Regan Brown
Pumping fuel into your car is a simple process, but it's important to do it right. Fuel vapours are extremely flammable, so extra care should be taken to avoid creating static electricity, and phones and cigarettes should be kept away. Before you start, you'll need to determine the location of your fuel filler, usually at the rear of the car, and locate the correct pump. Once you've pulled up, put your car in park, turn off the ignition, and get out of the car with your payment method. You can then unlock and open your fuel filler, and begin pumping fuel.
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What You'll Learn
Determine the location of your fuel filler
The fuel filler is the entry point for fuel when you fill up your car. While most models have a traditional fuel cap, some recent models come with a capless gas tank. The fuel filler is located on the exterior, usually behind the fuel door, which leads to the fuel tank.
If your car has a capless fuel system, you may need to use a flashlight to check the inside and outside of the inlet. You can also look for an arrow by the fuel gauge, which will indicate which side the filler is on. If you are driving a rental car, this can be very handy.
If you prefer to fill up on the driver's side, it is easier to position the car beside the pump, especially if you have to back in and your car has big blind spots. However, some people prefer the filler on the passenger side, as they can park close and still have plenty of room to open the door.
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Park your vehicle in the correct position
When you arrive at the gas station, the first thing to do is locate your gas tank. If you're outside your car, you'll usually find the fuel lid above the rear wheel on either the driver's or passenger's side. If you're in the car, there should be an arrow next to the fuel gauge pointing to the correct side.
Now that you know which side of the car your gas tank is on, you can choose a pump that matches up with it. Pull up next to the pump, leaving enough space to navigate between the car and the pump (usually 2 to 3 feet). You want the nozzle to be near your fuel filler, so it's easier to reach with the pump nozzle.
If you're driving a manual transmission, put your car in neutral. For automatic cars, make sure to put your car in park. Turn off the ignition and apply the handbrake. If it's hot and you have kids or pets in the car, remember to roll down the windows to keep the inside of the vehicle cool.
Get out of the car, taking your keys and payment method with you. Be sure to leave cigarettes, lighters, vapes, and cell phones in the car for safety reasons. Open flames, such as cigarettes and lighters, can ignite gas fumes, and static electricity from electronics could also cause a spark.
Now, go to the pump side of your car and locate your fuel cap. If you need a key to unlock it, put it in and twist to the left. If you don't need a key, you can usually just flip open the panel. You'll then see the actual fuel cap, which you'll need to twist open or pop up.
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Turn off the ignition and put the car in park
Once you've located your gas tank and pulled up to the pump, it's time to turn off the ignition and put your car in park. This is an essential step for safety reasons.
Turning off the ignition is crucial as it is unsafe to pump fuel into your car while the engine is still running. It is also a good time to end any phone calls and put out any cigarettes. The combination of a lit cigarette and fuel vapors can cause a fire or explosion. Cell phone usage at the fuel station is generally not recommended, as some people argue that phones could create a spark that could ignite fuel vapors.
Putting your car in park is another critical step. You should never pump fuel into your car if it is not in park. This step is especially important for manual transmission cars, which should be put in neutral.
At this point, you should get out of the car, taking your keys and method of payment with you. If you have children or pets in the car, it is recommended to roll down the windows to allow air to flow, especially during hot weather.
Before getting out of the car, make sure to apply the handbrake and ensure the car is securely in park or neutral. Leaving the car in gear without the handbrake applied could cause it to roll, especially on an incline.
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Open the fuel lid and unscrew the gas cap
Once you've located the gas tank and pulled up to the pump, it's time to open the fuel lid. The fuel lid is usually located above the rear wheel on either the driver's or passenger's side. You can determine which side of the car your gas tank is on by looking for the gas indicator on your dashboard—there should be a small arrow pointing to the gas tank side of your car.
If you're outside your car, you'll see the fuel lid. If you're already in the car, there's no need to get out and check. If your car is locked, you may need your key to unlock the fuel lid—just put it in and twist to the left. It should come off easily. If you don't need a key, you can usually just flip the panel open like a little door.
Once the fuel lid is open, you will see the gas cap. Place the gas cap somewhere safe, like on the raised edge of the pump or on top of the car. Most modern gas caps have a wire connecting them to the tank, so you can let it hang freely. If yours isn't attached, set it somewhere safe so you don't lose it. Some fuel lids may have a designated place to rest your gas cap.
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Insert the nozzle into the gas tank and start pumping
Now that you've determined the location of your fuel filler, you can begin the process of fuelling your car. Position your car close to the pump, leaving enough space to move between the car and the pump. Typically, you would want to park with the fuel tank side of your car next to the pump. This makes it easier for you to reach your fuel filler with the pump nozzle. Once you're in the right spot, put your car in park and turn off the ignition. If you are driving a manual transmission vehicle, you would put the gear in neutral instead. It is unsafe to pump fuel while the car is still running.
After securing your car, get out of the vehicle and go to the pump side of your car to access the fuel cap. If your fuel cap requires a key to unlock, insert the key and twist it to the left. You can then place the key somewhere safe, such as on the raised edge of the pump. If your car does not require a key, you usually just need to flip open the panel, similar to opening a small door. Underneath this panel, you will find the actual fuel cap. Depending on the car model, you would either twist open the cap or pop it up, similar to opening a windscreen fluid cap.
Now that the fuel cap is open, you can grab the nozzle from the pump. Ensure that you select the correct nozzle if the pump has separate nozzles for regular gasoline and diesel fuel. The diesel nozzle typically has a green handle. Then, insert the nozzle into the gas tank until it is secure. You should not need to hold it in place while pumping gas. At this point, you can start pumping by squeezing the handle. The fuel will begin to flow, and you will hear the pump make a distinct noise.
As you pump, pay attention to the pump's screen, which will display the amount of fuel you are dispensing and the corresponding cost. If you only want to fill up to a certain amount, keep an eye on the total and release the handle when you reach your desired quantity. If you want to fill the tank completely, continue squeezing the handle until you hear a "thunk" sound, indicating that your tank is full.
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Frequently asked questions
Park your vehicle with the fuel tank side next to the pump. Turn off the ignition and put your car in park (or neutral if it's a manual transmission).
Never pump fuel when your car is running. Do not smoke or use a lighter, and put away your cell phone.
Open the fuel lid covering your gas cap. You may be able to do this manually with your finger, or by pulling a lever or pressing a button. Unscrew the gas cap.
