Teaching my teen to drive this year has really opened my eyes to the fact that there are so many things we do as adults that are effortless, that we forget that at one point in time we didn’t know how to do the things we do. Like drive. Pump gas. Follow driving directions. These are all things my teen was like “Whoa! What do I do?” at first.
Pumping gas. Sounds easy enough. But really? Would your teen know how to do it without you? Mine didn’t.
Driver’s Education: How to Pump Gas
The first thing I do when I get out of our SUV to pump gas is grab a paper towel so I don’t have to touch the buttons or hold the nozzle. I know it sounds silly, but I don’t know that anyone cleans those, and after hundreds of hands firmly gripping the plastic handle my hands are not going on there!
Next, I pay at the pump. It is important to teach your teen how to pay at the pump and what to do if their card doesn’t work. Do you want them to use the credit or debit option? Do you prefer they pay inside only? These steps are personal to each person/family so be sure you go over them with your teen.
Show your teen how to use the nozzle. Each gas station is different. Some offer the “lift up bar”, other stations have a flat bar that moves from left to right. Modern stations may use buttons only. Identify the various gas station pumps and show your teen the differences each time you fill up.
When should your teen get gas? Do you have a family rule about when to get gas? Here in Florida we take advantage of letting our gas gauge get much lower than we did when we lived out West. Teach your teen the ins and outs of when to get gas and how it may vary depending on your location — or where you’re traveling.
How much gas are you getting? Make sure your teen understands when to stop the gas from pumping AND how to ignore distractions! With many pumps updating to new systems with televised advertising right above the pump, it is easy to get more gas than you planned. Teach your teen to only get as much gas as they have the money for to avoid difficult financial issues!
Do you have a great gas pump tip?
Tell us in the comments below!
