When you pick-up a rental car they tell you to bring it back
With the same amount of gas. Usually 1/2 tank. With two people in the car at the gas station
One sits in the car, with the key on and watches the gas gauge, while the other person pumps
The gas.
But is this a good idea, having the ignition switch opened while pumping gas?
Any suggestions?

When I rent a car the tank is full. I return it with a full tank. You are not allowed to leave a car running when pumping gas, but having the ignition switch on would not do any harm. But who told you this nonsense, pastor ? I have never heard of this before.

Where do you get 'usually half a tank". What rental company is this ?

Enterprise . Only $40.00 for the weekend

Enterprise . Only $40.00 for the weekend

Okay, that's good but you get it with a full tank, and you return it with a full tank. Even if you only use l/2 a tank of gas, when you start filling the rental up, it will only fill to limit. You are not losing any money, you are just following their rules, but who told you that load of bunk about two people in the car, one watching the gas gauge while the other person fills up ?


Pastor think about it.

Sounds like a ploy to charge for gas. Should be full to full. Estimate with the engine and ignition off, then turn the key to check. I really don't think the ignition on and engine off is unsafe though.

My recent Hertz rental car, in Los Angeles, CA, came with 7/8 of a tank of gas. They told me to return it with the tank 7/8 full, which I did, and there was not a fuel charge.

Thanks for the advice

Engine off/ignition on is okay; but not the engine running at the pumps. Just take it with the full tank and return it with the tank full. You can tell full on the gauge, right ?

(The point is that I don't think he can 'just take it with the full tank.')

I don't know what you mean 'he cant just take it with a full tank'. That is the way it is when you rent. They tell you the tank is full and it is clearly indicated on the fuel gauge, and you must return it full.

It seems his particular local Enterprise doesn't do that. (Again, I think it's a ploy to charge for some vague amount of gas. I personally would try to fight for a full tank, but maybe they just won't!)

You guys are making this too complicated. Even having to have a driver in the car while the other fills it is a bit much, but leaving the key on with the engine off shouldn't be dangerous. Personally I never leave the keys in the car while running in to pay for gas period. Attended, or NOT.

How easy is it to just put the gas back where it was when you got it, be it full, or empty what's the difference?

I agree... too complicated and I am getting more confused as I read the posts! If they say bring it back at the same point you get it, confirm what the fuel gauge is reading... it should be written down on your paperwork, then simply add fuel when you are ready to return it. You'll see where the gauge is when you start the car back up. If you are over a bit, it's not a big deal.

Hum I have never rented, where the tank was not full. But do not have car running, if you wish to have the switch on, that will not be a problem.

If tank not full, make sure, that someone at rental company, signs that it is less than full

In my recent Hertz rental, they had the fuel level tabled in the computer and on the folder containing the contract--simple.

The OP or Enterprise made this post complicated, not the replies. It is simple, Tx said it correctly. It is computer generated. Last time I rented, used the car, before bringing it back, filled it up. Upon returning they checked and I was short of a fill, which is always possible, but it was checked on their computer. I was a few dollars short and the gas station was across from their facility where we all fill up our cars. I didnt have a problem after he showed me the readout.

Pastor had some dingaling at Enterprise is all I can say. You rent it filled,your return it filled. End of story.

By the way, my gas is down to 95 cents a litre here in Ontario, know it wont last and if it drops any further serious repercussions apply. A month ago i was paying $l.35 a litre.