If Only More People Knew Gas Station Etiquette
No one likes pumping gas. It’s a monotonous task that most drivers do without even thinking—though we wish more of them would! If you’ve ever unhooked a nozzle, you know all about people blocking pumps and taking their sweet time at the register; that’s why we’re here to talk about what you should and definitely shouldn’t do.
1. Smoke
Yeah, it’s not a good idea to light up around a bunch of gas. You have dozens of people around, plenty of additional vehicles, and a catastrophe just waiting to happen should disaster strike. Not to mention, it’s easier to start a fire than you think—one loose ember could set the place ablaze.
2. Whip Out Your Phone
There’s no reason to stay on your phone at the pump. It doesn’t take long to fill up, but it’ll take much longer if you spill gas or choose the wrong nozzle. Cellphones also distract you from surrounding safety hazards, especially at night, so keep it tucked in your pocket.
3. Overfill Your Tank
For some people, filling their cars to the brim seems like a good idea. After all, you’re getting more miles out of it, right? Not really. Overfilling your tank only wears down your vehicle—and threatens a dangerous spill at the pump.
4. Get Back Into the Car
Uh oh! You forgot something in your car! Better quickly pop your head in and grab it. Not so fast! Believe it or not, a small amount of static electricity can spark when you touch metal, and mixed with gas vapors, it’s a lethal combination.
5. Ask for Directions
Gas stations seem like the perfect place to ask for simple directions, but the reality is that most people won’t provide what you’re after. Oh sure, you can ask the cashier, but they’ll either send you on an accidental goose chase or not know where you’re going. Unfortunately, it’s not the good old days anymore.
Jean-christophe Gougeon on Unsplash
6. Leave the Engine Running
There’s a reason most states ban running engines at the pump. When you leave your car running, you put flammable vapors into the air, which isn’t safe in a gas station. It doesn’t matter if it’s the dead of winter, either—your car won’t be off for very long, and you’ll survive the few minutes of cold.
7. Keep Gas on Your Skin
A lot of us leave harsh chemicals on our skin, even if we don’t mean to. The odd drop of toilet bowl cleaner or gasoline doesn’t seem like a big deal, but it causes skin irritation and even burning in severe cases. Lukewarm water and soap get the job done.
8. Let Kids Stay in the Car
We don’t want to sound like nervous Nellies, but there’s just no telling what someone is thinking. Why risk it with your kids’ lives? Either leave them at home or bring them into the store with you; the last thing you want is for someone to try their luck with your car doors.
9. Ignore Faulty Pump Warnings
When we’re in a rush, we’re sometimes encouraged to test fate—but using faulty pumps won’t get you anywhere. Stay alert and remain mindful of any warnings at the station. The best-case scenario is that it comes up dry, but the worst-case scenario is that it leaks all over the place.
10. Get Distracted
Keep your wits about you at the pump. While most areas are perfectly safe, you’ll stay even safer if you don’t chit-chat with strangers or offer rides to anyone in distress. Women, especially, should keep their eyes peeled for any potential nefarious behavior.
With some of the negatives out of the way, what does gas station etiquette actually look like? Don’t worry, we have a few things you should know before your next refill.
1. Lock Your Car Doors
It doesn’t matter if you’re just popping into the store—lock your doors! Gas stations everywhere experience car theft and petty burglary, not to mention people driving off without paying. The only way to ensure your valuables’ safety is to lock them away.
2. Fill Up Before You’re Empty
Try not to let that dreaded “E” pop up on the dash. It’s important to refill before you’re completely out of gas; your poor fuel pump goes through quicker wear and tear without due diligence. If you can, aim to hit the pump around the halfway point.
3. Know What You Want
Gas stations are no different than a grocery store: be concise at the cash register. On a busy night, you’ll have dozens of people in line behind you, and dilly-dallying at the counter makes it worse for everyone.
4. Leave Enough Room at the Pump
Is there anything worse than someone blocking the pump? Poor parking and inconsiderate drivers alike eat up space at the station, leaving everyone else to wait unnecessarily. Park close to your pump and make sure you leave enough room on all sides of you for other motorists.
5. Park Before You Go In
Two seconds or two minutes, it doesn’t matter! Park your car in a spot, don’t leave it at the pump. Even if the place is deserted, you never know who could pull in, and it’s just good manners to stow your vehicle in a proper parking space.
Lucho Castro Barrantes on Pexels
6. Turn Down the Music
There’s nothing better than jamming out in the car, but that doesn’t mean other motorists like your playlist. Turn down the tunes and wait until you’re back on the road before blasting them again. Some people are trying to talk to staff members, while others are more vulnerable and could use the quiet.
7. Stay With Your Vehicle
Stick with your vehicle until you’re done pumping! Don’t head into the store, don’t walk away to answer a call, and definitely don’t leave the nozzle unattended. You’re not welcoming potential theft, but you’re also risking spillage and potential fire hazards.
8. Exit the Right Way
It’s not always easy to tell right of way from no way, but experienced drivers pay attention to the signs. Peeling out of the entryway can cause collisions, and even if it doesn’t, driving around in circles won’t help those trying to reach the pump.
9. Pay Before You Pump
Nearly every gas station legally requires payment before pumping. The good news is that you probably don’t even have to go inside; most self-service pumps have debit machines that make it a breeze. Do yourself a favor: don’t drive away without paying. Stations have security cameras everywhere, and you definitely won’t get far.
10. Alert Someone to Spills
From major leaks to minor spills, alert staff immediately if you see gas on the ground. They’ll know proper cleaning procedures and can block off any affected pumps until the pavement’s clear. It might not look like a big deal, but there’s no reason to risk it.
