Car Care Center receives updates, repairs

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class William O'Brien
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  With recent changes to the gas pumps at the Edwards Car Care Center, motorists should be more aware of proper fueling procedures, as there are newly installed diagnostic systems at each pump that are required by California state law.

"The new in-station diagnostics emissions system is a safety precaution," said Carl Jenkins, Car Care Center store manager. "This allows closer monitoring by the state of our air emissions and gas spills."

The pumps now feature a double-walled hose that fuels the car while simultaneously vacuuming fuel emissions back up. The emissions are then sent back up to a clean air separator.

When a car's gas tank is overfilled, the vapor-removing tube vacuums the excess gas and sets off an alarm that shuts down the gas pumps as a precautionary measure.

"Customers can avoid setting off the alarm by not topping off after they fuel their automobile," said Mr. Jenkins. "If they top off too much, the vapor tube will suck up the excess fuel, which is read by the system as a leak-causing it to shut down."

In addition, pumps 11 and 12 are undergoing maintenance. Though they are still operational and customers can still use them. However, they periodically shut down due to a sensor malfunction, causing them to only distribute premium fuel.

"Underneath the dispenser for pumps 11 and 12, there is a containment basin that catches the fuel if it were to spill. Over that is a boot, which is not holding a vacuum like it's supposed to," he said. "Periodically, it will drip fuel, setting off a senor that doesn't allow anyone to pump anything but premium from pumps 11 and 12. We are working closely with the 95th Civil Engineering and Transportation Directorate to fix that problem. It will be fixed within the next 30 days."

Mr. Jenkins said he appreciates all the customers for their patience while the car Care Center goes through these changes.

"I would like to thank all our customers for their patience," he said. "Our ultimate goal is safety. These changes will help us stay safe as we move forward."

For more information, call the Car Care Center at 258-4033.