Buzz
Uh-oh, the fuel warning light is on! How do you even refuel in Canada? If you’ve never done it before, you might be wondering how it works. The good news is it’s essentially the same as in the US and many other nations. Most gas stations in Canada are self-service, meaning you’ll need to fill up your tank on your own. But don’t worry—it’s a simple process that’s easy to follow.
Instructions
Find a Spot and Pay
Look for a gas station when your fuel gauge reaches about half full. Keep an eye on how much gas you have left and start searching for a gas station when your tank is around halfway. This way, you can take your time comparing prices and not stress about running out of fuel.
- Browse different stations nearby to pick the best choice.
- There are also gas price tracking apps like Gas Buddy, Waze, and the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA), which show nearby stations and their fuel prices.
Park your vehicle near the pump and turn off the engine. Drive up to an available pump and park so that your gas tank is facing it. Once parked, turn off your vehicle’s engine. If you’re unsure where your gas tank is located, look for a small triangle-shaped arrow near your fuel gauge on the dashboard, which points to the side where your gas tank is.
- Turning off the engine ensures that there are no fire or safety risks while you refuel.
- If you're riding a motorcycle, make sure to flip out the kickstand and dismount fully before refueling to ensure a safe and stable process.
Keep your phone in your vehicle and avoid smoking. Never light up a cigarette near a pump to prevent any fire risks. Also, cell phones are electrical devices, and their sparks could ignite gas fumes, so it’s best to leave your phone in your car while refueling.
- Since refueling takes only a few minutes, focus on the task at hand. You can check your phone once you’re done!
Swipe your credit or debit card to pay at the pump. If you'd like to pay directly at the pump, insert your credit or debit card into the designated slot. Follow the instructions on the screen to finalize the payment and activate the pump.
- Keep in mind, you can’t prepay a specific amount at the pump. You will either need to stop pumping manually or wait for the pump to stop when your tank is full.
Prepay or pay with cash inside the gas station. If you're paying with cash or wish to set a specific amount for your fuel, go inside the station. Let the cashier know how much gas you want and at which pump. You can pay with cash, credit, or debit card.
- For example, you might say, “Can I get $20 worth on pump 3, please?”
- If you choose to pay inside, you must specify the amount you wish to pay before filling up.
Filling Up the Tank
Open your vehicle’s fuel door. Find the cover that hides your gas cap, usually located on one side of the rear of your car. Open the cover and unscrew the cap to prepare for refueling.
- In some cases, you might need to release the gas cap cover from inside the car. Look near the driver's side door for a lever with a gas symbol (it looks like a pump).
- Many newer cars have gas caps that automatically open when the cover is lifted, so there’s no need to unscrew anything.
Grab the nozzle and choose your fuel type. Lift the handle of the gas nozzle and remove it from the pump. Then, press a button to choose the fuel grade you want for your car.
- Most stations offer 3-4 types of fuel: premium (the highest price), midgrade, regular, and occasionally diesel. Regular fuel works for most cars, but some sports cars and SUVs require midgrade or premium fuel (check your car’s gas cap for the recommended type).
- If you're driving a diesel-powered vehicle, be sure to use diesel fuel to avoid damaging the engine.
Stay near the pump as you refuel. Insert the nozzle into the gas tank opening after selecting your fuel type. Squeeze the handle to start fueling. Continue until you’ve filled your tank or have added enough fuel. If you prepaid inside, the pump will automatically slow down and stop once your tank is full. Stay by the pump until you’re done to avoid spills or accidents.
- Some pumps offer a latch to keep the fuel flowing without holding the handle.
Put the nozzle back and secure your gas cap when you're done. After refueling, remove the nozzle from your gas tank and return it to the pump. Screw the gas cap back in place, close the cover until it clicks, and you're all set!
- If your gas cap doesn’t require screwing, simply close the gas cover, and you're good to go.
- If you paid with a card at the pump, the receipt will print once you replace the nozzle.
Important Notes
- Gasoline can cause skin irritation and even burns. If you happen to spill it on your skin, make sure to wash it off immediately.
