No longer can you sit in the driver’s seat, heat on, radio turned up and wait for an attendant to fill your tank. Oregon drivers are now given the amazing opportunity to leave their vehicles and experience the magic of operating gas pumps. Regardless of your stance on the new law, you don’t want to be the person that needs to find assistance. That’s embarrassing. But don’t worry, pumping gas is way easier when you look past the fact you are completely unqualified. Luckily, filling your tank isn’t rocket science or an extreme sport. You can easily become a professional in a few easy steps. 

Depending on your car, but often a universal experience, is the moment you realize that by some unknown cause, your tank is near empty… again. The good news is you’re normally never too far from a gas station. If you are, then your good friend Google Maps is always there to help. At this moment, set aside some time to find a station to fill up. Chances are, you’ve already procrastinated as long as possible and the last thing you want is to be stranded on the side of the road.

When you pull up to the pump, make sure to check beforehand that your gas tank is on the side nearest to the fuel dispenser. The fuel gauge on your dashboard, which looks like a gas pump for visual learners, should indicate which side it’s located on. Failing at this part could result in some awkward reversing and loops around the station; this should be easy to avoid. After you’ve successfully parked and turned off your car, it’s time to brave the Oregon weather. 

If you’re like me and own a 2005 Convertible VW Bug, opening your gas cap might take a little work. If you’re not like me, then a simple push down and release should offer you access to your fuel tank. Unscrew the cap so the tank is fully accessible. Before you can put the nozzle in, the machine requires you pay first (this is the United States after all). A few simple prompts on the screen should be enough to lead you through the process. If you plan on paying with cash, you can ask a gas station attendant if that’s possible, but let’s face it, the real question is why are you paying for gas with cash?

After you’ve paid you’ll see a few gasoline options in front of you. This isn’t the time to press on your favorite color. Each car requires a specific type of fuel: regular, midgrade or plus, premium or diesel. If you’re not sure which one, look up your car model. Please don’t press and pray. Before you click on your fuel type, you’ll want to lift the pump nozzle out of its place and insert it into your fuel tank. No need to force it, I promise the nozzle fits. Then, click on your fuel type and squeeze the trigger gently. No one ever said squeezing the fuel trigger required a gym membership, so take it easy.

Your pump nozzle has a clip that you will then want to clip up against the handle. Now, you wait. As the numbers on the screen start rising and you enjoy the delightful inflation of gas prices, try to think of something else to ease the mind. Maybe think of the gifts you’re buying for the holidays, a new show you started or maybe just enjoy the idea of doing nothing. Try to avoid the fact that you are currently freezing, there’s a test next week and anything related to the CommonApp.

Once you hear a beautiful clicking sound, that means your tank is full. Your car will automatically stop filling up at this point. When starting to remove the nozzle, remember that it will probably drip when removed. To avoid this, people often give the nozzle a light shake or tap while still in the tank, this way spillage is avoided and your shoes don’t get grosser than they already are. Finally, set the pump nozzle back in its spot, close your fuel tank, and remember to take your receipt or join everyone else and leave it hanging there. We won’t judge.