Fuel Types Available in Spain
When it comes to fueling up your vehicle in Spain, it is essential to know the available fuel types. The most common fuel types available in Spain are petrol, diesel, and liquified petroleum gas (LPG).
Petrol, also known as gasoline, is commonly referred to as gasolina in Spain. The petrol available in Spain is typically rated as either 95 or 98 octane.
Diesel is known as gasóleo or gasóleo A in Spain. It is widely available and tends to be cheaper than petrol.
Liquified petroleum gas (LPG) is a mixture of propane and butane gases. It is commonly used in homes for cooking and heating but is also becoming increasingly popular as a vehicle fuel. If your car runs on LPG, you can find stations that offer it in Spain.
It is important to note that not all gas stations offer every fuel type. Before you hit the road, make sure you know which fuel types your vehicle can use and which gas stations offer them.
Self-Service vs. Attendant-Service Gas Stations
When traveling to Spain, pumping gas may seem like a daunting task if you are unfamiliar with the process. One of the things you will notice when pumping gas in Spain is that there are two types of gas stations: self-service and attendant-service stations.
Self-service gas stations are more common and often have longer hours than attendant-service stations. These stations are similar to those in the United States, where you pump your own gas and pay with cash or credit card at the pump.
Attendant-service gas stations, on the other hand, have an attendant who will pump the gas for you. These stations are often more expensive than self-service stations due to the added convenience of not having to pump the gas yourself.
If you are unsure about which type of gas station to use, it is always a good idea to ask for recommendations from locals or hotel staff. If you are comfortable with pumping your own gas, it may be more cost-effective to use a self-service station.
Regardless of which type of gas station you use, it is important to note that most gas stations in Spain only accept credit cards with an embedded chip.
Now that you understand the difference between self-service and attendant-service gas stations in Spain, you can confidently choose which option works best for your needs and budget.
Preparing to Pump Gas
If you’re traveling to Spain, it’s important to know the basics of pumping gas in the country to avoid any confusion or mishaps at the gas station. Here’s a quick guide on how to pump gas in Spain:
Before you head to the gas station, make sure you have a credit card or cash on hand. Unlike some countries, you can’t simply pay for your gas after you’ve filled up your car. Most gas stations in Spain are self-service, so you’ll need to pay for your gas before you pump it.
It’s also important to note that many gas stations in Spain are closed on Sundays or have limited hours on the weekend. If you’re planning a long road trip, make sure you plan ahead and fill up your tank before you reach remote areas or small towns where gas stations may be closed.
When you arrive at the gas station, look for the signs that indicate which type of fuel to use. Gasoline is called “gasolina” in Spanish, while diesel is “gasóleo.” Some gas stations may also offer biofuels, which are labeled as “bioetanol” or “biodiesel.”
Once you’ve located the correct fuel, pull up to the pump and turn off your engine. Keep in mind that if you leave your engine on while pumping gas, you could be fined by the police in Spain.
If you’re paying with a credit card, insert your card into the machine at the pump and follow the prompts on the screen. If you’re paying with cash, you’ll need to go into the gas station to pay before you can pump your gas.
Before you start pumping, make sure your gas cap is off and the fuel nozzle is securely inserted into your car’s gas tank. Then, press the button or lift the lever on the nozzle to begin pumping. Some pumps may have a locking mechanism that allows you to set the flow of gas, while others require you to hold down the button or lever.
When you’re finished pumping, replace the nozzle back onto the pump and make sure you’ve filled up your tank to the desired level. If you need a receipt, check the screen on the pump to see if it offers that option. Otherwise, you can go into the gas station and request a receipt from the cashier.
Pumping Gas into Your Vehicle
If you are an avid traveler, you must know that different countries have different ways of doing things. Among the things that vary is the process of fueling your vehicle. In Spain, for instance, the process of pumping gas into your car is not the same as it is in the United States. Here’s a guide to help you understand how to do it correctly.
The first thing you need to know is that in Spain, gas is called “gasolina,” which translates to “gasoline” in English. Gas stations in Spain are mainly self-service, which means that you will have to pump the gas yourself.
To get started, pull up to an open pump and park your car close enough to the pump so that the nozzle can reach the gas tank. Make sure you have parked in the right direction, as the nozzle may be on one side of the pump only.
Next, get out of your car and remove the gas cap from the tank. Some gas caps in Spain have a lock, so make sure you know how to unlock it before you start pumping. Then, insert the nozzle into the gas tank opening and lock it in place by lifting the lever.
Press the button corresponding to the type of gas you want to pump. Do not worry if you don’t understand the language on the screen, the symbols are usually universal. Ensure that you have selected the right type of gas before you proceed to pump it.
To pump gas, hold the nozzle’s lever down with one hand while keeping the nozzle inserted in the tank opening with the other hand. Most gas pumps in Spain are self-stopping, meaning that they will stop automatically when the tank is full. If the automatic stop doesn’t work, however, the pump will beep, indicating that it’s time to stop pumping.
Finally, once you have pumped the desired amount of gas, remove the nozzle from the tank opening, and place it back on the pump. After that, close your car’s gas tank, get back in your car, start the engine, and drive off.
That’s it! Just a few simple steps that will make your Spanish road trip a little bit smoother.
Payment Methods at Spanish Gas Stations
When it comes to getting gas in Spain, there are a few things you should know about payment methods. Firstly, it’s important to note that unlike some countries, Spanish gas stations don’t accept cash payments at the pump.
Instead, you’ll need to either use a credit or debit card, or head inside the station to pay in person. Most gas stations accept major credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard, so if you’re traveling from overseas, you shouldn’t have any issues.
However, if you’re planning on using a foreign debit card, it’s important to check with your bank beforehand to ensure it will work in Spain. Some banks may charge additional fees or block foreign transactions, so it’s always better to double-check.
If you’re using a credit card, you may be asked to enter your PIN number at the pump. This is a security feature that’s becoming more common in Spain, so don’t be alarmed if you’re prompted to do so.
Finally, if you prefer to pay in person, simply head inside the gas station and let the attendant know how much you’d like to put in your tank. They’ll then process your payment and you can head back to the pump to fill up.
Other Tips for Pumping Gas in Spain
Aside from knowing how to pump gas in Spain, there are other tips that can be helpful when fueling up your car in the country.
Firstly, it’s important to note that gas stations in Spain operate on a different schedule than in other countries. Many gas stations close during siesta hours, which is usually around 2-5pm. If you need to fill up during that time frame, make sure to find a gas station that is open or plan ahead to fill up before or after siesta.
Another thing to keep in mind is that not all gas stations accept credit cards. It’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand just in case. Also, be prepared to provide your license plate number when paying for your fuel, as some gas stations in Spain require this information as a security measure.
Lastly, it’s important to be aware of the different fuel options available at gas stations in Spain. In addition to regular gasoline, there is also diesel fuel and, increasingly, electric charging stations. Make sure to check what type of fuel your car requires before heading to the gas station to avoid any complications or potential damages to your vehicle.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when traveling to Spain it is important to understand the different fuel types available, the difference between self-service and attendant-service gas stations, and the payment methods accepted at the pump. Additionally, it is important to plan ahead when it comes to fueling up, as gas stations may have limited hours or be closed during siesta. By following these tips and guidelines, you can have a smoother and more enjoyable road trip in Spain.
