Knowing how to pump gas is an essential skill for any teen, but not all of them have been taught the proper procedure. It’s important to take the time to explain the basics of pumping gas and go over safety procedures so that your teenager is fully prepared for any situation. Here are five steps you need to know when teaching your teen how to pump gas.
1. Know Where The Gas Tank Is – One of the most important steps is learning where the gas tank is located on your vehicle, as it may not always be on the driver’s side. Check for a gas tank indicator arrow near the dashboard to help identify which side of the car has the tank. Your teen should also practice pulling up close enough so that the nozzle can reach their car to pump gas.
2. Know How To Pay For Gas – Show your teen the importance of having a credit or debit card when filling up their tank, and alert them of any potential limitations at certain pay-at-the-pump systems ($100 usually). They should also be aware of how to pay with cash at the clerk before they can pump gas.
3. Know The Different Types Of Gas – It’s essential that your teen is aware of the type of fuel their car requires, whether it’s diesel or gas. Additionally, they should know which nozzle to use, as different grades of gas have specific nozzles. If they’re driving an electric car, you may need to explore a different set of questions regarding filling up their tank.
4. Know How To Use The Nozzle – Filling up a car for the first time can be stressful, so encourage your teen to practice it a few times before they head out on the road. Let them understand how to fill up a full tank, as well as pumping small amounts of gas at a time.
5. Don’t Forget To Put The Gas Cap Back On – Finally, remind your teenager that it’s easy to forget to screw the gas cap back on after filling up their tank. A loose or broken gas cap can have negative consequences such as reduced fuel efficiency and increased emissions. If they forget to put the gas cap back on, the “check engine” light may come on in some vehicles.
Key Takeaways: When teaching your teen how to pump gas, make sure they understand the following: where the gas tank is located, how to pay for gas, which type of fuel their car requires, how to use the nozzle, and putting the gas cap back on. Additionally, note that in some places such as New Jersey and Oregon prohibit self-service pumping. A great video to watch with your teen before they practice is also very helpful.
Blessing Iyamadiken loves the art of storytelling and enjoys creating all types of content from news to entertainment. She is also a feminist and very passionate about Gender Equality. In her spare time, she loves to read or binge on Netflix.
