Filling your car with gas is a routine task for most drivers, but for new drivers or those unfamiliar with the process, it can seem daunting. Gone are the days of full-service gas stations; today, self-service is the norm. Knowing how to safely and efficiently refuel your vehicle is a fundamental skill for any car owner. This comprehensive guide breaks down the process into easy-to-follow steps, ensuring you can confidently fill up your tank every time.
1. Position Your Car at the Pump
The first step is to correctly position your vehicle at the gas pump. Proper positioning makes the fueling process easier and safer.
Locate Your Fuel Tank: Before pulling into a gas station, determine which side of your car the fuel tank is on. Most vehicles have an indicator on the dashboard fuel gauge – an arrow pointing left or right indicates the side of the car where the fuel door is located. Alternatively, you can quickly check the fuel door’s location by visually inspecting your car’s exterior.
Choose the Right Pump: Gas stations offer various fuel types. Ensure you select a pump that dispenses the correct type of fuel for your vehicle. Some pumps offer both gasoline and diesel, often with different colored nozzles (typically green for diesel and black for gasoline). Refer to your car’s owner’s manual or the inside of the fuel door for the recommended fuel type.
Approach the Pump: Carefully drive towards the selected pump, positioning your fuel tank as close as comfortably possible to the pump. Allow enough space (around 2-3 feet) to move freely between your car and the pump.
Park and Turn Off Your Engine: Once in position, put your car in park (or neutral for manual transmissions) and completely turn off the engine. It’s crucial to switch off the ignition to prevent any potential fire hazards from static electricity or engine heat. If you have passengers, especially children or pets, consider rolling down the windows for ventilation, particularly in hot weather, as car interiors can heat up rapidly.
Safety First: Before you begin fueling, exit your vehicle and leave any potential ignition sources inside the car. This includes cigarettes, lighters, vapes, and cell phones. Open flames are a significant fire risk around gasoline fumes, and while rare, static electricity from electronic devices has been linked to gas station fires.
2. Select Your Payment Method
Modern gas stations prioritize payment before fueling to prevent fuel theft. You can choose to pay inside with cash or a card, or pay directly at the pump using a credit or debit card.
Paying Inside:
- Identify Your Pump Number: Note the number displayed on your chosen pump.
- Go Inside and Pay: Enter the gas station convenience store and tell the cashier your pump number and how much gas you want. For example, you can request a specific dollar amount (e.g., “$20 on pump 5”) or ask for a full tank. If you pay a fixed amount and don’t use it all, you’ll need to return inside for your change.
- Pump Your Gas: Proceed to pump the correct fuel grade as per your car manufacturer’s recommendation (more on this below).
- Collect Your Change (If Applicable): If you prepaid and didn’t use the full amount, go back inside to get your change.
Paying at the Pump:
- Follow On-Screen Instructions: Most pumps have user-friendly screens that guide you through the payment process. Typically, this involves inserting or tapping your credit or debit card.
- Pump Your Gas: Select your fuel grade and begin pumping.
- Monitor Your Fueling: Keep an eye on the pump display showing the gallons and total cost. Release the pump handle trigger when you’ve reached your desired amount or when your tank is full (the pump will automatically stop when full).
Loyalty Programs: If you’re a member of a gas station loyalty program (many stations offer these for discounts), remember to swipe your loyalty card or enter your membership number as prompted at the pump or inform the cashier inside to take advantage of any fuel savings.
3. Open the Fuel Door and Unscrew the Gas Cap
Before you can insert the fuel nozzle, you need to access your car’s fuel tank opening.
Open the Fuel Door: Locate the fuel door on the side of your car. Some cars have a manual fuel door that you can simply open by pressing on it. Others may have a lever inside the car, often located on the floor near the driver’s seat or on the dashboard, to release the fuel door. Consult your owner’s manual if you’re unsure how to open your fuel door.
Remove the Gas Cap: Once the fuel door is open, you’ll see the gas cap. Unscrew it by turning it counter-clockwise (“lefty-loosey”). Most modern gas caps are tethered to the car with a plastic strap or wire, allowing them to hang freely without being misplaced. If your gas cap isn’t attached, place it in a safe spot where it won’t get lost or dirty. Some fuel doors have a designated spot to rest the gas cap while fueling, or you can place it on the top of your car (just remember to put it back on!). Forgetting to replace the gas cap can cause fuel evaporation and trigger your car’s check engine light.
4. Remove the Nozzle and Insert it into Your Fuel Tank
Now you’re ready to handle the fuel nozzle and insert it into your car’s fuel tank.
Remove the Nozzle: Lift the fuel nozzle from the pump. Pay attention to the type of nozzle you’re selecting, especially if the pump offers both gasoline and diesel. Diesel nozzles are often larger and may not fit into gasoline car fuel tanks (and vice versa), but it’s always best to double-check. Diesel nozzles are frequently identified by a green handle, while gasoline nozzles are usually black.
Insert the Nozzle Securely: Carefully insert the nozzle into your car’s fuel tank opening. Push it in until it feels secure and is properly seated. The nozzle should fit snugly and remain in place without needing to be held during fueling.
5. Select the Fuel Grade
Choosing the correct fuel grade is important for your car’s performance and longevity.
Understand Fuel Grades: Most gas stations in the U.S. offer three main fuel grades, indicated by octane numbers:
- Regular (87 Octane): The standard and most common fuel grade.
- Mid-Grade (89-90 Octane): Sometimes labeled “Special” or “Plus”.
- Premium (91-94 Octane): The highest octane grade, often marketed as “Supreme” or “Ultra”.
These numbers represent the gasoline’s octane rating, which indicates its resistance to knocking or pinging during combustion.
Consult Your Owner’s Manual: Your car’s owner’s manual specifies the recommended fuel grade. Most vehicles are designed to run optimally on regular 87 octane gasoline. Using a higher octane fuel than recommended generally doesn’t provide any performance benefits unless your car specifically requires premium fuel. Using a lower octane fuel than recommended, however, can potentially damage your engine over time.
Select Your Grade: Once the nozzle is securely in your tank, press the button on the pump corresponding to your desired fuel grade. For safety, many pumps only allow fuel grade selection after the nozzle has been removed from the pump cradle. Always follow the prompts on the gas pump’s display.
6. Start Pumping Gas
With the nozzle inserted and fuel grade selected, you’re ready to begin pumping.
Engage the Trigger: Squeeze the trigger handle on the nozzle to start the flow of gasoline.
Set the Flow Rate: Most nozzles have a latch or mechanism that allows you to lock the trigger in an open position for continuous flow, so you don’t have to hold it down constantly. You can usually control the flow rate by how far you initially pull the trigger – pulling it all the way typically provides the fastest flow.
7. Wait for Your Tank to Fill
Once the pump is running, let it fill your tank.
Stay with Your Vehicle: It’s crucial to remain near your car and the pump while fueling. Never leave the gas pump unattended while it’s in operation.
Monitor the Pump: You can watch the pump’s display to track the amount of gasoline being pumped and the total cost. This is helpful if you prepaid a specific amount or want to fill up to a certain dollar limit.
Avoid Re-entering Your Vehicle: While it might be tempting to get back into your car during fueling, especially in bad weather, avoid doing so. Getting back into your car can create static electricity. In rare cases, this static discharge upon exiting the vehicle and touching the nozzle has ignited gasoline vapors.
Automatic Shut-Off: Don’t worry about overfilling your tank. Gas pumps have an automatic shut-off mechanism that will stop the fuel flow when your tank is full or when you’ve reached your prepaid amount. You’ll typically hear a distinct “click” sound just before the pump stops.
8. Remove the Nozzle and Return it to the Pump
Once the pump has stopped and the trigger has disengaged, it’s time to remove the nozzle.
Remove Carefully: Gently remove the nozzle from your fuel tank to avoid drips or spills. Hold the nozzle upright and point it away from yourself and your car as you lift it out.
Return the Nozzle: Return the nozzle to its cradle on the pump securely.
Clean Up Spills (If Any): If any gasoline drips onto your car or the pavement, use a paper towel (usually provided near the windshield cleaning station at the pump) to wipe it up promptly.
9. Recap Your Fuel Tank and Close the Fuel Door
After fueling, securing your gas cap and fuel door is essential.
Replace the Gas Cap: Screw the gas cap back onto your fuel tank opening by turning it clockwise (“righty-tighty”). Tighten it until you hear a few clicks, indicating it’s properly sealed. A loose gas cap can lead to fuel evaporation and trigger the check engine light on your dashboard.
Close the Fuel Door: Close the fuel door, ensuring it clicks shut and is flush with your car’s body.
10. Accept or Decline a Receipt
If you paid at the pump with a card, the screen will prompt you to choose whether you want a receipt.
Get a Receipt (Optional): If you need a receipt for expense tracking or record-keeping, follow the on-screen instructions to print one. If you don’t need a receipt, select the option to decline and end the transaction.
11. Reset Your Trip Odometer (Optional)
Resetting your trip odometer after refueling can help you track your fuel consumption and mileage (MPG – miles per gallon).
Reset Odometer: Get back into your car and turn on the ignition. The process for resetting the trip odometer varies depending on your car’s make and model. Typically, there’s a button on the instrument cluster or a setting in your car’s menu system to reset the trip odometer to zero. Consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions for your vehicle.
How to Pump Gas into a Gas Can
In situations like running out of gas or needing fuel for lawn equipment, you might need to fill a portable gas can. Here’s how to do it safely:
- Ground the Gas Can: Place the approved gas can on the ground, away from your vehicle (about 5 feet is recommended). Grounding the can on the pavement helps prevent static electricity buildup.
- Pay for Gas: Follow the payment steps outlined earlier.
- Open the Gas Can: Open the gas can’s lid.
- Insert Nozzle and Hold: Insert the fuel nozzle into the gas can opening. Unlike fueling your car, the nozzle won’t lock into place, so you’ll need to hold it throughout the process.
- Select Fuel Grade: Choose the appropriate fuel grade for your needs.
- Pump Gas Carefully: Start pumping by squeezing the trigger. Fill the can to about 95% capacity to allow for expansion and prevent spills. Most gas cans have a fill line to guide you.
- Return Nozzle: Place the nozzle back on the pump.
- Secure the Gas Can: Replace and tighten the gas can lid securely.
- Store Safely: Store the gas can in your vehicle’s trunk or truck bed, securing it so it doesn’t tip over. Proper storage prevents spills and minimizes the inhalation of gas fumes.
Run Out of Gas? Roadside Assistance Can Help
Running out of gas can happen to anyone. If you find yourself stranded, your safety is the priority.
Safety First: If you run out of gas, pull your vehicle safely to the side of the road, away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights.
Seek Assistance: If you have a gas can and are comfortable walking to a nearby gas station, you can purchase a small amount of fuel. Alternatively, contact roadside assistance.
AAA Roadside Assistance: Services like AAA offer fuel delivery as part of their roadside assistance programs. With AAA, a service technician can bring you enough fuel to reach the nearest gas station. In situations where fuel delivery isn’t possible, they can also tow your vehicle to a gas station. Consider a AAA membership for peace of mind and access to various roadside services, including fuel delivery, towing, battery jump-starts, and flat tire assistance.
