In an unconventional and potentially hazardous incident, a family of four, including an elderly woman and three youngsters, drew attention as they engaged in a peculiar pumping ritual at a Caltex station in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. The bizarre scene, captured on video and shared on Facebook on January 2, has garnered over 800,000 views, leaving viewers perplexed and sparking discussions about the risks associated with topping up fuel tanks excessively.
The Peculiar Pumping Ritual
The video features the family, occupants of a Singapore-registered car, vigorously bouncing the vehicle up and down while refueling. Accompanied by a soundtrack of thicc rap music, the continuous unedited shot shows the elderly woman and two others shaking the car for a relentless two minutes. Meanwhile, another family member fills the tank at the Caltex station.
Speculations and Reactions
Commenters on the video were quick to draw parallels between the family’s actions and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on the car. Malaysians responding to the scene expressed disbelief and disapproval, emphasizing that such antics are uncommon among locals.
Questions about the car’s well-being arose, with speculations about whether the intense shaking was a desperate attempt to revive a failing vehicle. Concerns were also raised about the dangers posed by topping up fuel tanks beyond their capacity.
Persistent Misconceptions
This incident sheds light on a long-standing phenomenon where Singaporean drivers, while in Johor, persistently engage in the practice of topping up their fuel tanks excessively. Despite being debunked by mechanics, the misconception prevails that jacking up the car or rocking it back and forth can allow more fuel to be absorbed.
Experts caution against this practice, noting that the idea of air escaping from the petrol tank through jerking the car results in only a negligible increase in fuel flow. Overfilling the tank, with the lid closed back, poses the risk of petrol overflow, creating potential hazards at the refueling station.
Dangers of Overfilling
Online motoring advice reinforces the dangers associated with overfilling fuel tanks. Prolonged overfilling can damage the car’s petrol level sensor, leading to a failure in the internal gauge’s sensitivity over time. The consequences of such damage may not be immediately apparent but could manifest as long-term issues affecting the vehicle’s fuel monitoring system.
As this peculiar pumping ritual raises eyebrows and concerns, it serves as a reminder for motorists to adhere to safe refueling practices and dispel misconceptions that could compromise both personal safety and the well-being of their vehicles.