A button located on several petrol pumps across the country could be the answer to road users’ prayers – but not everyone is convinced it is such a ‘game changer’
Many motorists have been left astounded by the discovery of a little-known button on petrol pumps that allows them to pre-set their fuel budget. The pump stops dispensing petrol or diesel when it reaches the pre-set amount, ensuring drivers don’t exceed their intended spend – ideal for those keeping a tight grip on their finances and keen to avoid any red-faced moments at the till.
The hack was revealed in a viral TikTok video by user @ommelyla, who expressed her own surprise: “Was it just me who didn’t know”. She explains: “Do you know you can set the amount you want to spend when you’re filling your car with petrol?”
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Demonstrating the process, she adds: “Before you even start you can set a limit of how much you want to spend and the pump will automatically turn off when you reach that amount. Like here when I only spent a tenner exactly.”
Additionally, some stations let drivers specify the volume of fuel they want. A Tesco petrol pump guide further clarifies: “Before you loft the nozzle, tell the pump exactly how much you want to put in and it will stop for you. Press ’10’ and/or ‘1’ to set the amount example: press ’10 twice for £20.
“Press £/Lts’ for price or volume. Press ‘Pay at Kiosk’ or ‘Pay at Pump’. Remove nozzle and start to fuel. The pump will stop at your selected amount.”
@Leitmo commented: “Depends which station. Near me, Tesco has it but Morrisons doesn’t.”
However, the majority of TikTok users claimed the tool was unnecessary and not required for several reasons, reports the Express.
One driver posted: “Na I prefer risking it and playing the game of having a fast reaction time.” Another stressed: “Just pump till the car is brimmed… it’s not like you’re not going to use it.”
@silenthill987 commented: “Or [surely] it’s easier to just [lift] nozzle pump and leave go. Does it matter if it’s 10.07 or 9.97? Not everyone has OCD.”
TikTok account @livticks uploaded a similar video showing off the hack back in 2022, describing the move as a “game changer”.
@hayley. campbellx explained: “As someone who works in a petrol station I hope this reaches the right audience because I’m so tired of the penny complaints when it’s so easy to fix.”
