Fuel

How do you pump gas?

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To pump gas at a self-service station, park next to the pump, turn off your engine and pay. Pick the fuel your car needs, put the nozzle in and fill. Stop when the nozzle clicks off.

How do you know which side your gas tank is on?

Look for a small arrow or triangle next to the gas pump symbol on your fuel gauge. It points to the side of the car where the fuel door is. Follow the arrow, not the side where the hose is drawn on the pump symbol.

Fuel gauge with an arrow next to the gas pump symbol pointing right, and a car with its fuel door on the right

How do you pump gas, step by step?

Step 1. Park and turn off your engine. Pull up so the pump is on the same side as your fuel door. Put the car in park and shut off the engine. Don't smoke while fueling.

Step 2. Pay. You can usually pay by card at the pump or go inside and prepay. If you pay inside, tell the cashier your pump number and how much you want. Then follow the pump's instructions.

Step 3. Pick the right fuel. Most cars take regular, the 87 button.

Button	Name	For
87	Regular (also called Unleaded)	Most cars.
89	Plus (Midgrade)	Only if your car asks for it.
91 to 94	Premium	Many luxury and sports cars, like many BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz models.
E85	Flex fuel	Only flex-fuel cars. They often have a yellow gas cap.
Diesel	Diesel	Only diesel cars and big trucks.

Not sure which one? Open the fuel door. Most cars have a sticker inside it, or words on the gas cap, that say which fuel to use.

Open fuel door with a label that says unleaded fuel only, 87 octane minimum

Never put diesel in a gas car. Diesel is a different fuel, not stronger gas, and it can ruin the engine. At many stations the diesel pump is separate, often with a green handle. Read the word on the pump before you lift the nozzle.

Step 4. Open the fuel door. Some cars have a release button or lever inside. On others you press the door. Take off the cap if your car has one and set it somewhere it won't fall.

Step 5. Put the nozzle in. Read the fuel label on the pump first. Lift the nozzle and push the spout fully into the fuel opening. Don't squeeze the handle until the nozzle is all the way in. Squeezing early can spill gas on you and the car.

Step 6. Fill. Squeeze the handle. Hold it, or use the latch if the nozzle has one. Stay next to the pump while it fills. Don't get back in the car. Sliding across the seat builds static, and touching the nozzle after that can spark a fire.

Step 7. Stop at the click. The nozzle shuts off on its own when the tank is full. Don't squeeze again to "top off." The EPA says topping off can cause spills, release gas vapors and damage your car's vapor recovery system. Put the nozzle back on the pump, then put your gas cap back on and close the fuel door.

Step 8. Finish up. Follow the pump's prompts to end the sale. Take your receipt if you want one. Check that the fuel door is closed before you drive away.

Can you use your phone or smoke while pumping gas?

Don't smoke. Gas vapor can catch fire, and stations post no-smoking signs at every pump.

Your phone is a different story. The Petroleum Equipment Institute tracks fires at gas pumps and says it has not documented a single one caused by a cell phone. The real risk is static. Its three rules are to turn off the engine, not smoke, and never get back in the car while fueling. Keep your eyes on the nozzle, not the screen, so you notice a spill.

Does a green pump handle always mean diesel?

No. Green handles are common for diesel in the U.S., but handle colors aren't standard. AAA says to read the fuel label instead of going by color.

What should you do if gas spills or catches fire?

Stop pumping and tell the station attendant. Keep cigarettes and anything else that could spark away from the spill.

If a fire starts, don't pull the nozzle out of the car. Move away and call 911. Oregon's required pump warning signs say the same.

Where can you check gas prices before you fill up?

See this week's prices by state on MileCheck's gas price table. In New Jersey you don't pump your own gas. An attendant does it. Oregon has its own rules too. See which states pump your gas for you.

More: when gas is cheapest during the year.