect fitting?
I suppose if you were willing to accept all liability for any future customer using the nozzle that you drove off with, then the gas or c-store would probably not worry about replacing it.
Remember, a bad nozzle could backsplash on the customer ruining his clothes, overfill and tarnish his paint job, and overfill to the ground causing a dangerous situation.
You might want to act normal and remove the nozzle before driving off.