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'Service' at service stations

Spontaneous forecourt assistance with pumping petrol and basic car maintenance like checking water and oil has largely become a thing of the past at New Zealand service stations. Most medium to large service stations are now self-serve for petrol and diesel.

Changes

Back in the 1980s you could still pull up at the pump and not have to even get out of your car because a service station attendant would be there waiting to help. A wide range of changes since then have reduced this level of service.

Did you know?

In 1985 there were over 3000 service stations throughout the country. By 2008 the number of service stations had fallen to less than 1300

The amount of petrol and diesel sold by service stations has risen from 2,058 million litres in 1985, to 4,420 million litres in 2008, meaning fewer service stations are selling more fuel

The amount service stations earnt per litre of fuel in 2008 was less than a quarter the amount in 1985

Today, especially in urbanised areas, service stations specialise in being big (some have 10 pumps serving 20 vehicles at a time) and they are rarely associated with a garage. Instead they have focused on providing a quick way to fill up your tank and get basic consumer goods. Customers appreciate that service stations stay open long hours (some 24 hours), that they sell a wide range of groceries and that strong competition in the sector helps to keep fuel prices low.

However, the changes have also included a reduction in the number of staff to reduce overheads and keep prices down. Sometimes there is only one cashier, particularly at night, which means that they are unlikely to be able to assist with basic car maintenance checks or pumping fuel.

Service stations that operate during the night often require customers to pre-pay for fuel, as well as having other security measures to reduce the risk of forecourt "drive-offs" (customers leaving without paying for their fuel) and theft or assault to staff.

AA speaking up for motorists

Most motorists have become comfortable with self-service at the petrol pump. However, as with any product that a retailer sells, the AA believes that customers should be able to get advice and help with the product that the retailer specialises in. In the case of fuel, that would include pumping it if a customer requests assistance.

Most service stations today promote themselves as self-service, but can offer assistance if requested. Some independently-owned service stations in smaller communities may still offer a service, but this is the exception, not the rule.

If you are elderly or disabled or for some other reason regularly require help filling up with fuel, the AA recommends you try to frequent the same service station and make arrangements to visit at times when the retailer is fully staffed but less busy, such as between the early morning and late afternoon rush hours.

When it comes to maintenance checks for water, oil and tyre pressures, there are some issues that need to be taken into account, including the health and safety of yourself and the service station attendants. Because service stations are usually not attached to garages these days, it is less likely that staff will be on hand who are experienced in mechanical issues.

While the AA believes motorists should be able to request service station assistance with checking tyre pressures and oil and water levels, you should always remember that the person you are asking may not have the necessary knowledge to give you good advice.

Things to know about

Checking coolant levels

If you have been driving for some time, your vehicle's radiator will be hot. Caution is therefore needed when checking the amount of coolant (water mixed with antifreeze) because your radiator may release boiling liquid as it depressurises when you open it. Most cars have an expansion tank connected to the radiator. The coolant level should always be checked at the expansion tank instead of the radiator, and not filled pass the maximum level mark.

Checking oil

With an increasingly diverse range of vehicles on our roads, a wider range of specialist oils are also now available. It is important that your vehicle is filled up with a compatible product, so the AA recommends that you use the oil recommended in your vehicle's manual and take it to a specialist for a refill. In any case, as with coolant, it's best to check oil levels when the engine is cold. The grade and brand of the oil in your engine is often shown on a service sticker on your windscreen. This may also show when your next service and oil change is due.

Checking tyre pressure

It is important that tyres are filled to the correct pressure (kPa or psi). Most service stations provide air pumps free of charge. You can usually find information about the recommended tyre pressure for your vehicle on a label on the inside the driver's door or in the owner's manual. Tyres that are not pumped up enough cause your vehicle to use more fuel and can reduce braking and traction. In addition, tyres that are inflated too much or too little wear unevenly and will need to be replaced sooner.