A filling station, fueling station, garage, gasbar, gas station, petrol bunk or petrol
pump, petrol garage, petrol station, service station, or servo, is a facility which
sells fuel and usually lubricants for motor vehicles. The most common fuels sold today
are gasoline, diesel fuel, and electric energy. Filling stations that sell only electric
energy are also known as charging stations.
Fuel dispensers are used to pump petrol/gasoline, diesel, CNG, CGH2, HCNG, LPG, LH2,
ethanol fuel, biofuels like biodiesel, kerosene, or other types of fuel into vehicles
and calculate the financial cost of the fuel transferred to the vehicle. Fuel dispensers
are also known as bowsers, petrol pumps or gas pumps.
Many filling stations also combine small convenience stores, and some also sell propane
or butane and have added shops to their primary business. Conversely, some chain stores,
such as supermarkets, discount superstores, warehouse clubs, or traditional convenience
stores, have provided filling stations on the premises.
Many stations provide toilet facilities for customer use, as well as squeegees and paper
towels for customers to clean their vehicle's windows. Discount stations may not provide
these amenities in some countries.
Stations typically have an air compressor, some with a built-in or provided handheld
tire-pressure gauge, to inflate tires and a hose to add water to vehicle radiators. Some
air compressor machines are free of charge, while others charge a small fee to use. In
many U.S. states, state law requires that paying customers must be provided with free
air compressor service. In most cases, a token provided by the attendant is used in lieu
of coins.
Many filling stations have integrated convenience stores which sell food, beverages, and
often cigarettes, lottery tickets, motor oil, and auto parts. Prices for these items
tend to be higher than they would be at a supermarket or discount store.
Many stations, particularly in the United States, have a fast food outlet inside. These
are usually "express" versions with limited seating and limited menus, though some may
be regular-sized and have spacious seating. Larger restaurants are common at truck stops
and toll road service plazas.
In some U.S. states, beer, wine, and liquor are sold in gas stations, though this
practice varies according to state law. Nevada also allows the operation of slot and
video poker machines without time restrictions.
Vacuum cleaners, often coin-operated, are a common amenity to allow the cleaning of
vehicle interiors, either by the customer or by an attendant.
Some stations are equipped with car washes. Car washes are sometimes offered free of
charge or at a discounted price with a certain amount of gas purchased. Conversely, some
car washes operate filling stations to supplement their businesses.
From approximately 1920 to 1980, many service stations provided free road maps
affiliated with their parent oil companies to customers. This practice fell out of favor
due to the 1970s energy crisis.
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