How to Tip at a Gas Station

The attendant hustles over to your car, greets you and starts to fill up your tank. You are comfortable in your car until you realize that you have to tip the attendant. Or do you? You sit and anxiously wonder how much to give as you watch your tank fill with gas. Use these steps to determine exactly how much to give.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Check if the gas station is already charging for full service. If the per gallon price is significantly higher than nearby gas stations, they are already taking extra money to pay for their labor. In this case there is no need to tip.
2. Evaluate the level of service that the attendant provides. If they simply fill up the tank and take your money, then there is no need for anything more than a dollar or two. If they clean your windshield or check your engine fluids, then a larger tip is in order, perhaps five dollars. Such service was common in the old days.
3. Consider any extraordinary circumstances. If the wind chill is below zero or if it's raining cats and dogs, it is polite (and worth it) to tip extra. Also take into account extreme heat or storm conditions.
4. Count out a few dollars based on your assessment of the service and conditions and give them to the attendant.

Tips & Warnings

• In states where full-service gas stations are required by law (currently New Jersey and Oregon) a lot of residents do not tip. Some out-of-state visitors experience pressure to give a tip, whereas local plates wouldn't get that treatment.
• If you are traveling outside of the U.S., check local tipping customs.