Back to basics: Pumping your own gas

The Garden State (where I happen to live) is one of only two states where it's illegal to fill 'er up yourself. Only gas station 'professionals' can pump gas in New Jersey and Oregon -- coming from Maine, this was a big change for me. I happen to think that everyone should know how to pump gas. With the exception of a few elderly and disabled persons, most people are perfectly capable of getting out of their car for five minutes and place a nozzle in their gas tank. It not only saves time ... it saves money.


Instructions:

1. Make sure you already know what side of your car that the tank is on and then pull into the gas station and drive up to a pump that you can position near the gas tank. Note: usually they are near the rear of your vehicle, on either the right or left hand side. (If your car needs diesel fuel, make sure you pull up to the appropriate pump.
2. Turn off your car. And, if you smoke ... don't smoke while pumping gas!
   
3. Open the gas tank. On newer cars, this is done with a button from the inside of the car, but on older cars the tank can be opened by hand, or even with a key. (See your manual if you can't figure it out.)
   
   
4. Unscrew the cap and put it somewhere you can easily find it -- all too often this is a mistake many people make and they leave the gas cap at the station.
   
   
5. Self-serve is different in respect to paying for the gas. At this stage you will need to pay for your gas, rather than after. Depending on how old or new the station is you will be able to prepay for the gas either by giving money to the attendant, or by simply sliding your credit or ATM debit card through a slot at the gas pump. If you use your credit card or ATM at the pump, there will be directions on the pump that will take you through the payment step by step.
   
   
6. Turn to the pump and select what type of gas you want to use (regular, premium, super, or diesel). Lift the handle of the gas nozzle off it's stand and place the nose of the nozzle into the opening for the gas tank. Make sure you fit the nose down as far as it can go. Lifting the handle may start the pump or you may have to press the 'start' button, which will be clearly marked. (In either case, the pump indicator should clear and register to zero.
   
   
7. Pull up on the trigger located in the handle of the gas hose. This will release the gas into the tank of your car. Keep squeezing the lever and your gas will pump until you reach the prepaid amount -- or it will stop automatically when the tank is full, which ever comes first. When it does stop, the lever on the handle will click and turn itself off. Note: If you want to fill the tank, without standing there and squeezing the pump, just squeeze the nozzle's lever and set the clip at the bottom of the lever. The pump will shut of automatically and this will give you time to wash your windows! At this point, don't get back in your car. (See little known dangers at the gas pump.)
   
   
8. When you are finished pumping, remove the nozzle and put it back in the holder, pulling the holder back down to do so.
   
   
9. Put the cap back on the gas tank tightly and close the cover.
   
   
10. If you paid at the pump, it should ask you if you need a receipt. If you want it, press yes on the keypad, take your receipt and go!
    

While it may seem overwhelming ... it's not. That being said, next time you're in Jersey and need to refuel, take the opportunity to relax in the comfort of your car while the 'professional' does all the dirty work -- I have to admit -- this comes in quite handy when it's raining or there's a snowstorm outside. Even still, I'd much rather pump my own gas, and get on with my day.

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