GUEST POST from Don – April 6, 2025

GAS-LIGHTING +

Don’t fall for this kind of “advice.”  They claim they are “experts.”  I researched and found that it is gaslightingly fake:

Expert reveals right way to fill up gas tank to avoid getting ‘ripped off‘
Emma Saletta for DAILYMAIL.COM
Published: 11:16 EDT, 19 March 2025 | Updated: 11:19 EDT, 19 March 2025
A Tennessee-based expert revealed tricks to gas up vehicles without getting ‘ripped off.’”

Get gas in the morning
Emma’s “expert” suggested drivers opt to gas up their cars first thing in the morning instead of later in the day.
“The gas expands when it’s warm and becomes more dense when it’s colder, along with everything else,” he said.
“If you purchase your gas later in the day after the sun has warmed up the ground, all the gas under the tank is going to be expanded, and you’re actually getting less gas,” he expanded.

99.999% FAKE:  While it is absolutely true that a gallon of 30 degree F. gasoline placed in a container is heavier (more gas) than filling the same container with a gallon of 60 degree F. gasoline, it remains false that getting gas in the morning will deliver more fuel to your gas tank.  The fuel is kept in a large tank 18 feet underground.  The temperature in the tank is exactly what soil temperature is at 18 feet, not air temperature.  It takes WEEKS to change 18 foot soil temperature, not hours.  (For instance soil temperature at 18 feet in mid-Kentucky averages 58 degrees and mid-Michigan it averages 47 degrees.  It can vary from summer to winter by up to 14 degrees [1-2 degrees per month] depending on water movement in soil.)  Therefore, this “expert” opinion is not worth the internet ink used to print it ($0.00).    

Don’s Tip:  The way to actually save money on gas is to compare gas station prices.  The station which sells gas for $2.69 will save you 10 cents with a 10 gallon fill-up compared to a station which sells it for $2.70.  We watch 4 different gas stations going to town.  Then we stop at the least expensive on the way back.  Or, you can use https://www.gasbuddy.com/

Fill up slowly
According to the same expert, customers who fill up their gas tanks slowly will have a better chance of getting the amount of fuel they paid for.  The expert said the fuel starts turning into vapor when individuals pump their cars quickly.
“All gas pumps have a vapor return line, which is putting the vapor back into the tank,” he is quoted, “So, you’re actually paying for gas you’re not even getting.”  (The vapor return line’s purpose is to reduce air pollution.)

100% FAKE:  The pumps are regulated by your state’s Department of Weights and Measures.  Every pump has an inspection sticker.  It doesn’t get a sticker if it claims to give you more (or less) gas than is pumped into the regulator’s container.  The pump has to measure the gas accurately or “No sticker for you, Bub!”  The vapor return line is NOT stealing gas from your tank.

Don’s Tip:  A better way to save money on gas is to back off your accelerator and back off!!!  Then you won’t be speeding up and slowing down as often.  You can also drop your speed by 1 MPH.  That will save real money (not Monopoly-type money).

Don’t wait until the car’s tank is empty
The “expert” also advised drivers not to wait until a vehicle is out of gas before fueling up, partially because of evaporation.
“Gas evaporates as it comes in contact with air, so if you’re driving around with an empty tank, it’s evaporating quicker and quicker the lower it gets,” the TikToker said.  He suggested that customers refuel when they have a quarter of a tank of gas left.

99% FAKE.  Even if the tank was left almost empty for a whole year, if you leave the cap on the gas will not evaporate and disappear.  Evaporation is really not a big deal unless your gas cap is broken or missing.  

Don’s Tip:  You should never allow the tank to go below ¼ anyway.  a) Debris and sediment.  Those can stop your fuel pump which is not a nice thing.  The bottom ¼ is where those things hang out.  b) Safety and efficiency.  It is never efficient to run out of gas.  The worst place to end up is along the road.  Inebriated drivers tend to smack into things and hooligans love to damage broken-down vehicles.  Protect yourself and your possessions.  It is smart to do so.  Evaporation is the least of your worries.

Conclusion:  Who is Emily’s “expert” from Tennessee?  Oh that’s right, he’s a TikTok dude!  Don’t follow his “two cents” advice.  

MEASLES

Let’s make Measles information simple…

Medical Examiner
Uh … Am I Protected Against Measles? It might depend on when you were born.
Anna Gibbs, March 12, 20251:39 PM

There’s a big deal right now about measles.  Should you worry?  

First, I had measles as a child and am, therefore, now immune.  Having the disease gives the person permanent protection.  It was not a “fun” virus:  Fever, sore throat, rash.  

Second, if you received measles vaccines in the late 1950s to late 1980s you might not be fully protected.  Those born after 1989, who received the vaccine, seem to be protected quite well.  The more recent the vaccine, the more likely you are protected.  (If you had the vaccine, even in 1959, and you get the measles you probably won’t have a severe case.)  

Third, if you have an immune issue (like cancer), you might want to talk with your doctor.

Finally, if you failed to receive the measles vaccine, you have zero protection.  You are MOST at risk.  You could die (some do…fewer than 4 in 1,000).  If you don’t know whether you were immunized you can be tested by something called a titer test.

So, it turns out that all the deaths so far this year were people who did not have the virus before and failed to get the vaccine.  If you haven’t already had it and you aren’t vaccinated you SHOULD worry.  Your chance of dying from this virus is much higher than your chance of winning the lottery.  

Copyright 2025 Donald Whelpley

[PLEASE NOTE that Don is always open to discussing the thoughts and opinions he shares here and welcomes comments as shared in the comment section. He doesn’t use other social media platforms and won’t see whatever you’d like to share with him if you post it elsewhere.
ALSO, Don is always open to offer his thoughts on various topics. If you have a specific request, you can let him know in a comment; he reads – and replies to – them all. ~ Sherry]

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