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How to refuel a car in the USA

Life in any country in the world primarily consists of household trifles - shops, cafes, transport, public places. In the United States, where the car has long become an integral part of life, one of the main objects of attention is gas stations.

Usual American refueling as a rule includes columns for refueling with gasoline, diesel fuel and gas; a separate line is allocated for heavy trucks and buses. On some modern gas stations there are sockets for electric cars, but usually they are located separately.

Gas stations and petrol in the USA: features, nuances and differences — American Butler

Process nuances refueling in America

At the station there is always a small supermarket with essential goods and useful things for cars, toilets. There are usually fast food restaurants nearby. Some have coffee shops where you can not only buy drinks, but also fill a glass with boiling water for free and brew your tea or coffee.

How to refuel a car in the USA — tips, recommendations — American ButlerAt the gas station reigns self-service. The payment terminal is built into the gas supply column itself. Payment is made mainly by cards, but cash is also accepted.

Cash payment usually goes 10-15 cents cheaper. The payment process looks like this:

  1. You enter the card data, the terminal charges you $1. Sometimes the terminal may request your zip code (ZIP-code). If you do not have it or you do not remember it, in some cases you can type an arbitrary combination of five digits. If it didn’t work, you’ll have to look for a cashier on duty and pay him.
  2. Choose fuel options. The column itself calculates the amount of fuel filled, if it is refueling to the state of a full tank or for a certain amount.
  3. Starts refueling. At its end, the remaining amount for fuel is debited from you, a receipt is printed.

Liquid fuel is measured in gallons. 1 gallon is 3.8 liters.

By the way, gasoline can have different designations — fuel, gasoline or just gas. Regarding the latter confusion is unlikely to come out, because gas dispensers for safety reasons are always rendered at a distance from gasoline and diesel.

Gas stations in America — photo of the famous Shell Gas Station — American Butler

Types of gasoline in the United States

Types of gasoline by octane in America are labeled differently. Instead of the 92, 95 and others like this, the US uses a different system:

  • 87 (also called REGULAR or UNLEADED) is equal to 92nd in Russia. About 90% of American passenger cars drive precisely on this type of fuel, it is cheaper than the rest, but according to user feedback, it feels cleaner than the native 92nd.
  • 89 (MID-GRADE, MEDIUM or PLUS) — similar to the Russian 95th.
  • 92 (PREMIUM, SUPREME) — premium fuel, similar to the 98th in Russia. Used very rarely, mainly for supercars.

Also quite popular is diesel fuel. But more often it is used for trucks, pickups and some crossovers. Less commonly used gas, usually methane. Electric vehicles are still not as many as we would like, therefore, there are also not many power stations.

When buying or renting a car in the contract it is necessary to indicate what type of fuel should be used with this model of car. If suddenly this item is not present, then you should choose the 87th for refueling.

And there is always a little arrow near the fuel level scale on the dashboard of American cars. It shows whether the gas tank is located on the left or right in the car — you can quickly find out which side to drive to the column.

Types and cost of gasoline in the United States — photo of a gas station in America — American Butler

The cost of gasoline in the United States

The price depends on the state — the farther from the settlements, the more expensive. Also relatively expensive gasoline in densely populated areas, for example, in New York or California. The highest prices at gas stations located on the territory of natural protected areas, national parks and near attractions — the price of fuel is 1.5-2 times higher than the average.

The average price per gallon of gas is $2.19-2.40. In terms of Russian standards, it is 35-38 rubles per liter. Diesel fuel — about 50 rubles per liter.

Photo of diesel trucks and cars in the US — refueling and fuel in America — American ButlerThe quality of fuel is almost the same depending on the brand of refueling, but prices are sometimes significant. The most expensive are refueling companies magnates Chevron and Shell — it is their stations that are most often marked on the highways with the “Next gas... miles” road sign. Gasoline and diesel on them is considered to be of better quality, but in fact it is no better than at gas stations of smaller networks. According to statistics, the most popular besides the giants last year were the networks of Liberty and Love's.

Carefully study the ramps of roads that you usually drive. This gives you the chance to find an excellent low-cost refueling at no extra charge for the brand and price indicators. Also, special sites (for example, the service http://www.gas-cost.net/ or https://gasbuddy.com/ ), which show all the gas stations around your location with the average price, can help in the search. They also help to calculate how much fuel will be spent on a particular trip and how much it will cost.

Fuel prices are quite low relative to average wages, which allows you to more freely use cars in everyday life. Another nice bonus for car owners is a regular reduction in fuel prices depending on the fall in world oil prices.

The more actively searching for alternative energy sources, the lower the cost of gasoline. According to scientists, the very first discovery of an artificial and renewable energy source will instantly bring down oil prices. Accordingly, cheaper and gasoline.

Refueling in the United States is an everyday matter, and you quickly get used to it in the process of using it. This is confirmed by many who have already gone to America. If you also want to drive on the American highways, then in theory you are already enlightened, it's up to the small to get together and go to the USA.

American Butler can provide all the help you need.

We know everything about the culture and life of America and will be happy to share our experience with you and help in organizing tours or moving.
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  • 1.Receiving discounts and bonuses
  • 2.Comments and ratings
  • 3.Secure payments
  • 4.Payment history
  • 5.Subscribe to news and updates
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Registration via social network
Registration advantages:
  • 1.Receiving discounts and bonuses
  • 2.Comments and ratings
  • 3.Secure payments
  • 4.Payment history
  • 5.Subscribe to news and updates
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