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The Unwritten Rules of the Gas Pump

 

 

You won’t find them posted on a sign, but most drivers know the unspoken rules of the fuel pump. Whether it’s pulling all the way forward or not blasting your music, these shared expectations help keep every stop quick and courteous.

At Sunoco, we pay attention to what makes a stop run smoothly. From clear signage to well-lit, clean stations, we design our locations to support respectful, efficient fueling. The next time you're searching for a gas station near you, remember that good fueling etiquette starts with you.

 

Pull In with Purpose

Few things irritate drivers more than someone stopping at the first available pump, blocking others from pulling forward. The general rule? If there’s an open spot ahead, use it.

Failing to do so can slow everything down, especially during busy hours. Online forums and etiquette guides repeatedly cite this as one of the most violated and most frustrating norms at the pump.

Sunoco aims to design stations to help prevent congestion by including the following where possible:

• Wide lanes allow for easier repositioning.
• Clear directional signage showing drivers how to enter, pull up, and exit smoothly.
• Multiple access points to improve flow.

So next time you roll into the nearest gas station, be mindful. Pull up, create room, and help keep things moving for everyone.

 

Don’t Camp Out at the Pump

You’ve finished fueling. Should you stay put to check your texts, organize your backseat, or run inside for snacks? Not if someone else is waiting.

"Pump camping"—lingering after fueling—is one of the most common annoyances at gas stations. Drivers often sit and scroll or head inside without moving their vehicle first. This clogs up the lane and forces others to wait longer than necessary.

Good etiquette means:

• Moving your car to a parking spot if you’re going inside.
• Finishing any phone use or cleanup after you've cleared the pump area.

Sunoco stations are designed with ample parking and walkways. Taking just a few seconds to relocate can make someone else’s day a lot smoother.

 

Mind Your Music and Mirrors

Gas stations are shared spaces. That’s why simple courtesies go a long way—like turning down your music, watching your mirrors, and making room for others. Simple steps like keeping your engine off, checking mirrors, and avoiding distractions align with federal DOT fuel safety guidelines.

Drivers mention:

• Frustration with loud music at the pump, especially when they’re trying to focus.
• The importance of checking mirrors and blinks spots to avoid mishaps. 
• Appreciation when others leave enough room to move in tight fueling stations. 

Before opening a door, take a quick glance around. Before pulling out, double-check your blind spots. These are small actions, but they show consideration and keep things running smoothly. 

A calmer, no-stress fueling stop starts with small courtesies. When drivers stay aware of their surroundings, the whole experience flows more smoothly.

 

Keep It Quick, Keep It Clean

Cleanliness matters. According to multiple consumer studies, it’s one of the biggest reasons people choose a particular station—or avoid one.

Customers notice:

• Whether the trash bins are overflowing or empty.
• If the squeegees are usable or left dry and cracked.
• How clean the pump area is, especially during high-traffic times.

Well-maintained stations make a difference—regular cleaning, stocked essentials, and working equipment help create a smoother stop. 

As a driver, you can help:

• Toss trash in bins—not on the ground.
• Return squeegees to their holders.
• Keep your visit focused and tidy so the next person starts fresh.

These small actions support a better experience for everyone on the road.

 

Wait Your Turn, Not Their Spot

It’s a full station. Do you wait in line? Circle back? Or inch your car as close to an active pump as possible?

Unclear queueing is another top source of frustration. Some drivers hover behind a pump in use. Others block lanes trying to grab the next available spot. But many people would agree—courtesy means waiting your turn, without blocking others.

Unwritten rules for waiting:

• Don’t block access to other pumps while you wait.
• Avoid cutting in if someone else is clearly next in line.
• If in doubt, loop around or form a single-file queue.

Respecting flow makes for faster fueling and fewer headaches.

 

Fuel Fast, Drive On

A quick stop is a good stop. That’s why tools like Go Rewards® and Sunoco Pay are built to help drivers save time and stay in motion.

More drivers are choosing to:

• Use mobile apps for contactless payment.
• Earn rewards without needing to enter the store.
• Store receipts and track fuel usage digitally.

Still paying at the pump with a card? That’s fine too. But Sunoco’s tech-forward options let you customize your experience. Whether you’re in a hurry or just want fewer steps, it’s all about giving drivers more control.

For performance enthusiasts, we also offer the highest octane fuel available at the pump—Sunoco 94 Octane. It’s designed for engines that demand stability and precision.

Not sure what 94 octane is or whether you need it? The Sunoco Pit Stop has answers, whether you're driving a tuned vehicle or just curious about fuel grades.

Either way, Sunoco helps you fuel faster and smarter—so you can get back on the road without delay.

 

It’s Etiquette, Not a Lecture

The rules of the pump aren’t written down—but most drivers know what makes a stop easier or harder. By following basic courtesy, we help each other get in, fuel up, and move on.

At Sunoco, we strive to support that kind of experience with:

• Easy-to-navigate stations.
• Clean, functional equipment.
• Loyalty tools and payment tech that keep things moving.

So whether it’s your daily stop or just a quick top-off on a long drive, know that Sunoco is built for the kind of fueling experience you actually want.

 

 

* Sunoco’s 94 Octane delivers the highest-octane rating sold at gas stations for purchase at the pump in the U.S.