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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To try to drive home with petrol pretty much empty?

20 replies

Thattwatoverthere · 12/06/2017 17:26

Just got to a self fill petrol station and realised that the OH has my debit card. No other cards to pay with nor any cash on me.

The light came on this morning and now the car isn't even telling me how many miles to disaster. I'm usually pretty good at filling as soon as I see the light so I have no idea how far I can go.

It's 15 miles approx home down a dual carriageway but hills and traffic lights at my exit which worries me.

I'm scared to risk it and he's at least an hour away...

OP posts:
Original poster
Thattwatoverthere · 12/06/2017 17:27

The last mileage I saw before it disappeared was 30 if that makes any difference?

OP posts:
Purplevicki · 12/06/2017 17:28

Is there anyone local to you - friends or family or work colleagues - that could nip and help you out?

I wouldn't risk it myself but the. I'm a scaredy cat

Gizlotsmum · 12/06/2017 17:28

I'd risk it but I have approx 100 miles once my light comes on ( diesel )

Sciurus83 · 12/06/2017 17:29

I wouldn't risk it, get him to come to you

AyeAmarok · 12/06/2017 17:30

I'd do it. Especially as it's a dual carriageway. The light doesn't come on on my car until 50.

Is the journey home uphill or down?

What car is it?

RockPaperCut · 12/06/2017 17:31

Go to a petrol station. They'd let you fill up say £20 quid you fill in a form to return within 7 days or something to pay. I've done it before. Left my purse at home filled up then realised I didn't have it. I was mortified but they were pretty nice about it.

Backtotheoldhouse · 12/06/2017 17:33

You should get home ok imo, usually at least 30 miles grace once light comes on.

dappledlightinflight · 12/06/2017 17:34

I would fill up and go pay when you can. I have forgotten my purse a few times - they are used to it.

Telephoneringring · 12/06/2017 17:37

It's happened to me before that I realised my card was at home after filling, they kept my licence and gave it back after I returned to pay.

WellThatSucks · 12/06/2017 17:42

My DH would risk it and he'd get away with it too. Last time (the last of many many) he did it we were driving on fumes in the middle of fucking nowhere and he coasted the last few miles down a hill, through a set of lights which miraculously stayed green and straight across a gas station forecourt before rolling to a complete stop right next to a pump. If it had been me, on the other hand, we'd still be trudging down that fucking mountain road on foot with 20 miles to go before we reached a gas station.
So, if you're a lucky bastard like DH, go for it but if you're one of Fortune's not so favourites like me, don't.

AyeAmarok · 12/06/2017 17:50

Alternatively, do that thing with your phone and online banking where you can withdraw cash without your card.

PurpleDaisies · 12/06/2017 17:52

If the light's only just come on I'd have thought you'd be fine. I have run out of petrol before though so maybe I'm not the best person to give advice...

PervyMuskrat · 12/06/2017 17:56

Will you be able to get back to a petrol station to refuel or is it 15 miles each way?

bigbluebus · 12/06/2017 17:57

DH filled up at a petrol station once, went to get his wallet out to pay and realised it was missing (turned out it had been stolen from his jacket on the back of his chair at work!), He rang me and handed the phone over to the petrol station staff who took my debit card details to pay for the fuel.

Speak to the pertrol station attendant and see what they can do to help.

LadyPeterWimsey · 12/06/2017 17:59

If it's a Shell garage and you can get your card details you can register for Pay and Go, and pay that way. Or if it's an iPhone and they accept Apple Pay you could try that.

Failing that, I think most petrol stations would let you have enough to get home.

Original poster
Thattwatoverthere · 12/06/2017 18:02

I made it! Drove at 40 the whole way home whilst speaking to my car in very encouraging tones Grin. Pretty sure the other drivers weren't best pleased with me but rather that than a sudden stop.

It's a Kia Rio and now I love it more than ever. But I'm not going to be the one that has to get it from home to the next petrol station. OH is the lucky sod that gets that job Smile

Thanks all for the advice!

OP posts:
BlahBlahBlahEtc · 12/06/2017 18:04

I regularly drive my car on 'air' lol. Is it a petrol? because they're pretty forgiving with things like this. Mind you, I drive anywhere at any time regardless.

BlahBlahBlahEtc · 12/06/2017 18:04

Oo xpost! Glad you made it OP!

BoneyBackJefferson · 12/06/2017 18:18

Thattwatoverthere

But I'm not going to be the one that has to get it from home to the next petrol station. OH is the lucky sod that gets that job

Or he could buy a fuel can and fill it up on the way home.

Nikephorus · 12/06/2017 18:21

Lucky bugger. Last time I tried that I ran out & had to walk to the petrol station (until a very nice lady stopped to offer me a lift then drove me back again!!)

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