On a particular Friday morning, I switched on the car engine and realized that the fuel tank was about three-quarter empty. It could probably travel for about 120km before the top-up warning light goes on. On my way to work, I was contemplating whether to top up at the Caltex station along the way or do it the following Monday. As I drove pass the petrol station, I decided to fill up my car as the petrol station was not busy. And I was glad I did so.

After the engine was switched off, I pulled the fuel door lever a couple of times but the release mechanism did not seem to work. This was the first time I encountered such a problem. The pump attendant was getting a bit impatient and I drove off eventually. I called up Volkswagen Centre Singapore and was advised to take the car down to the workshop. The car was sent to the workshop during lunch hour and fortunately, the problem was fixed by late afternoon.

The outcome could have been worse if there is little petrol left in the tank and the workshop is far away. From this experience, I will always remind myself to top up petrol before the tank is near empty. Whatever can go wrong, will go wrong.