We’ve got a van that we leave parked near our house by the John Stanford school. A couple times over the past few months, I went to drive it, and was surprised to find the tank on empty, when I thought I had filled in recently. I mentioned it to my wife, who pointed me towards a recent post to the Green Lake Moms mailing list from someone who suspected that their gas tank was being siphoned.
So, when I filled it and parked it this past week, I carefully noted the tank level (half). Sure enough, went I went to drive it several days later, the tank was completely empty, with just enough left to get me to the filling station.
Perhaps its our proximity to the I-5 bridge / University District, but if you’ve suspected the same, you’re not crazy.
I’ll be heading to Big Wheel auto supply on Stone Way for a locking gas cap. Looks like Amazon has a variety for about $10 – $15, too.
Thank you because I thought my memory was failing me. I used to park my car on Stone Way N and was sure my gas was being siphoned so I bought a locking gas cap. Too much crime is happening in Wallingford. Where are these criminals coming from?
A more disturbing thought. Friends in West Seattle had a hole punched in their gas tank! (No siphon hose available?) Car was out of commission for a week. Hope it doesn’t start here….
I’ve thought it a good idea since I purchased my second hand Honda without this feature several years ago. I went up to Big Wheel right away to purchase the #15 locking cap. As the salesman commented… ‘It’s just over three gallons worth of safety.’
Thank you for the warning. It will now take a much greater motivation for the thieves to break through to the GOLD!
$15
Mention this post and receive 10% off on locking fuel caps 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood auto parts store.
Big Wheel rocks!
Thanks, Big Wheel! We’ll be in for ours in the next day or two!
And when you go to Big Wheel say hi to “Chunky” their in house Pug dog. He’s kind of a shy boy but sweet as a button and cute as a bugs ear! He likes an occasional biscuit or two too!
Does anyone know where I can get organic, handmade, free range gas locking caps?
I stopped by Big Wheel’s last night; picked up a locking gas cap and turn signal bulb–total came to nearly $35! The man knew nothing of this forum, so no 10% off–and Chunky wasn’t there. Was a little disappointed, but love Big Wheel’s anyway and wouldn’t get car stuff anywhere else.
MaryW, just read your post and want to apologize for the mix up on the 10% on the gas cap. Please bring in your receipt and we will refund the discount, thanks