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Date:         Thu, 7 Dec 2006 19:28:56 -0800
Reply-To:     Gary Bawden <goldfieldgary@YAHOO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Gary Bawden <goldfieldgary@YAHOO.COM>
Subject:      Re: Fwd: Stranded - my first heartbreak
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1


Volks,


I'm dragging out the ol' soapbox for a moment. Some of you may not be aware of it, but since the EPA started to pay attention to leaking gasoline storage tanks, many of the mom & pop gas stations have gone the way of the dodo, rather than spend the big bucks required to upgrade. As a result, just because you see a place on a map that's big enough to have a name, it's really best not to assume you can get some gas there. Where I live (here in Nevada), there's ONE gas station, and if you don't have a credit card you'll not necessarily be able to get gas, as the station is not always open. Going south, next gas is 67 miles. Going west, it's about 85 miles. North, only 27 miles, but if you want to head east from there and don't fill your tank, next gas is 112 miles!


All that aside, keeping your tank topped up reduces condensation, so you won't get nearly so much moisture in the tank (a bad thing).


Back when I used to drive trucks for a living, one of the first things you learn is NEVER, EVER trust a fuel gauge - - you always visually check your tank with a stick. That mistrust of gauges has carried over for me - - not having a suitable stick for the Vanagon, I reset the trip meter every time I fill the tank, and try and remain conscious of the amount of fuel in the tank prior to heading out somewhere.


OK, end of rant, putting the soapbox away. Keep the shiny side up and your tank topped off!


Gary




Steven,
 I have run out of gas only once years ago - however here are a few reasons I could think of. Note: these only apply to meor the past me so take them for what their worth.
 1. Gas Guages are inaccurate 2. Some people - though not by choice - live a little lean in the pocket book and occasionally find themselves stretching a tank of gas a bit too far. 3. Although irresponsible - just didn't notice the tank was that low. 4. In a hurry I'll stop later - oops 5. Broken gas guage
 Those are just a few things I could think of. You know stuff like this happens - some due to poor choices but some out of the driver's control.








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