How to pump your own gas, step by step
Pat Kruis -Pamplin Media Group: Aug 4, 2023
Those who have not ventured out of Oregon face an uncertain future this weekend, as a new law goes into effect allowing drivers in the Beaver State to pump their own gas for the first time in decades.
For millions of Oregonians, this weekend will be their first time handling a gas pump.
Rest easy. Here's how you do it.
You already know the first three steps:
1. Approach the pump
Align your gas cap to the nozzle. This step requires some spatial awareness. Station attendants see people drive to the wrong side of the pump, then circle around to another pump, again on the wrong side. Renting a car? Your dash board often indicates the gas cap location with a gas pump icon and a tiny arrow on pointing to the correct side of the car.
2. Pop the lock to your gas cap
Flip the release button or lever inside your vehicle. You've likely discovered it by now if you've ever purchased gas before.
3. Turn off your engine
OK, now you have to get out of your vehicle and the tricky part starts:
4. Unscrew the gas cap
If your gas cap does not have a tether, make sure you place the cap somewhere in plain sight (not on the gas pump) so you won't drive away without it. Many gas cap doors have receivers for holding the cap.
5. Insert your credit card
Your card goes into the slot indicated on the pump. Wait for the screen to tell you to remove your card.
6. Lift the nozzle
Once the computer approves your purchase it will tell you to lift the nozzle off the pump. In some cases the "holster" will have a "seat" for the nozzle, which you'll have to flip up before the gasoline will flow.
7. Select your grade of gasoline
This is the octane level represented by different numbers. Regular is generally 87, the higher the number the higher the octane and the higher the price. If you've purchased gas in the past, you know which grade you prefer. Press that button.
8. Insert the nozzle
After selecting the gas grade, the price indicator on the screen should register zero. Insert the nozzle into your tank's receiver until it fits snugly.
9. Squeeze the handle
Squeeze until the gas starts flowing. Look for the screen to start measuring your purchase.
10. Lock the nozzle open
Rest the metal tang in the ridges on the bottom of the the pump handle to lock the pump in the open position.
Squeezing the nozzle releases a little tang. Rest that metal tang against the ridges on the bottom rung of the handle to hold the nozzle in the open position. Different styles of pumps have different styles of locks. You don't have to manually hold the handle for a 20-gallon fill-up. However, if you're going for a set amount of gas, say $10, you better stay right there on the handle. Those numbers spin by remarkably fast.
11. Optional: Clean your windows
While the gas pumps, you might consider washing your vehicle's windows to get the full DIY gas-pumping experience.
12. How to know when you're finished
When your tank is full, the nozzle will resound with a satisfying ‘chunk’ and the numbers will stop spinning on the screen.
You might be able to pump your own gas at some service stations under a proposed bill that is working its way through the Legislature.
13. Return the nozzle to the pump
Tap the tip of the nozzle so the last few drips fall into the tank and not onto your car’s paint, or your pants, or your shoes. Don't forget to lower that "seat" if you had to lift it earlier.
14. Replace the gas cap
Don't forget to close the door to the tank.
15. Receipt?
The screen will politely ask you if you would like a receipt. Press the screen to give it the answer of your choice. If you generally tip your gas attendant, you no longer need to add that expense. So far, gas pump screens do not ask for tips.
Congratulations!