Full Service Gas Stations

[Cow Poke]

How many of you have NEVER been to a full service gas station?

I'm talking about the kind of gas station where you pulled up to the pump, ran over a rubber hose that rang a bell in the gas station, and an employee actually came out and asked how much gas you wanted, then, while the gas was pumping, checked your oil, washed your windshield, etc....

These stations were in abundance when I started driving, but I really welcomed the "self service" aspect of those stations that eventually implemented it.

At first, it seems all gas stations were full service, then some of those added self service areas, then most seem to have become entirely self service.

Most of the time I don't even speak to an "attendant" or cashier... I just pay at the pump, fill my tank, and go.

But, back to the question.... How many of you have NEVER been to a full service gas station?

[Carrikature]

Ofc, you can't pump your own gas in Oregon, so I talk to the attendant every time. I've been to one or two that washed the windshield, but that's really rare.

[mossrose]

My Dad used to own a full service station, and I spent summers pumping gas and washing windshields.

So, yes, I have not never been to a full service station.

There is only one in my town now. It's great!

[DesertBerean]

Ofc, you can't pump your own gas in Oregon, so I talk to the attendant every time. I've been to one or two that washed the windshield, but that's really rare.

That was a real blast from the past for me when I visited Oregon some years ago.

[One Bad Pig]

Ofc, you can't pump your own gas in Oregon, so I talk to the attendant every time. I've been to one or two that washed the windshield, but that's really rare.

New Jersey is the same way.

[Sparko]

There used to be a few around the town I used to live in, but I think they are gone now (not been there in years) - I do remember they charged about a nickel more per gallon for the full service.

[Cow Poke]

Ofc, you can't pump your own gas in Oregon, so I talk to the attendant every time. I've been to one or two that washed the windshield, but that's really rare.

for real? Is that a law that you can't pump your own gas?

[Cow Poke]

New Jersey is the same way.

Interesting - didn't know that! We did a drive through the New England states, and down the coast, but I guess I didn't get gas in Jersey.

OK, so I just found this...

Jason lives in New Jersey, where the state legislature decided in 1949 that "because of the fire hazards directly associated with dispensing fuel, it is in the public interest that gasoline station operators have the control needed over that activity to ensure compliance with appropriate safety procedures."�

Higgins lives in Oregon, where a similar law was passed in 1951, supported by a whopping 17 declarations rationalizing the prohibition of "any person other than the owner, operator or employee [of a dispensary where class 1 flammable liquids are dispensed at retail]"� from using "pump, hose, pipe or other device for dispensing the liquids into the fuel tank of a motor vehicle or other retail container."� Violating this law can get Higgins and his fellow Oregonians slapped with a $500 fine.

[mossrose]

There used to be a few around the town I used to live in, but I think they are gone now (not been there in years) - I do remember they charged about a nickel more per gallon for the full service.

Several stations around here offer full service, but they do charge more for the gas.

The one station that I go to does not charge more for the gas if you get full service. They also offer self serve, but I will get full service every time.

[Carrikature]

Interesting - didn't know that! We did a drive through the New England states, and down the coast, but I guess I didn't get gas in Jersey.

OK, so I just found this...

Jason lives in New Jersey, where the state legislature decided in 1949 that "because of the fire hazards directly associated with dispensing fuel, it is in the public interest that gasoline station operators have the control needed over that activity to ensure compliance with appropriate safety procedures."�

Higgins lives in Oregon, where a similar law was passed in 1951, supported by a whopping 17 declarations rationalizing the prohibition of "any person other than the owner, operator or employee [of a dispensary where class 1 flammable liquids are dispensed at retail]"� from using "pump, hose, pipe or other device for dispensing the liquids into the fuel tank of a motor vehicle or other retail container."� Violating this law can get Higgins and his fellow Oregonians slapped with a $500 fine.

I didn't know that was the reasoning behind it. I've always been told it was a jobs thing.

IIRC, they made some changes a year or so ago allowing people to pump their own gas at night in places that aren't open 24/7.

[rogue06]

Still a handful around here. One is across the street from where I used to work until 3 months ago.

[Cow Poke]

I didn't know that was the reasoning behind it. I've always been told it was a jobs thing.

IIRC, they made some changes a year or so ago allowing people to pump their own gas at night in places that aren't open 24/7.

But, then again, maybe it's NOT the reason! Maybe they CLAIMED that was the reason because they didn't want to admit it was a "jobs thing"!

[Jedidiah]

There used to be a few around the town I used to live in, but I think they are gone now (not been there in years) - I do remember they charged about a nickel more per gallon for the full service.

When I was first driving all stations were full service so there was no price difference.

How many remember gas price wars?

[Carrikature]

But, then again, maybe it's NOT the reason! Maybe they CLAIMED that was the reason because they didn't want to admit it was a "jobs thing"!

I'm not sure Oregon would have any qualms about just saying it's a jobs things.

[Cow Poke]

When I was first driving all stations were full service so there was no price difference.

How many remember gas price wars?

Gas wars were so much fun! Especially when there were 2 or more gas stations on one corner or intersection. The reactions were pretty immediate and drastic. I think the lowest per gallon price I remember was 19.9 cents.