Learning how to fuel your car is a fundamental skill for every driver. While it might seem straightforward, especially if you’ve always had someone else do it for you, understanding the process thoroughly ensures safety and efficiency. This guide breaks down each step, from pulling up to the pump to resetting your fuel odometer, making the task easy and stress-free. Whether you’re a new driver or just want a refresher, this article will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to fuel your car like a pro.
1. Positioning Your Car at the Gas Pump
The first step is to correctly position your vehicle at the gas station. This involves a couple of key actions to ensure you’re ready to fuel safely and conveniently.
Locate Your Fuel Tank Side: Before you even pull into the gas station, determine which side of your car the fuel tank is on. A quick way to check is by looking at your fuel gauge on the dashboard. Most cars have a small arrow pointing to the side where your fuel door is located. You can also quickly check the fuel door, usually located on the rear quarter panel, before you approach the pumps. Knowing this in advance helps you position your car correctly on your first try.
Choose the Right Pump: Gas stations offer different types of fuel at various pumps. Make sure you select a pump that dispenses the type of gasoline your car requires. Some pumps are designated for diesel, while others are for specific grades of gasoline. Look for clear labels indicating the fuel type and octane level offered at each pump.
Pull Up to the Pump: Drive your car towards the selected pump, positioning the fuel tank side closest to the pump. Aim to get reasonably close to the pump, generally leaving about two to three feet of space. This provides enough room to move around comfortably and access your fuel tank without difficulty.
Prepare Your Vehicle: Once you’re in the right spot, put your car in “Park” (or neutral if you drive a manual transmission vehicle) and completely turn off the engine. It’s also a good idea to roll down your windows slightly, especially in hot weather, if you have passengers (including pets) remaining in the car. Vehicle interiors can heat up rapidly, even on moderately warm days.
Safety First: Before you get out of your car, remember to leave any potential ignition sources inside the vehicle. This includes cigarettes, lighters, vapes, and cell phones. The fumes at gas stations are flammable, and while rare, sparks from static electricity or open flames can pose a risk.
2. Selecting Your Payment Method
Modern gas stations almost universally require you to pay before you begin pumping gas as a security measure. You have two primary payment options: paying inside with cash or a card, or paying directly at the pump with a card.
Paying Inside:
- Note Your Pump Number: When you pull up to a pump, take note of the pump number displayed prominently on it.
- Go Inside and Inform the Cashier: Enter the gas station convenience store and tell the cashier your pump number and how much gas you want to purchase. For instance, you could say, “Pump number 5, twenty dollars of regular gas, please.” If you pay in cash for a specific amount, the pump will automatically stop when it reaches that value.
- Pump Your Gas: Return to your car and pump the required fuel grade (more on this below).
- Get Your Change (If Applicable): If you paid for a specific amount but wanted a full tank and overestimated, return to the cashier to receive any change due to you.
Paying at the Pump:
- Follow the On-Screen Prompts: Most pumps have a card reader and a screen that guides you through the payment process. Typically, you will insert or swipe your credit or debit card.
- Pump Your Gas: After payment authorization, you can begin fueling your car.
- Monitor the Amount: If you don’t want to fill your tank completely, keep an eye on the total amount displayed on the pump screen and release the nozzle trigger when you reach your desired amount.
Loyalty Programs: If you are a member of a gas station loyalty program (many stations offer them), remember to use your loyalty card or enter your member number as prompted at the pump or inform the cashier inside to take advantage of any discounts or rewards.
3. Accessing Your Fuel Tank: Opening the Lid and Gas Cap
Once payment is sorted, it’s time to physically access your fuel tank. This involves opening the fuel lid and then removing the gas cap itself.
Open the Fuel Lid: The fuel lid is the outer flap that covers your gas cap. Some vehicles allow you to open this manually by simply pressing on it. Others require you to use a lever or button located inside the car, often on the floor near the driver’s seat or on the dashboard. If you’re unsure how to open your fuel lid, consult your car’s owner’s manual for the exact location of the release mechanism.
Remove the Gas Cap: With the fuel lid open, you will 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 while you are fueling. If your gas cap isn’t attached, place it somewhere clean and safe where you won’t forget it, like on top of the fuel lid or a designated spot on the pump, if available. Driving off without your gas cap can trigger your check engine light and potentially cause fuel evaporation issues.
4. Inserting the Nozzle
Now you are ready to take the fuel nozzle from the pump and insert it into your car’s fuel tank.
Remove the Nozzle: Lift the nozzle from the pump cradle. Pay close attention at pumps that offer both gasoline and diesel, as diesel nozzles and pumps are often green and have a larger diameter nozzle designed not to fit into gasoline vehicles. Ensure you are selecting the correct nozzle for your car.
Insert the Nozzle Securely: Place the nozzle into the fuel tank opening and push it in until it feels secure. It should fit snugly and remain in place without you needing to hold it continuously during fueling (though you will need to engage the trigger).
5. Choosing the Right Fuel Grade
Selecting the correct fuel grade is crucial for your car’s performance and longevity. Gasoline is offered in different octane levels, indicated by numbers at the pump, typically:
- Regular (87 Octane): This is the standard, and often cheapest, option.
- Mid-Grade (89-90 Octane): Sometimes called “Special” or “Plus.”
- Premium (91-94 Octane): The highest octane level, often marketed as “Supreme” or “Ultra.”
These octane numbers refer to the gasoline’s resistance to “knocking” or “pinging” during combustion. Always check your vehicle’s owner’s manual to determine the recommended fuel grade. Most standard vehicles are designed to run optimally on regular 87 octane fuel. Using a higher octane fuel than recommended generally does not provide any benefit unless your vehicle specifically requires it, and using a lower octane than recommended can, in some cases, damage your engine over time.
Select Your Grade at the Pump: After securely inserting the nozzle, press the button corresponding to the fuel grade you’ve chosen. On many pumps, you must lift the nozzle from its cradle before you can make this selection, but always follow the prompts on the specific pump you are using.
6. Starting the Fuel Flow
With the nozzle in place and fuel grade selected, you’re ready to start pumping gas.
Engage the Trigger: Squeeze the handle or trigger on the nozzle to begin the flow of gasoline into your tank.
Latching the Trigger (Optional): Many gas pumps have a small latch or clip that you can engage to keep the fuel flowing without continuously squeezing the trigger. This can be convenient for larger fills, but always remain attentive while fueling, even with the latch engaged.
7. Monitoring the Fueling Process
While the pump is running, it’s important to stay near your vehicle and monitor the process.
Stay Attentive: Do not leave the gas pump unattended while fueling is in progress. While you’re waiting, you can clean your windshield using the provided tools or keep an eye on the pump’s display to see how much fuel you’ve added and the total cost.
Avoid Re-entering the Vehicle: It is advised not to get back into your car while fueling, especially in dry conditions. Getting in and out of your vehicle can generate static electricity, which, in very rare cases, could potentially ignite gasoline vapors when you touch the nozzle again.
Automatic Shut-Off: Modern gas pumps have an automatic shut-off mechanism that will stop the fuel flow when your tank is full or when you have reached the pre-set amount if you prepaid inside. You will typically hear a distinct “click” sound when the pump stops. Do not try to “top off” your tank after the pump has automatically stopped, as this can lead to fuel spillage and damage your vehicle’s evaporative emissions system.
8. Removing the Nozzle and Returning It
Once the pump has stopped and the fuel flow has ceased, it’s time to remove the nozzle.
Remove Carefully: Gently remove the nozzle from your fuel tank, holding it upright to avoid drips. Point the nozzle away from yourself and your car as you maneuver it back to the pump.
Return the Nozzle: Place the nozzle back into the pump cradle securely.
Clean Up Spills (If Any): If any gasoline drips onto your car or the pavement, use a paper towel (usually available near the windshield cleaning station) to wipe it up.
9. Securing Your Fuel Tank: Gas Cap and Lid
After fueling, it’s essential to properly close and secure your fuel tank.
Replace the Gas Cap: Screw the gas cap back onto the fuel tank opening, turning it clockwise (“righty-tighty”). Tighten it until you feel it click a few times. A loose gas cap can cause fuel to evaporate and may trigger your car’s check engine light.
Close the Fuel Lid: Close the outer fuel lid, ensuring it is firmly shut.
10. Receipt Options
If you paid at the pump with a card, the pump screen will usually ask if you want a receipt. Choose your option:
- Print Receipt: Follow the prompts to print a paper receipt if you need one for your records.
- No Receipt: Select this option to finalize the transaction without printing a receipt.
11. Resetting Your Trip Odometer
As a helpful habit, once you’re back in your car and ready to drive, reset your trip odometer. This allows you to track your fuel consumption (miles per gallon or MPG) and monitor when you might need to refuel again. The method for resetting the odometer varies between car models, so refer to your owner’s manual if you’re unsure how to do it.
How to Fuel a Gas Can Safely
Knowing how to fill a gas can is useful for lawn equipment or in case of emergencies. Here’s how to do it safely:
- Ground the Gas Can: Place the gas can on the ground when filling. This grounding helps to prevent static electricity buildup, which can be a fire hazard. Position the can at least five feet away from your vehicle to avoid any potential ignition of vapors by hot exhaust components.
- Pay for Gas: Follow the payment steps as you would for fueling your car.
- Open the Gas Can: Remove the cap from the gas can.
- Insert Nozzle and Fill: Place the pump nozzle into the gas can opening. You will need to hold the nozzle in place throughout the fueling process, as it won’t lock into a gas can like it does in a car’s fuel tank.
- Select Fuel Grade: Choose the correct fuel grade for your equipment, usually regular unleaded gasoline.
- Pump Gas: Squeeze the trigger to pump gas into the can. 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 the cap tightly on the gas can.
- Transport Safely: Store the gas can in a well-ventilated area, ideally in your car’s trunk or truck bed, securing it so it cannot tip over during transport. Spilled gasoline is a fire hazard.
Running on Empty? Roadside Assistance is Available
Despite our best planning, running out of gas can happen. If you find yourself stranded, your safety is the priority.
Seek Safe Assistance: If you run out of gas, do not attempt to walk along a busy road. If it’s safe to do so, walk to the nearest gas station or use your cell phone to call for roadside assistance.
AAA Roadside Assistance: For AAA members, roadside assistance is a valuable resource. AAA can deliver a small amount of fuel (typically enough to get you to the nearest gas station) directly to your location. You only pay for the cost of the fuel. If fuel delivery isn’t possible, AAA can also tow your vehicle to a gas station or repair facility. Consider becoming a AAA member to access this and other helpful services like battery jump-starts, tire changes, and towing.
Fueling your car is a routine task that becomes second nature with practice. By following these steps and prioritizing safety, you can confidently and efficiently keep your vehicle ready for the road.
