Everything You Need to Know About How to Pump Gas

Whether you’re new to driving or you’ve only lived somewhere with full-service gas stations, it can feel a little daunting to fill up your tank by yourself for the first time. But with our helpful guide, you can feel confident when you pull up to the pump. We talked to automotive specialists to find out everything you need to know about filling up—from how to pump gas to the type of fuel you need and staying safe at the pump.

Quick Guide to Pumping Gas

Pull up 2–3 ft (0.61–0.91 m) from the gas pump.
Pay for the gas at the pump or inside the gas station.
Open your fuel door and remove the gas cap.
Select the grade of gas you want.
Remove the fuel nozzle and insert it into your gas tank.
Squeeze the trigger on the fuel nozzle to start pumping gas.
Let go of the trigger to stop pumping or wait for the nozzle to click off.
Replace the nozzle, tighten your gas cap, and close the fuel door.

Section 1 of 4:

How to Pump Gas

Download Article

1
Pull up to an available pump with your fuel door facing the pump. Automotive specialist Ed Beery says that most vehicles have “a small arrow or indicator on the fuel gauge” that will show you which side of the car the fuel tank is on. Pull up so that side of the car is facing the gas pump. Try to leave about 2–3 ft (0.61–0.91 m) of space between the side of your car and the tank—that way, you’ll have enough room to walk and you won’t have to stretch the gas nozzle too far.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Try to pull up so you’re only in front of one pump—don’t block multiple pumps.
- Turn off the engine before you get out of the car. Take your keys so you can lock the door, and bring your payment method with you. Leave your phone in the car, since static from electronics can cause a spark that could start a fire.
- If you smoke, put out your cigarette before you pull up to the pump. If you vape, leave your vape in the car.
- Make sure you're at the correct variety of pump. Some pumps are designated for Diesel vehicles only, while some pump regular gas only, and some pump both. Pumps that pump both kinds of gas will have two nozzles on each side.
Meet the wikiHow Experts

Ed Beery is an ASE-certified automotive specialist and the owner of InTechgrity Automotive Excellence.

Duston Maynes is an automotive repair specialist at RepairSmith, where he leads a versatile team. He’s also certified through BMW STEP.

Charley Helvy is an ASE-certified automotive and diesel expert. He’s also the founder of Charley’s Garage, a YouTube channel for automotive and truck enthusiasts.
2
Select your payment method and pay for your gas. You won’t be able to pump gas until you’ve paid for it. You can either pay with a credit or debit card directly at the pump, or you can pre-pay with cash or a card at the counter inside.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- To pay at the pump, follow the on-screen directions—you may need to tap, slide, or insert your card to get started. Enter your PIN or zip code if prompted. Some machines will prompt you to enter a pre-pay amount (like $20), but you can usually press enter to skip this step.
- To pre-pay inside, go inside and tell the attendant the pump you’re parked at and how much gas you want to purchase. The gas will stop pumping when you get to that amount. If you want to fill up your tank, give the cashier a little more than you think it will take to fill up, then go back to the counter for your change when you’re finished pumping the gas.
- If you're a member of a reward or loyalty program with that gas station, use your member card or membership number at the pump or the cash register. This may net you a discount or add points to your balance at participating gas stations.
Advertisement
3
Open the fuel door and remove the gas cap. To access the gas tank, you'll probably need to pop the door to the gas tank. The exact way you do this will depend on the type of car you have. You may also need to unscrew the gas cap, although some newer vehicles do not have a gas cap—just an opening behind the fuel door. If you do have a gas cap, unscrew it and set it somewhere safe, or let it hang if it’s connected with a wire.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Options for opening your fuel door include:
  - Finger hole: These doors will have a lip or opening on one side. Slide your finger into the opening on the fuel door, then pull the door open.
  - Spring release: Push in on the fuel door to activate a spring release. The door will pop open
  - Pivot door: Push the back side of the fuel door so the front side swings open.
  - Lever release: “Many vehicles have a lever that opens the fuel filler door from the inside,” says Beery.^{[4]
    X
    Expert Source
    
    Ed Beery
    Automotive Specialist
    
    Expert Interview} The lever is usually located on the left hand of the driver’s dash, on the floor near the driver’s seat, or on the driver's side door. It will usually have a picture of a gas pump on it.
  - Touchscreen: Some newer cars may have a fuel release button on the touch screen.^{[5]
    X
    Research source}
- It sometimes can be hard to tell what type of release a fuel door has just by looking at it. Check your owner’s manual if you’re not sure.
4
Remove the nozzle and insert it securely into the gas tank opening. Lift the nozzle from its holster on the gas pump. Immediately insert it into the gas port of your car, pushing it in until it sits snugly.^{[6]
X
Research source} After the pump nozzle is seated in your tank, it’s okay to let go of it while you select the grade of gas—the nozzle won’t fall out if it’s in properly.
- If you see two nozzles at the gas pump, that means the pump supplies both diesel and regular. The diesel nozzle is usually slightly larger and colored green, and the nozzle is usually too big to fit into the port of a regular gas tank.
- Do not confuse diesel and gasoline—using the wrong one can ruin your engine.^{[7]
  X
  Research source}
5
Select an appropriate grade of gasoline. Make your selection by pressing the corresponding button on the pump. Each grade of gas will have a button you can press to select it.^{[8]
X
Research source} The price for each grade will be displayed on the pump, as well.
- On some older machines, there’s a lever on the bottom of the “holster” where the nozzle sits on the gas pump. You may need to flip this lever up before you can select a variety of gas and start pumping.
- Press the “Start” button if you see one.
- Regular (87) grade is fine for most vehicles.^{[9]
  X
  Research source} But if you need more help making a selection, jump to our section on choosing a gas grade.
6
Squeeze the trigger on the nozzle to start pumping the gas. When you squeeze the trigger, gasoline will flow out of the hose and into your fuel tank. All modern pumps have self-stopping mechanisms that will cut off the flow of gasoline when the tank becomes full, or when you've reached the amount for which you've pre-paid, whichever happens first. You'll hear a click when the tank is full or when the machine cuts it off.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- You can also just let go of the trigger when you’ve pumped the amount of gas you want. This is helpful if you pay with a card at the pump but you don’t want to fill up your tank.
- On most pumps, you can flip a kickstand under the nozzle that will hold the trigger in place so you don’t have to keep squeezing it the whole time. If you want to release the kickstand lock, squeeze the trigger again, then let go.
7
Remove the nozzle from your tank and replace it on the pump. Remove the nozzle from the tank, shaking it gently so any last drips fall into your tank instead of on the ground. Then, hold the nozzle vertically so no more gas can spill out. If you flipped up a lever on the nozzle holster, return it to the “down” position, then place the nozzle back onto the pump.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- It's common for a small amount of gas to drip out of the nozzle as you remove it, so be careful to avoid getting it on your shoes and clothes.
- If you spill any gas on the side of your car, or around the gas port, there are usually paper towels available at the side of the pump that you can use to clean up the spilled gasoline.
- For any major spills, notify the gas station attendant immediately.
- If you get gas on your hands, automotive expert Charley Helvy recommends that you “wash them really well and then apply a lotion to mask any lingering odor.”^{[12]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Charley Helvy
  Automotive Expert
  
  Expert Interview}
8
Recap your gas tank and close the fuel door. Return the gas cap to its place and twist it closed until it clicks a few times, then close the door to the gas tank.^{[13]
X
Research source}
- Most gas caps should be clicked 2–3 times to ensure they’re completely closed, but some cars will have other instructions on the gas cap or fuel door, like “Click once to close.”
9
Accept or decline a receipt. At this point, you’re all finished pumping gas! If you paid at the pump, you may be prompted to print a receipt. If you don’t want a paper receipt, just press "No" to reject it.
- Depending on the gas station and your method of payment, you may need to return to the shop to retrieve your receipt, if you want it.
- Some people like to reset the trip odometer in their vehicle every time they fill up the tank. If you want to do that, look for a button on your dash or a menu option that says something like “Reset Trip Odometer.”

Section 2 of 4:

Selecting a Grade of Gasoline

Download Article

1
Check your owner’s manual for the type of gas needed for your vehicle. On most gas pumps, you'll be able to select between three grades of gasoline, based on their octane rating: Regular (87), Mid-grade (89), and Premium (91–93). Check the owner’s manual to see what octane is recommended for your vehicle. Usually, regular or mid-grade gasoline is fine.^{[14]
X
Research source}
- You may also see Ethanol (E85) or Diesel. Only use these if your car is made to use these types of fuel.^{[15]
  X
  Research source}
- If your gas cap is plain black with no writing, your car probably uses regular gas. If you need another type of gas, it will often be indicated on the fuel door or the gas cap.
- If you need diesel, your gas cap will usually be green.
- If your car uses ethanol, your gas cap will usually be yellow.
2
You can use higher octane than recommended, but not lower. Automotive repair specialist Duston Maynes explains that even though higher-octane gas might cost a little more, it can often be worth it in the long run: “You won’t get as much dirt, silt, or carbon build-up from using a higher-quality fuel, because it will cause a better burn. You’ll also get better fuel economy,” he says, which can help off-set the higher cost of the fuel.^{[16]
X
Expert Source

Duston Maynes
Automotive Repair Specialist

Expert Interview}
- Some vehicles with high-performance engines, like sports cars, require premium-grade fuel. Using a lower quality than what’s recommended can damage the engine.
- The octane rating refers to the amount of gasoline that can be compressed during the compression stroke before the gas is ignited. Lower-octane gas will ignite earlier, and higher-octane will ignite later in the stroke. Higher-octane gasoline is traditionally used in high-performance engines to prevent knocking and create horsepower.

Section 3 of 4:

Safety Tips for Pumping Gas

Download Article

Protect yourself and others by remembering these safety tips at the pump. Gas is extremely flammable, so it’s important to be mindful of fire safety while you’re at the pump. Also, gas stations tend to be busy places with a lot of people coming and going, so be mindful of your belongings, as well. Here’s what we recommend:
- Stop at a brightly-lit gas station whenever possible, especially if you’re driving at night.^{[17]
  X
  Research source}
- Turn off the engine when you pull up to the pump.^{[18]
  X
  Research source}
- Leave your phone in the car, since static from mobile devices can spark and cause a fire.
- Lock your car while you’re pumping the gas. (Be sure you have your keys!)^{[19]
  X
  Research source}
- Do not smoke while you’re pumping gas.
- Do not get back into the vehicle while you’re pumping gas, and discourage anyone in the vehicle from getting out until you’re finished. This can cause a static spark that could lead to a fire.^{[20]
  X
  Research source}
- Touch the metal on the car before you start pumping to discharge any static electricity.^{[21]
  X
  Research source}
- Stay aware of your surroundings.
- Do not “top off” your tank by squeezing the trigger after the pump shuts off.
- If you see fire, do not pull the nozzle out of your fuel tank. Walk away from the vehicle and notify a gas station attendant immediately.
- Never allow children to pump gas.

Section 4 of 4:

How to Fill a Gas Can

Download Article

Only use DOT-approved containers for pumping gas. You’ll see this labeled on the gas can when you buy it. Gas can eat through certain materials, which could lead to a dangerous spill. Once you’re sure you have the right type of gas can, here’s how to fill it:
- Touch the metal on the car before you start pumping to discharge any static electricity.^{[22]
  X
  Research source}
- Place the gas can on the ground about 5 ft (1.5 m) from your car.
- Pay for the gas following the steps above.
- Open the lid of the gas can and place the nozzle inside the opening.
- Select the grade of gas you want to buy.
- Squeeze the trigger on the nozzle to dispense the gas into the gas can, holding the nozzle in place the whole time. Don’t let go—the can could tip over and spill gas.
- Only fill the gas can up about 95% of the way.
- Insert the nozzle back into the gas pump and securely tighten the lid on the gas can.
- Place the gas can in the trunk of the bed of a truck. Be sure it’s well-secured so it doesn’t tip over while you’re driving.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

Can you pump your own gas in New Jersey?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

No, it is still illegal to pump your own gas in New Jersey and it likely will be for the foreseeable future.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 14 Helpful 40
Question

Can you pump your own gas in Oregon?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

Up until recently, you couldn't pump your own gas anywhere in Oregon, but after a law that took effect in the beginning of 2018, now counties where the population is less than 40,000 people are allowed to have self-serve gas pumps.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 16 Helpful 24
Question

What if I want to only fill my tank up halfway? Do I pull it out?

Community Answer

When you've pumped however much gas you want, just stop holding down the handle on the pump. The gas will stop flowing at that point and you can then remove the pump from the tank and place it back in its holster.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 16 Helpful 47

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Read Video Transcript

Tips

In New Jersey, you are not allowed to pump your own gas at the gas station—only full-service gas stations are permitted, where an attendant pumps the gas for you.^{[23]
X
Research source}

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Avoid stations that have just been refueled by a tanker. The pumping of new gas can cause sediment and sludge at the bottom of the fuel tank at the gas station to become stirred up and rise to the top. You don't want that in your tank.

Thanks
Helpful 17 Not Helpful 2