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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To wonder why people don’t use both lanes in the petrol station?

248 replies

Horcrux · 01/12/2019 17:05

Do people not realise that the hose reaches around to the other side so that you don’t have to wait to use the tank closest to your cap?
Or do people know this but have a reason for not doing it?
AIBU for parking on either side?

OP posts:
redcarbluecar · 01/12/2019 17:06

Lol, I wonder that too. Definite YANBU

speakout · 01/12/2019 17:07

I am glad they don't- easier for me to skip the popular queue and ger served faster.

dementedma · 01/12/2019 17:07

People are nuts. I love swinging in past the queuing ones and then just reaching the hose over. I have no idea why people don’t do it.

SoupDragon · 01/12/2019 17:08

Do people not realise that the hose doesn't always reach to the far side?

If it comes from the top of the pump it will, if it comes from the bottom, it might not. I was "told off" at a Shell garage once for trying to make the hose reach,

Legomanships · 01/12/2019 17:08

I don’t do it because I think I’ll end up not being able to actually make the hose reach and then I’ll be mortified...Blush

Inspiralcarpetry · 01/12/2019 17:09

I really hate it when people hang back to wait and see which pump is likely to be free next. Resulting in cars queuing behind them into the entrance and the road. Pick a bloody pump and take your chances!

Likethebattle · 01/12/2019 17:09

I can’t drag the hose that far and I’m not tiny so it must be hard for some people.

WannabeCleaner15 · 01/12/2019 17:09

I did once and found the hose did not stretch to reach my petrol tank Blush or maybe I wasn’t parked close enough. Either way, I’ve never attempted it again.

icantfind · 01/12/2019 17:09

I have a big car and whilst it does reach around it only just reaches and I have to pull /twist the hose. I’d rather wait a few extra minutes for an easier fill!

Pipandmum · 01/12/2019 17:09

I have occasionally but it's easier to do it the side my cap is on. Seems same queue both sides usually anyway.

Ratbagcatbag · 01/12/2019 17:09

I did it once and the hose scratched my (at the time) very new car.
Plus it was a faff. I'm happy to wait for the one on "my" side. 🤷🏼‍♀️

I don't get people who don't use pay at pump though. A zillion times quicker.

compulsiveliar2019 · 01/12/2019 17:09

They don't always reach round. For longer vehicles - 7 seaters etc the fuel holes are often too far forward for the hoses to reach. The car I drive most just reach but only if I'm able to line up perfectly so I only do it at petrol stations I know well and when it's not busy so I can reposition if needs be.

adaline · 01/12/2019 17:09

Because it doesn't always reach.

I queue because it's easier and I'd rather wait a few extra minutes than try and drag it over and then realise I can't get it to stretch far enough!

SoupDragon · 01/12/2019 17:09

This is about the eleventh billionth time this thread has been done on MN so I know exactly how it will go. It will be like the Jets and the
Sharks in West Side Story with one half claiming it always reaches and one half saying it doesn't.

crazycatgal · 01/12/2019 17:10

Because some people don't want to scratch their cars.

Thegreymethod · 01/12/2019 17:10

They don't always and I've been stung that way before so now I always wait for the pump on the correct side.

Hopefloatsaway · 01/12/2019 17:10

Ooh, this along with inheritance threads are my favourite topics.
The hoses reach both sides. Some people can’t position their cars properly and automatically think the hoses don’t stretch.
If you want to queue up feel free, leaves the other pumps free for people who can position properly

pinkstripeycat · 01/12/2019 17:12

I don’t like it when pay at pump people go in to the shop to pay. Pay at pump is meant to be faster

pinkstripeycat · 01/12/2019 17:12

If you park as close as you can to the pump the hose will always reach round the other side

dementedpixie · 01/12/2019 17:13

Not all hoses stretch. I have been at some stations where signs tell you they wont reach. I'd rather just wait tbh

MuchTooTired · 01/12/2019 17:14

I too have a big car, and whilst I can generally make it reach, I can’t always see the dash showing how much diesel is going in. My car costs £120 to fill and I’m easily distracted by my twins in the back so I’ll queue if I don’t know the petrol station.

dementedpixie · 01/12/2019 17:14

If you have a money off voucher you need to go inside to pay

ilovesooty · 01/12/2019 17:14

Not all cards are accepted at Pay at Pump.

MissRabbitNeedsAHoliday · 01/12/2019 17:14

I don’t do it because I think I’ll end up not being able to actually make the hose reach and then I’ll be mortified... me too 😂😳

I always pay at the pump though if that slightly redeems me!

redcarbluecar · 01/12/2019 17:14

Surely people don’t always use pay at pump because they might want to buy a nice treat in the shop.