A gas station or gasoline station is a place that sells gasoline and diesel fuel. In the United Kingdom and Ireland they are known as Petrol Stations where they sell petrol anddiesel fuel.
Gas stations were known to offer free oil company road maps as a strategy to build brand loyalty. However, the oil companies discontinued distributing free maps in the 1970s. Nowadays, the stations sell maps produced by Rand McNally and the AAA (American Automobile Association) and CAA (Canadian Automobile Association).
Gas stations sell gasoline by the US gallon in the United States and by the litre (US: liter) in Canada, Mexico, and most parts of the world.
There are generally two types of gas stations: premium and discount brands.
Gas stations with premium brands are often international brands that include Esso, Exxon, Chevron, Mobil, Shell, Sinclair, and Texaco. They accept credit cards and often have much higher prices. The stations are numerous in locations and much more modern with brighter lighting and are cleaner. For ease and convenience, these stations have pay-at-the-pump facilities.
Discount brands are often smaller regional chains or independent stations. Most purchase wholesale gasoline from suppliers. In some cases, discount brands typically accept cash only. Many discount stations have a few locations and, in some cases, appear outdated (i.e., non-digital pumps) and rundown. An exception is the discount brand Arco (part of BP), which has a combination of modern and dilapidated stations. Lower price gas stations are also found at some co-ops, supermarkets (Albertsons, Kroger, and Vons), convenience stores (7-Eleven), mass merchandise stores (Wal-Mart)and membership warehouse stores (Costco). A membership at some stations (e.g., the supermarkets and membership warehouses) is required to receive the discounted price.
A gas station that also offers such services as oil change and mechanical repairs to automobiles is called a service station. Until the 1970s the vast majority of gas stations were service stations; now only a minority are.
In the UK, a 'service station' refers to much larger facilities, usually attached to motorways or major trunk routes, which provide food outlets, large parking areas, and often other services, such as hotels, arcade games, and shops in addition to 24-hour fuel supplies and a higher standard of restrooms. Fuel is typically more expensive from these outlets due to their premium location. UK service stations do not usually repair automobiles. In parts of the U.S. this arrangement occurs on tollroads and is called an oasis. In the US, the TravelCenters of America is one the largest full-service chains.
Some gas stations have a smaller fast food outlet inside such as a McDonald's, Jack in the Box, Pizza Hut, or Taco Bell. They are usually express versions with limited seating.
Many stations are self-service. However, in some American states like Oregon and countries like Mexico, gas stations are exclusively mini-service or full-service.
British petrol pumps differ from US and Canadian gas pumps. The latter involves turning on the pump first by lifting a lever and then selecting the proper octane by pushing a button. In most cases, British visitors to Canada or the United States would likely have some difficulty using the gas pumps at stations.
Some gas stations are equipped with car washes. They are sometimes free of charge with a certain amount of gas purchase (usually 8 US gallons or more). This promotion is usually advertised near the gasoline price boards.
Many gas stations have air compressors with tire guages and water machines. Some machines are free of charge whereas some may charge a small fee to use (usually 25 cents to $1). In many states of the US, free air must be provided for paying customers as required by law. In most cases, a token provided by the attendant is used in lieu of coins.
Gas stations also provide squeegees, towels, and restrooms for customer use. But a large number of discount gas stations do not provide these amenities. The cleanliness and standards of gas station restrooms vary and a restroom in a fast food restaurant would be a better choice.
In the United States, many gas stations are also convenience stores that sell food, beverages, cigarettes, motor oil, and sometimes auto parts, among other things. Prices tend to be higher at these convenience stores when compared to a supermarket or mass merchandiser.
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