EUR
en
First, position your car correctly at the gas station. Begin by identifying which side your gas tank is on. If you’re outside the car, look for the fuel door—usually located above the rear wheel on either the driver’s or passenger’s side. If you’re already inside the vehicle, you don’t need to get out to check. Just look at the fuel gauge on your dashboard; there’s usually an arrow indicating which side the tank is on. You can also refer to your owner’s manual if you’re unsure. Next, choose a pump at the gas station. Be sure to check the labels—some pumps dispense only diesel, others only regular gasoline, and some offer both with separate nozzles. Make sure you’re selecting a pump that provides the correct fuel for your vehicle. Carefully pull up to the pump, positioning your gas tank as close to it as possible while leaving enough space typically 2 to 3 feet for you to move comfortably between the car and the pump. Once you’re properly aligned, shift your car into park (or neutral if you’re driving a manual) and turn off the engine. If it’s a hot day and you have children or pets in the car, roll down the windows to help keep the interior cool, as temperatures can rise quickly. Step out of the car with your payment method, but for safety, leave behind cigarettes, lighters, vapes, and cell phones. Open flames can ignite gas fumes, and static electricity from electronic devices has been linked to rare but serious gas station fires.
To help prevent drive-offs, most modern gas stations require payment before you pump. You can pay inside with cash or a credit card, or use a credit or debit card directly at the pump. Locate your pump number, then head inside to let the attendant know how much fuel you want and which pump you’re using. For example, if you hand them $20 for pump #5, they’ll set the pump to stop automatically once it reaches $20 worth of gas. Be sure to select the type of fuel recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer. If you paid more than the amount of fuel you ended up using—for instance, when filling the tank—go back inside to collect your change. Follow the on-screen instructions to swipe or insert your credit or debit card. Select the type of fuel recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer. If you’re not planning to fill the entire tank, keep an eye on the total displayed on the screen and release the nozzle trigger when you reach your desired amount. If you’re one of the 29% of Americans with a gas station loyalty membership, be sure to let the cashier know or follow the prompts at the pump to scan your member card or enter your member number.
Start by opening the fuel door that covers your gas cap. On some vehicles, you can open it manually at the pump, while others require you to press a button or pull a lever inside the car—similar to opening the trunk or hood. If you’re unsure how to do this, refer to your owner’s manual. Once the fuel door is open, you’ll see the gas cap. Twist it off counterclockwise (lefty-loosey!). Many modern gas caps are attached with a small tether so you can let them hang freely. If yours isn’t attached, place it somewhere safe—some fuel doors have a built-in holder, or you can rest it on the roof of your car. Just make sure to screw it back on securely when you’re done, or it could fall off while driving and trigger your check engine light.
Pick up the fuel nozzle from the pump, making sure to choose the correct one—diesel nozzles usually have a green handle, while regular gasoline is typically black. Insert the nozzle firmly into your gas tank until it’s secure. Once it’s properly in place, you shouldn’t need to hold it—most nozzles will stay locked while fueling.
Most U.S. gas stations offer three standard fuel grades: Regular (87), Mid-grade (sometimes labeled as Special) (89–90), Premium (91–94). While the names might vary by brand, the octane numbers are consistent. These numbers represent the fuel’s octane rating, which relates to how much compression is needed to ignite the fuel. Check your owner’s manual to determine the correct fuel grade for your vehicle—most require 87 or 89 octane. Using the wrong grade can lead to engine damage over time. Once the nozzle is securely inserted into your gas tank, press the button for the appropriate fuel grade. For safety reasons, most pumps won’t allow you to make a selection until the nozzle has been lifted, so be sure to follow the instructions displayed on the pump.
Begin fueling by squeezing the nozzle’s trigger. Once fuel starts flowing, you can lock the trigger in place to keep the gas pumping without needing to hold it manually.
Stay by your car while fueling. You can use this time to clean your windshield or monitor the pump display to see how much gas you’re adding and how much it’s costing. Avoid getting back into your car during fueling—even in cold or rainy weather. In rare cases, this can create static electricity, which may ignite gasoline vapors when you touch the nozzle again. The pump will automatically shut off when your tank is full or when you reach your prepaid amount, whichever comes first. You’ll hear a clear click indicating that fueling has stopped, preventing overflow.
Once the pump clicks off and the trigger resets, carefully remove the nozzle from your gas tank to avoid any spills. Hold it upright and point it away from you as you guide it back to the pump. Then, securely return the nozzle to its holder. If any gasoline drips onto your car or the ground, use a paper towel to wipe it up. Most gas stations keep paper towels near the windshield squeegee on the side of the pump.
Twist the fuel tank cap back on tightly (remember: righty-tighty!). Keep turning until you hear a few clicks to ensure it’s secure. If not properly tightened, the gas cap or check engine light may come on.
Get back in your car and start the engine. Next, reset the odometer to monitor your MPG. The steps may differ depending on your vehicle’s make and model, so check your owner’s manual for exact instructions.
Place the Gas Can on the Ground Set the gas can on the pavement to ground it, which helps prevent static electricity—a potential fire hazard around gas vapors. Position it at least 5 feet away from your vehicle to avoid exposing vapors to hot surfaces like the exhaust manifold. Pay for Your Fuel Follow the standard steps at the pump to pay for your gas. Open the Gas Can Lid Remove the lid to prepare for fueling. Insert the Nozzle Place the pump nozzle into the gas can. You’ll need to hold it the entire time, as it won’t lock into place like it does with a car’s fuel tank. Choose the Octane Level Select your preferred fuel grade, just as you would when filling your vehicle. Pump the Gas Squeeze and hold the trigger to begin fueling. Fill the can to about 95% full—most containers have a marked fill line. This prevents overflows and allows room for expansion. Return the Nozzle Once done, place the nozzle back in the pump. Secure the Gas Can Lid Tighten the lid to seal the container and prevent fumes from escaping. Transport the Gas Can Safely Store the can upright in your vehicle’s trunk or truck bed, away from passengers. Make sure it’s secure to avoid tipping—gasoline is highly flammable and spills can be dangerous.
Bookmark
Daniel Féau processes personal data in order to optimise communication with our sales leads, our future clients and our established clients.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.