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Selling Regular Gasoline as Additive and Other Fraudulent Practices Are Becoming More Common; Learn How to Protect Yourself and Keep Your Car Safe.
The new fuel fraud is worrying drivers across the country. This time, the illegal practice involves selling regular gasoline as if it were additive, a trick that not only harms the consumer financially but can also affect the car’s engine. Besides being a fraud, this practice puts the health of the vehicle at risk and requires heightened attention from drivers. Want to understand better how this fraud at gas stations works, the dangers it poses to your car, and how to protect yourself? Keep reading to learn more!
How Does Fraud at Gas Stations Work?
In search of higher profits, some gas stations engage in dishonest practices, including selling regular gasoline as if it were additive. This trick involves merely altering the label or misleadingly informing about the type of fuel being sold, charging a higher price for a product that does not provide the expected benefits. The fraud may seem harmless, but it can affect the car’s engine over time.
Additive gasoline contains components that help keep the engine clean, reducing the buildup of residues. When regular gasoline is used instead of additive gasoline, especially in vehicles that typically use the additive version, the engine may suffer from dirt buildup, increasing the risk of clogging and more serious problems.
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Main Types of Fraud at Gas Stations
In addition to this new fuel fraud, there are other practices that deceive consumers and can harm the vehicle. Here are some of the most common:
Selling Less Than Indicated (Short Nozzle)
This fraud occurs when the fuel pump delivers a smaller amount than indicated on the display. Known as “short nozzle,” this practice is difficult to identify with the naked eye. A tip is to ask to perform a calibration test in a 20-liter can. This way, you can check if the amount really matches what is being charged.
Fuel Adulteration
Adulterating fuel is another common practice at dishonest gas stations. It consists of mixing water, ethanol, or even solvents into gasoline to lower the product cost. This can be extremely harmful to the engine, causing operational failures and even increasing fuel consumption.
Selling Fuel Outside Specifications
Selling fuel outside specifications is a problem that involves selling regular gasoline as additive or even gasoline outside the standards required by ANP. This type of fraud directly affects the car’s performance, causing increased consumption and reducing the lifespan of engine parts.
The Effects of Fraud on the Car’s Engine
These frauds at gas stations are detrimental not only to the wallet but also to the car. The constant use of adulterated or low-quality gasoline can cause serious problems to the engine, including:
- Clogging of Fuel Injectors: without the proper additives, the engine accumulates residues that clog the fuel injectors, causing failures;
- Increased Fuel Consumption: adulterated or non-standard gasoline makes the engine work harder, which raises consumption;
- Wear of Parts: using low-quality fuels accelerates the wear of engine parts, resulting in more frequent and costly maintenance.
These damages may require expensive repairs and compromise vehicle performance, especially in more modern and sensitive engines.
Tips to Avoid the New Fuel Fraud
Protecting yourself against fraud at gas stations requires a bit of attention and some preventive actions. Here’s how to protect yourself and avoid being deceived:
- Prefer to refuel at known gas stations, with a reliable brand and good reputation. Well-known brands usually have strict quality controls, which reduces the risk of fraud.
- Observe the fuel pump before starting to refuel. Check if the display is reset and if the price per liter is correct. If there is any suspicion of irregularity, ask the attendant to perform the calibration test.
- Always request the invoice after refueling. This document serves as proof of purchase and can be used in case of fuel problems. Additionally, it helps to trace the establishment in case of complaints.
- Pay attention to the car’s performance after refueling. If you notice increased fuel consumption, engine failures, or starting difficulties, it may be a sign that the fuel was adulterated.
The Role of ANP in Combating Frauds
The National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas, and Biofuels (ANP) is responsible for monitoring gas stations and combating fraudulent practices. In cases of suspicion, ANP can fine the establishment, seal pumps, and impose fines. In a recent case in Vila Velha, ANP acted quickly to sanction the gas station that sold regular gasoline as additive.
Even with monitoring, ANP faces challenges to combat all fraud in such a vast sector. Therefore, consumer attention is essential. Reporting irregularities helps ANP identify problems and maintain the quality of the fuel that reaches vehicles.
How to Report Fraud at Gas Stations?
If you suspect fraud at a gas station, it is your right to report it. Here’s how:
- ANP: Access ANP’s website or call the support number to report irregularities.
- Procon: The consumer protection agency can assist in cases of fraud and guide you on the steps to follow.
Remember that reporting is a way to assist in monitoring and protect other consumers. Reports are essential for fraud to be detected and gas stations to be held accountable.
The new fuel fraud is a wake-up call for drivers across Brazil. Practices like selling regular gasoline as additive or fuel adulteration not only harm consumers financially but can also significantly affect the car’s engine. Knowing how to identify fraud and being attentive to vehicle performance are the best ways to protect against these scams.
Stay alert and if you notice any irregularity, do not hesitate to report it. Monitoring and the care of drivers are essential to combat fraud and ensure that your car receives the quality fuel it deserves.
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