For many drivers, pumping gas is a routine task, almost an afterthought. But there was a time when gas station attendants handled this for you, offering a full-service experience. While those days are largely behind us, learning how to pump gas remains a crucial life skill, a rite of passage for new drivers and a necessity for anyone on the road. Unless you happen to live in New Jersey or Oregon, where attendants still pump gas for you, mastering this skill is essential for car ownership.
This guide breaks down the process of refueling your vehicle into 11 easy-to-follow steps, ensuring a safe and efficient experience every time you visit the gas station. We’ll also cover how to pump gas into a gas can, a useful skill for lawn equipment or in emergency situations when you run out of gas.
1. Position Your Car at the Pump
The first step is correctly positioning your car at the gas pump.
Identify Your Fuel Tank Location: Before pulling into a gas station, determine which side of your car the fuel tank is on. If you’re outside the vehicle, look for the fuel door, typically located above the rear wheel on either the driver’s or passenger’s side. Inside your car, a fuel gauge icon on your dashboard usually has an arrow indicating the fuel tank’s side. Your car’s owner’s manual is another reliable source of this information.
Choose the Right Pump: Gas stations offer various fuel types. Ensure the pump you select dispenses the correct type of gasoline for your vehicle. Some pumps may offer both gasoline and diesel through separate nozzles, while others are fuel-specific.
Carefully Approach the Pump: Drive towards the chosen pump, positioning your car close enough for the fuel nozzle to reach your gas tank, but leave enough space (around 2-3 feet) to move comfortably 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. If it’s a hot day and you have passengers, especially children or pets, consider rolling down the windows to ensure ventilation, as car interiors can heat up rapidly.
Prepare for Payment and Safety: Exit your vehicle with your chosen payment method. For safety, leave any cigarettes, lighters, vapes, and cell phones inside the car. Open flames pose a fire risk around gas fumes, and static electricity from electronic devices has been linked to gas station fires.
2. Choose Your Payment Method
Modern gas stations prioritize payment before fueling to prevent drive-offs. You can pay inside with cash or a credit/debit card, or pay directly at the pump using a card.
Paying Inside:
- Note your pump number.
- Go inside the gas station and tell the cashier your pump number and how much gas you want. For instance, requesting “$20 on pump 5” and paying $20 means the pump will stop dispensing once it reaches $20 worth of fuel.
- Pump the correct fuel grade for your car (more details below).
- If you asked for a specific amount but wanted a full tank and overpaid, return to the cashier for your change.
Paying at the Pump:
- Follow the on-screen prompts to insert or tap your credit or debit card.
- Select your desired fuel grade (details below).
- To pump a specific dollar amount or stop before a full tank, monitor the total on the pump screen and release the nozzle trigger when you reach your desired amount.
If you are among the many drivers who participate in gas station loyalty programs, remember to inform the cashier or follow the pump prompts to swipe your loyalty card or enter your membership number to take advantage of any discounts or rewards.
3. Open the Fuel Door and Gas Cap
Open the Fuel Door: Locate the release for your fuel door. Some cars have a manual release on the fuel door itself, while others use an interior lever or button, often found on the floor near the driver’s seat or on the dashboard. Refer to your owner’s manual if you’re unsure.
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 wire or plastic strap, allowing them to hang freely. If yours isn’t attached, place it in a clean, secure spot to avoid losing it. Some fuel doors have a designated area to rest the cap, or you can place it on top of your car, just remember to replace it before driving off to prevent fuel evaporation and potential check engine light activation.
4. Remove the Nozzle and Insert into Your Fuel Tank
Lift the Nozzle: Choose the correct fuel nozzle for your car, especially if the pump offers both regular gasoline and diesel (diesel nozzles often have green handles and are larger). Lift the nozzle from the pump cradle. This action usually activates the pump.
Insert the Nozzle: Place the nozzle into your car’s fuel tank opening and push it in until it’s securely inserted. It should fit snugly enough that you don’t need to hold it in place while pumping.
5. Select Your Fuel Grade
Most gas stations in the U.S. offer three main gasoline grades:
- Regular (87 octane): The standard and most common grade.
- Mid-grade (89-90 octane): Sometimes labeled “Special” or “Plus”.
- Premium (91-94 octane): The highest octane grade available.
These numbers represent the gasoline’s octane rating, indicating its resistance to engine knocking or pinging.
Consult Your Owner’s Manual: Your car’s manufacturer specifies the recommended fuel grade in the owner’s manual. Most vehicles are designed to run optimally on regular (87 octane) or mid-grade (89 octane) gasoline. Using a higher octane fuel than recommended generally doesn’t provide any benefit unless your car specifically requires premium fuel. Using the incorrect fuel grade could, in some cases, negatively impact your engine’s performance and efficiency over time.
Choose Your Grade at the Pump: After securely inserting the nozzle, 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 displayed on the gas pump.
6. Begin Pumping Gas
Squeeze the Trigger: Start the flow of gasoline by squeezing the trigger on the nozzle handle.
Engage the Auto-Pump Latch (Optional): To avoid continuously holding the trigger, most nozzles have a small latch or clip that you can engage to keep the fuel flowing automatically. This allows you to release the trigger and let the pump run hands-free.
7. Monitor the Pumping Process
Stay Near Your Vehicle: Never leave your car unattended while pumping gas. Remain nearby to monitor the pump and your vehicle.
Track Fuel and Cost: You can watch the pump display to see the gallons pumped and the total cost accumulating. This helps you manage how much you’re spending and when to stop if you don’t want a full tank.
Avoid Re-entering Your Vehicle: While pumping, avoid getting back inside your car, even in cold or rainy weather. In rare instances, getting in and out of your vehicle during fueling can create static electricity buildup. This static discharge can potentially ignite gasoline vapors when you touch the nozzle again.
Automatic Shut-Off: The pump has an automatic shut-off mechanism that will stop the fuel flow when your tank is full or when you reach the prepaid amount, preventing overfilling. You’ll typically hear a distinct click sound just before the pump stops.
8. Remove and Return the Nozzle
Remove the Nozzle Carefully: When the pump clicks off and the trigger disengages, carefully remove the nozzle from your fuel tank to prevent drips or spills. Hold the nozzle upright and point it away from yourself as you maneuver it out of your car’s fuel tank opening.
Return the Nozzle to the Pump: Place the nozzle back into its cradle on the pump securely.
Clean Up Spills: If any gasoline drips onto your car or the pavement, use a paper towel (usually available near the windshield cleaning station at the pump) to wipe it up immediately.
9. Replace Gas Cap and Close Fuel Door
Replace the Gas Cap: Screw the gas cap back onto your fuel tank opening by turning it clockwise (“righty-tighty”). Tighten it securely until you hear a few clicks. A loose gas cap can cause fuel to evaporate and may trigger your car’s check engine light.
Close the Fuel Door: Close the fuel door, ensuring it’s properly latched.
10. Get Your Receipt (If Needed)
If you paid at the pump with a card, the screen will prompt you to choose whether you want a receipt. Select your preference and follow the instructions to print or decline the receipt. A receipt can be helpful for expense tracking or record-keeping.
11. Reset Your Trip Odometer
Once back in your car, start the engine. Consider resetting your trip odometer. This allows you to track your fuel consumption and calculate your car’s miles per gallon (MPG) for better fuel efficiency awareness. The reset process varies by car make and model, so consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions.
How to Pump Gas into a Gas Can Safely
In situations where you need to refuel lawn equipment or if you’ve run out of gas, you can use a DOT-approved gas can to transport fuel safely.
Steps for Filling a Gas Can:
- Ground the Gas Can: Place the gas can on the ground, not in your car’s trunk or bed of your truck. Grounding it on the pavement helps prevent static electricity buildup. Position the can about 5 feet away from your vehicle to minimize the risk of fumes near a hot exhaust.
- Pay for Gas: Follow the payment steps mentioned earlier to pay for your gasoline.
- Open the Gas Can: Open the gas can’s lid or spout.
- Insert Nozzle and Hold: Place the fuel nozzle into the gas can opening. You’ll need to hold the nozzle throughout the fueling process as it won’t lock into place like it does in a car’s fuel tank.
- Select Fuel Grade: Choose the correct fuel grade for your equipment or vehicle, as needed.
- Pump Gas and Avoid Overfilling: Squeeze the trigger to start pumping. Fill the gas 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 into the gas pump cradle.
- Secure the Gas Can Lid: Close and securely tighten the gas can lid.
- Store Safely: Place the gas can in your car’s trunk or truck bed for transport, minimizing fume exposure. Secure the can to prevent it from tipping over, as spilled gasoline is a fire hazard.
Running on Empty? AAA Roadside Assistance is Available
Despite careful planning, running out of gas can happen. If you find yourself stranded, walk to the nearest gas station if it’s safely accessible, or call roadside assistance.
AAA Roadside Assistance members can rely on 24/7 fuel delivery service. A team member will bring you enough fuel (typically a couple of gallons) to reach the nearest gas station. You only pay for the cost of the fuel! If fuel delivery isn’t possible, AAA will tow your car to a gas station.
Beyond fuel delivery, a AAA membership provides access to a range of roadside services, including towing, flat tire assistance, battery jump-starts, and more. Consider joining AAA for peace of mind on the road.
