To Pump or Not to Pump: Will Oregonians Pump Their Own Gas?
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In August 2023, Oregan’s ban on pumping your own gas was lifted. Reactions are mixed. Many residents say it’s faster because you don’t have to wait for an attendant. Others are concerned that it’s dangerous and they think you will smell like gas.
There’s also concern that eliminating the need for full-service attendants will result in job loss for those attendants. However, after the pandemic, there was already a shortage of gas station attendants. In addition, stations that offer self-service as an option are required to offer full service at half of their pumps. Stations that offer both no longer face an employee shortage, which added to the wait times when people had to get gas at a full-service station.
Another concern is that it puts the elderly and those with disabilities at a disadvantage. However, full service is still offered at stations that offer self-service, so this shouldn’t be an issue.
If you think it will be cheaper to pump your own gas, think again. The bill to allow self-service doesn’t allow stations to offer lower gas prices for those who choose to do it themselves.
As with learning any new skill, there can be some apprehension. We’ve outlined the steps below for those who might need a little guidance their first time or two.
How to Pump Your Own Gas
- Pull up close enough to the pump for the hose and nozzle to reach your gas tank. This is easier if you know which side your tank is on. (Your car’s fuel gauge can help with this. There’s a picture of a gas pump with an arrow next to it that points to the side the gas tank is on.) Be careful not to hit the concrete poles around the pump with your car door when you get out.
- Tap or swipe your credit card and follow the on-screen prompts.
- Open the fuel door and remove the gas cap.
- Put the nozzle in the gas tank.
- Choose the fuel type you want. 87 octane is the most common and the cheapest. 89 is mid grade and costs a little more, and anything above that is premium and costs more yet. Refer to your car’s owner’s manual to see which type your car requires. (Some cars require premium gas.)
- Pull the handle on the nozzle. This might take a couple of tries, but you’ll be able to hear it start, and the numbers on the screen will begin moving. At this point you can prop the “kickstand” under the handle that will keep the handle engaged so you can fill up hands free. The pump will automatically stop when the tank is full, even with the kickstand in place. You will hear it click when this happens.
- Remove the nozzle and put it back in its holder on the pump. (To avoid dripping gas or getting it on your hands, tap the nozzle on the edge of your tank before putting it back in the pump.)
- Grab your receipt from the pump if you elected to have it printed.
- Don’t smoke while pumping gas, for obvious reasons.
- Don’t get back in your car while you are pumping your gas. It can cause static electricity, which can create a spark, which can ignite gas.
Various Oregonians were interviewed on news stations about how they felt about the change. Those who were against it said:
- “I’m just lazy.”
- “It’s not safe.”
- “It’s stinky.”
- “I have to get out of the car.”
- “It’s nice having someone do it for me.”
- “I don’t know how and don’t want to learn.”
- “It won’t be cheaper.”
One man who was interviewed simply said, “I don’t care. I drive an electric car.”
Bottom line: Pumping your own gas is not something to be afraid of and it’s not dangerous (as long as you don’t smoke while you’re doing it). However, Oregon still has the option for full service for times when you prefer to have it done for you.
