How to Put Fuel In Your Car

A step-by-step guide to fuelling your car

You’ve passed your theory, aced your practical, and got yourself a car. Now what? Your first few trips as a new driver can seem daunting; there are plenty of scenarios that your lessons simply can’t prepare you for … like a trail of ducks suddenly crossing a country lane in front of you or getting a flat tyre right after pulling off the driveway.

Filling up your car with fuel for the first time is another one of these first-time moments that you’ll encounter. But don’t worry, it’s super easy to get right. Follow the steps below, and you’ll be pumping gas like a pro in no time.

What fuel does my car need?

Firstly, it’s crucial that you know what type of fuel your car needs before attempting to fill it up. Is your vehicle petrol or diesel? If you don’t know, you can check your vehicle handbook or the fuel filler cap.

Next, you’ll need to know if your vehicle has a specific type of petrol or diesel it prefers, for example: unleaded, super unleaded, or premium fuels. You can find this out in the owner's handbook, too.

Which side is my fuel cap on?

To make the process of pulling up to the petrol station and parking as smooth as possible, it’s good to know where your fuel cap is before you pick a pump. You can either check before you leave for the petrol station or look at your dashboard. Sometimes, next to the fuel light, there is an arrow indicating which side the fuel cap sits on.

How to fill up your car at a petrol station

Now let’s take a look at the steps above in more detail, in case you want a full run-through.

1. Pull up and park

You may need to queue for the petrol station, but that’s fine; it gives you plenty of time to get into a lane for a pump compatible with the location of your fuel cap. You should always try to park with your fuel cap as close to the pump as possible (So, if your fuel cap is on the passenger side, put that side closest to the pump to avoid over-stretching the hose).

Once you’ve parked, secure your car and turn off the engine. It’s a good idea to take the keys out of the ignition and leave them in your pocket or bag.

2. Open your fuel flap & cap

Next, open your fuel flap. This is usually done by pushing down onto the body work within the circle where the fuel cap is located, and seeing it pop open (like a touch-lid bin). Some cars will not open their fuel flaps if they are locked, so bear that in mind.

Then, unscrew the twist cap that covers the actual opening to the fuel tank. Usually, the cap will remain partly attached to the car, but if yours comes separately, you may want to place it on the roof for safe-keeping while you fill.

3. Select the right fuel

Using the guidance above, select the right fuel nozzle from the holders. Typically, petrol is coloured green and diesel is black or brown.

If you have accidentally put the wrong fuel in your car, don’t worry. This happens more than you know. Stay calm and call breakdown assistance. We’ve got an entire blog on what to do if you put the wrong fuel in your car, too.

4. Insert the nozzle and fill up

Jostle the fuel nozzle into the opening of your car’s fuel tank; this may take a few tries before it feels secure. While holding the nozzle in place, squeeze the trigger to make the fuel come out and fuel up.

If the trigger doesn’t depress or “snaps back” quickly, try holding the nozzle at various angles in the hole until you get it right. Keep an eye on the £ numbers increasing on the pump machine during this process so you don’t overshoot your budget.

5. Finish fuelling & close everything up

Fuel up until you’ve hit your budget (it becomes a game trying to get it to the exact penny sometimes), or until your tank is full, as indicated by the trigger snapping back and not letting you add any more fuel to the tank.

Remove the nozzle, giving it a little shake in the hole to catch any extra drips of fuel. Place the nozzle back in its holder, screw on the lid, and close the cap.

6. Pay

Grab your phone or wallet, lock your car, and head into the petrol station to pay. If you’ve paid “at pump” before, you will already have completed the process. 

How to pay for fuel at a petrol station

Paying at pump

Park at your pump, insert your card into the pump’s card reader, enter your PIN, and wait for authorization. Once this has happened, you can pump your petrol or diesel as normal. Once finished, the amount you used will be displayed and charged to your card automatically. Modern pay-at-the-pump systems may have contactless systems too.

Paying at kiosk

After pumping your petrol, take a note of which pump you’re at (usually a number toward the top of the pump - you may need to look up to see it). Lock your car and enter the kiosk where, after telling the clerk which pump number you’re at, you’ll pay over the counter like you would for a regular in-shop purchase.

Tips for fuelling up your car

If you’re still having trouble filling up your car, here are some handy tips:

• Keep an eye on the meter to avoid going over budget
• Position the nozzle correctly to avoid constant “kick back”
• Always release the trigger before you remove the nozzle to avoid spilling any fuel. If you’re worried about dirtying your clothes or hands, there are often plastic gloves available at the pumps.
• If you spill fuel, there should be a small bucket of sand with a shovel. Use this to gently cover any spilt fluid on the floor.

Nail the basics with Kwik Fit

Learners and new drivers have so much to figure out in such a short space of time, so we’re here to give you a helping hand. Our series of guides breaks down the rules of the road and procedures and manoeuvres like parking or pulling out of junctions into the simplest of steps.

Browse through our guides and blogs today. And, to ensure your car is in the best possible condition while you adjust to life on the road, why not bring it into your local Kwik Fit for a free vehicle safety check today?