Diesel too dirty?

[mhh]

I know there are plenty of diesel fans here so I'm sure I'll get a response...

My wife's Benz E500 wagon is due for changeover soon and the new E-class will be out shortly. They have both diesel and petrol versions. I like the economy of diesels, but I hate the look of the filthy pump at the servo. How do diesel owners feel about this part of the ownership experience?

Taking this a bit further, it strikes me as remarkable how little innovation there has been in filling station technology generally. Gassing up the car today is no better than it was 20 years ago. Where's the progress?

[gldgti]

personally, i can't say that i mirror your concerns.

people seem to complain about "dirty diesel pumps" but there are plenty that arent dirty at all. i use one every week. its just the same as the petrol ones next to it.

furthermore, does the "once a week or less" notion of filling up at a potentially dirty fuel bowser really put you off owning a diesel? i would have thought there are far too many benefits to be outweighed by such a small negative aspect.

surely the fact that you will be at the fuel bowser less often with a diesel is reason enough.

[mhh]

Mmmmm.....

http://blogs.drive.com.au/2007/06/the_diesel_experience_is_dread.html

[poyta]

Thats a pretty pathetic reason to dislike the idea of owning a diesel but surprisingly its something I've heard a lot. its not like filling the car is meant to be some kind of pleasurable experience? Is filling up a petrol so orgasmic?

yes occasionally you get a pump thats covered in diesel and your hand can end up stinking but I just get into the habit now first getting a paper towel that's next to the pump and holding that before grabbing the nozzle - also BP stations now as part of their premium diesel range have "wet One" dispensors- which is almost better than sex

[gldgti]

read the comments posted below the article...

the voice of 'un-reason' is quashed by the sensibility of public experience.

[Purgi]

I recently had a Passat CC as a loan car while my car was in getting the aircon fixed... first time I had ever driven a diesel. They asked that I return the car with a quarter tank (which was the level it was at when I picked it up). After tootling round town, I casually drive into a station, grab the diesel pump and.. ick.

I don't know if it would ever stop me from buying a diesel but I'd never experienced that in the thousands of petrol fills over 20 years. Up until that day, if I saw a guy filling up a diesel with a paper towel around the pump I'd probably think to myself.. wow, what a fruit.

[Guest212]

I'd probably think to myself.. wow, what a fruit.

So? That's what you're thinking. Imagine what people were thinking while you were driving around in a Passat CC diesel...

[TDIESEL]

Yeah, dirty pumps are a downside but they are easily outweighed by the benefits of owning a diesel powered car.

As mentioned above, using paper towel (or rag you keep in boot) around the handle will stop you from getting dirty or smelly hands. Alternatively, use the servo's toilets to wash your your hands and leave a mess for them to clean up in retaliation for having dirty pumps (jk)

[KWICKS]

I have only once refuelled a diesel vehicle (Hilux). But I go to the servo every week, and shop exclusively at Caltex due to a staff (family is staff) discount, no other loyalties here. I have noticed the Vortex diesel pumps have on the pole next to them a dispenser device that contains wet detergent wipes. It has a Vortex Diesel sticker on it. I think this might be a small way of addressing your concern? Have a look for it?

[vmq6695]

Paper towels do not do a good job of removing diesel fuel from hands, but might work - a TDiesel suggested - as a barrier. Wet wipes do a fair job; soap and water plus a towel, are best. If you have the time.

But even better is to avoid getting diesel fuel on your hands.

Some (not all) Caltex servos supply free nitrile gloves at their diesel pumps.

In this world of HIV-AIDS, Hep C etc, you (and every responsible driver, prepared for the worst - meaning a crash involving yourself or one to which you may need to render first aid) should carry (as do all police, ambos, etc) disposable gloves.

I prefer latex gloves to nitrile gloves. A box of latex gloves (latex is biodegradable; but some people are allergic to a protein that is found in some brands of latex gloves) is inexpensive.

Cheers

V

[Transporter]

Never thought about it that way. I always wash my hands when I get home and always before I eat but reading this post I'm worried now I think I take your advice...sell my cars, and from tomorrow I transport myself around only on bicycle.

P.S.The gloves are good idea.

[TDIESEL]

I prefer latex gloves to nitrile gloves.

We won't ask why

[neil]

I recall one member on here sometime ago saying if the pump was filthy he
would use paper towel and leave it at the counter for the operator, in protest
to get them to clean the thing.

[Greg Roles]

Firstly, you'll be at the servo a LOT less each year in a diesel. That for me is a huge plus. I use the same BP all the time, and 95% of the time the pump is fine.

Secondly, I usually fill up in business attire, and have only occasionally have ended up with a diesel covered hand. Even then you can use the supplied wet ones, me, I just wipe it on my suit pants.

Finally, if you're that girly about it, please don't join the diesel club, it's bad for the image. No sooks.

[jettapilot]

I'm a mature (well, in age terms at least) female diesel driver and I have had no unpleasant experiences at the diesel pumps. I,too, am usually in busines attire. They seem much the same as petrol pumps to me. In fact, I think petrol smells worse. And you don't hear of teenagers getting off on 'diesel-sniffing'.

Only once did I pull up at a truck-sized nozzle at an unfamiliar station. The car-sized one was nearby. No worries.

Running at 5.3L/100kms. At a relatively constant $1.19 /L.

As for gloves, employers must supply a first aid kit for all on-road employees and gloves are included. But I don't use them at the fuel pump! It's a good idea for everyone to carry a fully stocked first aid kit in the car.