At the Petrol Station

Useful Vocabulary

gas pump (n) The machine at a gas station to put gas in a car.
The gas pump doesn’t work.
pull up to the pump

When you drive up and park your vehicle next to the gas pump so that you can fill it with fuel.

After you pull up to the pump, make sure you turn your vehicle off before you begin pumping.
When you pull up to the pump, make sure the tank is on the correct side.
gas/petrol/fuel tank A container that holds liquid or gas when you fuel your car.
gas, gasoline /ˈɡæs.əl.iːn/, diesel, fuel

All names for the petroleum products that power vehicles
and machines. Gasoline, or gas, and diesel are types of fuel.
*Note: the word “petrol” isn’t commonly used in American English.

Make sure you don’t put gas in a diesel engine.
Some gas stations sell only gasoline, but this one sells all types of fuel.
fuel cap/gas cap

The device that covers the opening of your fuel tank.

Before you pump your gas, you need to remove the gas cap.
Don’t forget to replace your fuel cap when you’re done filling up your tank.
self-service (adj) Allowing customers to serve themselves.
We only have self-service gas stations in my city.
full-service (adj) Someone who serves another person.
I like full-service gas stations because I don’t have to do the work.
fill up (your car) (v – phrase) The action of filling up something full; a gas tank.
I always like to fill up my gas tank. 
pay at the pump

This option typically means that you are paying for your fuel with a credit or debit card on a machine that is built into the pump.

When I am in a hurry, I appreciate the option to pay at the pump so that I don’t have to wait as long.
I tried to pay at the pump, but the machine was broken so I had to go inside the store to pay.
fuel gauge /ɡeɪdʒ/ An instrument on the dashboard or panel which shows how much fuel you have.
I think my fuel gauge is broken – it says it’s full but I just ran out of gas!
Always make sure to check your gas gauge before you drive a long distance.
fuel light

An indicator on the fuel gauge that tells you when you are almost out of fuel.

She always drives with her fuel light on. One day she’s going to run out of gas!
If your fuel light burns out, you may not know when you’re about to run out of gas.
gas station/convenience store

A place to buy fuel, snacks, things for your vehicle,
souvenirs, maybe even groceries – it’s just usually more expensive. You are paying for the “convenience” of it being right there.

I pulled into the gas station just as my light came on.
I went to the convenience store because it’s right on the corner and all I needed was milk and eggs.
check the oil (phrase) To look at the engine oil in a car to see if it needs more oil.
Should I check the oil in your car?
check the pressure (phrase) To look or test the air in car tires to see if they need more air.
I always check the tire pressure when I go to the gas station.
gas attendant (n) The person who puts gas in your car at a gas station.
The gas attendant is very busy.
wash the windshield (phrase) To clean the front glass of a car with liquid soap and water.
He always washes the windshield of his car.
pop the hood (phrase) To open the hood of a car; the engine is under the hood.
Please pop the hood so I can check your oil.
have your car repaired

An expression which means that somebody repairs your car.

I need to have my car repaired.

 

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Speaking practice

  1. Which do you like better, full-service or self-service gas stations? Why?

  2. Do you usually pay in cash or by credit card for gas? Why?

  3. How often do you check the tire pressure in your car?

  4. How often do you check the oil in your car?

  5. Is gas/petrol expensive in your country?

  6. Do you always fill your gas tank full? Why or why not?

  7. What do you think about the job of a gas attendant? Is it important or not?

  8. Is it important to keep the correct amount of air in car tires? Why or why not?

  9. Do you like to wash the windshield of your car? Why or why not?

  10. Describe what it is like getting fuel in your country. Is it full-service or self-service?

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