‘Wonder How Long I Left It In:’ Driver Fills Up Gas at 7-Eleven. Then She Catches the Pump Still Charging After She’s Finished

'Wonder how long I left it in my car.'

Photo by: @brinaaababee & Josh Chiodo

Mustafa Gatollari

By: Mustafa Gatollari

Jun 20, 2025 at 1:00pm ET

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A 7-Eleven customer says a gas pump continued charging her after she finished fueling.

Breezy (@brinaaababee) captured the meter crawl in a viral TikTok that’s accrued over 320,000 views as of this writing.

She begins the video by showing the gas pump to demonstrate that she’s finished fueling. Behind the pump, the digital display shows the price and amount of gas she pumped. According to the screen, she spent $76.77 for 17.33 gallons of gas.

Even though she’s purportedly finished fueling, the price and amount keep going up. It continues increasing until she places the pump handle back inside the fuel stand.

“Y’all better start watching these [expletive] gas stations! I wonder how long I left it in my car ‘finished,” she says.

At the end of the video, her total is $77.09.

Meter Creep

This issue is known as meter creep.

Petroleum industry trade association PEI defines meter creep as “an event where the dispenser meter display indicates an increase in volume when the pump is on, even though no fuel is being dispensed.” PEI reports that this is usually caused by a leak in liquid-carrying components. It can also indicate that there’s a glitch or malfunction with the fuel pump mechanism itself.

Other drivers have reported similar issues with meter creep.

In 2021, a Redditor posted a video of a nearly identical situation at a Costco. Just like Breezy, they held the gas pump handle with its lever disengaged. Despite not pouring any gasoline, the cost kept increasing from $52.50 to $52.55.

In 2018, an NBC outlet in Orlando, Florida reported that a “ghost gas pump” was charging customers while they weren’t pumping. A customer who spotted the issue, upon reporting it to the gas station employee, was reportedly told that “nothing could be done.”

The outlet says that the gas station subsequently closed the pump for repairs.

What if I Encounter Meter Creep?

AZ Central reports that meter creep typically isn’t caused intentionally to swindle customers. Usually, “aging equipment or equipment malfunction” is the culprit.

If you encounter meter creep, the outlet advises you to contact your local weights and measures department.

These inspectors are tasked with routinely checking pumps at stations in their designated areas. They also inspect pumps if people report a malfunction.

AZ Central notes that establishments with a history of violations are prioritized for inspections.

Meter creep can be combated with routine maintenance of fuel pumps. Cleaning out nozzles and valves of debris and fuel residue can help ensure effective operation.

Several TikTok users who replied to Breezy’s video recommended she contact local inspectors in the weights and measures department to inform them about the faulty pump.

Others were more concerned with her getting her money back.

“Better show the cashier and get that refund,” wrote one.

Someone else speculated that 7-Eleven in question, which isn't identified in her post, will likely find themselves in hot water as a result of the discrepancy.

“That fine is about to be crazy," they said. "Report that gas station.”

Many recommend that other drivers pay attention when they’re fueling. As one said, “You can hear the gas filling up in the car. If you stop hearing what sounds like liquid filling up an enclosed space, it’s done.”

Another said that meter creep is part of the reason why they prepay.

Still others suggested the problem is more widespread than a single pump at the 7-Eleven Breezy visited.

“I would never get gas at 711,” one opined.

Following publication, Breezy told Motor1, "We have not reported it."

What do you think?

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Motor1 has reached out to 7-Eleven via email for further comment. We’ll be sure to update this if the company responds.