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Gas Inspectors Aim To Make Sure Measurements Are Correct
Every Gas Pump Is Inspected Annually
UPDATED: 4:02 pm CDT August 27,
2008
MIDDLETON, Wis. -- Of the tens of thousands of gas pumps in the state of Wisconsin each one gets inspected every year.
VIDEO: Watch The ReportThe rules are strict, the inspections are regimented and are carefullySpecial cylinders used by inspectors like Jared Williams, designed to make sure you're getting what you pay for at the pump."These are two standard five gallon test measures," said Williams. "We'll test every pump and every grade at a gas station.""Well I like to know that someone's on top of it, looking out for us," said Traci Kindschi.Craig Harmel said he hopes that he is actually getting the right amount when he fills up his tank."All the time, you know you never know, you just throw it in and hope you're getting what they say you're getting," said Harmel.The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection said consumers can be sure of it, WISC-TV reported."About 99.5 percent of the time, the consumer can expect that the pump is either delivering within tolerances or is giving them more product than the tolerances would allow," said Judy Cardin with the Department of Ag Trade & Consumer Protection.Out of the 767 gas pumps inspected so far this year in Dane County, only four under delivered, and they were all here at a Mobil Station in Middleton and inspectors said that was an isolated problem, and that was quickly corrected, WISC-TV reported.In a five gallon test, pumps are only legally allowed to be off by six cubic inches, which is about a tablespoon."So this pump right now would be at a minus one cubic inch, which is well within the tolerance for five gallons," said Williams. "What we're trying to simulate is a normal fill up of a vehicle."Every gas pump should have a sticker attached to it letting consumers know that the pumps have been inspected. If people don't see a stocker, they can ask the station attendant, but that means it has been and the stickers for the last inspection year were red, now black ones are being phased in, WISC-TV reported.Occasionally, people feel they aren't getting what they have paid for and gas officials said such complaints are on the rise.Normally in a year they get 250 complaints, they've already hit that mark this year. But what people can do is just call the number on that sticker and report it and an inspection will be scheduled, WISC-TV reported.
VIDEO: Watch The ReportThe rules are strict, the inspections are regimented and are carefullySpecial cylinders used by inspectors like Jared Williams, designed to make sure you're getting what you pay for at the pump."These are two standard five gallon test measures," said Williams. "We'll test every pump and every grade at a gas station.""Well I like to know that someone's on top of it, looking out for us," said Traci Kindschi.Craig Harmel said he hopes that he is actually getting the right amount when he fills up his tank."All the time, you know you never know, you just throw it in and hope you're getting what they say you're getting," said Harmel.The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection said consumers can be sure of it, WISC-TV reported."About 99.5 percent of the time, the consumer can expect that the pump is either delivering within tolerances or is giving them more product than the tolerances would allow," said Judy Cardin with the Department of Ag Trade & Consumer Protection.Out of the 767 gas pumps inspected so far this year in Dane County, only four under delivered, and they were all here at a Mobil Station in Middleton and inspectors said that was an isolated problem, and that was quickly corrected, WISC-TV reported.In a five gallon test, pumps are only legally allowed to be off by six cubic inches, which is about a tablespoon."So this pump right now would be at a minus one cubic inch, which is well within the tolerance for five gallons," said Williams. "What we're trying to simulate is a normal fill up of a vehicle."Every gas pump should have a sticker attached to it letting consumers know that the pumps have been inspected. If people don't see a stocker, they can ask the station attendant, but that means it has been and the stickers for the last inspection year were red, now black ones are being phased in, WISC-TV reported.Occasionally, people feel they aren't getting what they have paid for and gas officials said such complaints are on the rise.Normally in a year they get 250 complaints, they've already hit that mark this year. But what people can do is just call the number on that sticker and report it and an inspection will be scheduled, WISC-TV reported.Copyright 2008 by Channel 3000. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
