BajaNomad

Don't MX gas pumps zero out automatically?

bajalearner - 1-18-2014 at 09:24 AM

I hear the warnings and see the attendant point out the pump is cleared to zero before pumping, but don't the PEMEX pumps zero automatically when switched on? The attendant enters numbers into the keypad then pump the gas but is there an option for them to leave an amount on the meter when pumping more gas? I would think if the pump handle is in the cradle, the pump is off like the US pumps and it resets automatically when started.

Sandlefoot - 1-18-2014 at 09:33 AM

If the handle is in the cradle that is the case every time I have fueled up, it holds the last amount dispensed and once the handle is removed and engaged it automatically clears to zero. I think it is a rumor that they have the ability to leave an amount on the meter. Just make sure the hose is in the cradle when you arrive. I do pay attention to the fueling process, and always count my change when I receive it, before I drive off! About the only thing they can do is change the calibration of the meters to pump less fuel than the meter reads, which is common. The best way to find a more "honest" pump is fuel up where the cab drivers do, because they know!!

Happy Trails

[Edited on 1-18-2014 by Sandlefoot]

From the other thread...

BajaDQ - 1-18-2014 at 10:29 AM

That is a well known trick that certain pump attendants have tried to pull on unsuspecting customers at the Pemex in Santa Rosalia - for years.

Also, there was a rogue attendant at another Hwy 1 Pemex that pulled off a similar trick on a customer a few years ago. The car came into the station very low on fuel, and left with NO fuel after paying for a full tank. After assuming they had a full tank, they ran out 15 or 20 miles up the road in the middle of nowhere. I will not mention the station here, because the innocent station owner went far out of his way to remedy the situation, including the immediate firing of the employee and a written apology to the victim - a stand-up guy! Just watch the pump and check your gauge before leaving!

Just one more reason why I pump my own fuel in Mexico. (If you know of this incident, please do not sully this business's reputation by mentioning where this happened)

Bajajorge - 1-18-2014 at 10:48 AM

Guess it all depends on the honesty of the operator.

bajalearner - 1-18-2014 at 10:50 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by BajaDQ
Just one more reason why I pump my own fuel in Mexico.

We can do that?

DavidE - 1-18-2014 at 10:52 AM

The newer pumps allow a dishonest station owner to add four percent to the amount of fuel actually dispensed. There exists actual "cartels" of regional station owners who frown on gasolineras who do not add the four percent "error" onto the dispenser's sales amount both in liters and money.

These informal "cartels" actually pay bribe money to PROFECO employees and government station monitoring employees (not to the agencies) to go in and hassle the owners of "accurate" gas pumps. A group of PROFECO employees arrive unannounced as per usual MO, they announce "This Station Is Closed Until We Are Finished!". A honest inspection takes minutes. A dishonest inspection can take hours. NO GAS PUMPED.

I will name one of the worst of the regional Baja California scoundrels by name SANCHEZ of Ensenada. This guy is not only a thief, he acts as sort of a coordinator for a dozen or more station owners ranging all throughout the state of Baja California. His company name is SAHISA standing for SANCHEZ Y SUS EJIOS. He has ties to regional PROFECO offices, the governor's staff, mayors and functionaries of PEMEX itself. Do as you wish, but I refuse to patronize this individual's businesses.

boe4fun - 1-18-2014 at 11:00 AM

Another scam they tried to pull on us was to place the pump handle inside of the fill tube on my truck and then explain to me that they had to go up to the payment window to "reset the pump" and I immediately looked at the amount registered for the last sale. After a few minutes the attendant returned wanting payment. I told him no way and he just smiled and shrugged his shoulders - he had obviously done this to many unsuspecting customers.

basautter - 1-19-2014 at 06:21 AM

Gotta watch the gas pumpers closely! After driving ~10K miles in Mexico, the only problems I have had were being short changed and bad exchange rates. use pesos, and pay attention. Same goes with tolls.

Floatflyer - 1-19-2014 at 07:23 AM

This is our method and has worked fine for 30 yrs.

1. Locking gas cap= No nozzle inserted until YOU unlock the cap and look at the meter during the process.

2. Stand by the nozzle and pump the entire time.

3. If traveling with another person, when pumping is completed tell them how much the amount is and THEY pay the attendant. Another set of eyes so that no confusion on how much was charged OR how much money was handed over. Give the attendant ALL the money at one time, don't give him a 200 peso note and then look for more money.

4. Always have change on hand. If truly concerned, request a peso amount to be pumped, ie, $400, $500, etc.

5. This should be a no brainer, but amazing things happen=Pay in Pesos!

We virtually always give the attendant a small tip, especially if you use one station all the time.

Cappy - 1-19-2014 at 07:55 AM

Look for the taxi drivers. Amazing how many stations you drive by that are without patrons. When you find the right one there are usually 3-4 cars. Check your change.

Osprey - 1-19-2014 at 07:56 AM

Best scam ever was at the station by the airport in SJDC. Attendant takes your 500 peso note to the office for change and never comes back. You finally ask another attendant "Where'd that guy go?". He says "What guy". The old disappearing attendant trick.

Locations

bajaguy - 1-19-2014 at 08:10 AM

And where might these SANCHEZ stations be located in Ensenada??
Quote:
Originally posted by DavidE
The newer pumps allow a dishonest station owner to add four percent to the amount of fuel actually dispensed. There exists actual "cartels" of regional station owners who frown on gasolineras who do not add the four percent "error" onto the dispenser's sales amount both in liters and money.

These informal "cartels" actually pay bribe money to PROFECO employees and government station monitoring employees (not to the agencies) to go in and hassle the owners of "accurate" gas pumps. A group of PROFECO employees arrive unannounced as per usual MO, they announce "This Station Is Closed Until We Are Finished!". A honest inspection takes minutes. A dishonest inspection can take hours. NO GAS PUMPED.

I will name one of the worst of the regional Baja California scoundrels by name SANCHEZ of Ensenada. This guy is not only a thief, he acts as sort of a coordinator for a dozen or more station owners ranging all throughout the state of Baja California. His company name is SAHISA standing for SANCHEZ Y SUS EJIOS. He has ties to regional PROFECO offices, the governor's staff, mayors and functionaries of PEMEX itself. Do as you wish, but I refuse to patronize this individual's businesses.

Simple Math

J.P. - 1-19-2014 at 10:04 AM

The exchange rate fluctuates hourly and the Pemex exchange rate rarely and if you are Mathematically challenged like some of us its just easier to pay in Pesos. There are some merchants that are still hung up on the old 10 to 1 rate of exchange and i would almost guarantee none of them could tell you what the exchange rate is today. The point being why worry use the currency of the land and set your self free.
Are there short change artist in various establishments? you can Bet on it. count your Money and carry small bills, most places don't have change or say they don't in hopes you will say Keep the Change.

Bajajorge - 1-19-2014 at 11:07 AM

One time I was filling a 19 liter gas can, and the pump said the can took 22 liters to fill. Somebodies math was off.:biggrin: