How to Pump Gas

If you've never pumped gas before, you are not alone. Immigrants, adults without a license and older people who are used to full-service gas stations may have never pumped their own gas. Read on to learn how to do this.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Drive into a gas station and pull up to a pump. Make sure that your fuel tank is on the side facing the pump. Also make sure that you've pulled up to a gasoline pump and not a diesel pump.

2. Determine how you're going to pay. Many gas stations ask you to pre-pay inside if you're using cash. If so, just ask the cashier for something like "$20 on pump #6" - or whatever your pump number was. If you're paying with a credit card, you can swipe it at the pump and follow the instructions.

3. Choose your fuel type. For gasoline you will most likely have to choose between 87, 89, 93, etc. This is the octane rating of the gasoline. Check your car's owner's manual for the recommended type.

4. Open your fuel tank door, unscrew the cap and insert the pump nozzle. Make sure that the nozzle is fully inserted into the hole and then press the pump handle to begin pumping. On the pump's display you will see the price and total number of gallons increasing.

5. If you are filling your tank completely, the pump will automatically shut off whenever the tank is filled. Otherwise, just release the handle when you've pumped the amount of gas you want. Place the nozzle back and your transaction should be complete.

6. Screw back on your fuel cap and shut the tank door. Retrieve your receipt from the pump. Congratulations - you've just pumped gas!