14 Super Rude Things Pennsylvanians Do at Gas Stations

Gas stations should be easy—pull in, fill up, maybe grab a soda or some beef jerky, then hit the road.

But somehow, certain Pennsylvanians find a way to turn the whole thing into chaos. Between folks blocking pumps and others treating the parking lot like a trash can, it’s no wonder tempers get short at places like Shell and Exxon.

Here are some of the rudest things Americans do at gas stations, whether they realize it or not.

Parking at the Pump and Going on a Snack Run

Picture this: someone rolls into a Delta gas station, pulls up to the pump, and instead of just fueling up and moving along, they head inside for a full-blown shopping trip. Not just a quick grab of a Mountain Dew or a pretzel—they’re in there browsing like it’s a mall.

Meanwhile, three cars are stuck behind them, wondering if they’ll run out of gas.

Look, everyone loves a good gas station treat. But the gas pump isn’t a parking spot. If someone wants to go inside for a bit, cool—but move the car first.

There are usually tons of regular spots just a few feet away. It’s not that hard.

It’s especially annoying when the place is packed. Folks are trying to get to work or pick up their kids from soccer. Nobody wants to wait behind a car with no one in it while the driver decides between trail mix or powdered donuts.

Dumping Trash Wherever Like It’s Their Backyard

Some people treat the gas station lot like their personal landfill.

You’ll see crumpled-up receipts, fast food bags from Taco Bell, and empty Red Bull cans tossed on the ground. It’s nasty, and it’s not the gas station’s fault—it’s the customers doing it.

Most gas stations go out of their way to keep trash cans right by the pumps. They even give you windshield squeegees and paper towels to clean your windows. But some folks drop their garbage on the ground regardless.

Nobody wants to step out of their car into a field of spilled soda and greasy napkins. And it’s unfair to the workers who already work hard enough to keep the place clean.

Use the trash can. It’s right there.

Taking Way Too Long to Pick a Pump

There’s always that one person who pulls into a Shell station like they’re selecting a seat at a fancy restaurant.

They pass up three empty pumps, do a slow lap around the lot, and then finally pick one—and, oops! It’s on the wrong side of their tank. Now they’ve gotta loop around again.

It’s not a complicated system. You pull up, know which side your gas cap is on (that little arrow on the dash helps, by the way), and park.

No one needs to make a dramatic entrance like they’re pulling into a red carpet event.

If the spot’s open and it works for your car, just take it. Other folks are behind you, probably watching you from their mirrors and sighing loudly in their cars.

Lighting Up a Cigarette Next to the Pump

You’d think this one would be obvious, right? Gasoline plus fire equals kaboom. But there’s always the occasional someone who steps out of their car at a Chevron or Circle K and immediately lights up.

Spoiler alert: it’s not cool, it’s dangerous.

Every gas station has those giant “No Smoking” signs for a reason. Gas fumes are flammable. One little spark can cause a huge mess—or worse. People might laugh it off, but it’s not funny when lives are at risk.

If a customer really needs a smoke, they can take a few steps away from the pumps.

Nobody’s saying they can’t light up—just not while standing next to flammable liquids. That’s not rebellious. That’s reckless.

Blocking the Air Pump Like It’s a VIP Spot

Ever tried to put air in your tires and found someone’s parked right in front of the air station—just chillin’, not even using it?

It’s the worst. Especially when there’s only one air pump, like at many 7-Eleven or Speedway locations.

Air pumps aren’t decorations. They’re there for a reason. Some folks need them because their tire pressure light’s on and they’re worried their tire’s about to go flat. But no—someone’s parked in front of it while grabbing a fountain soda the size of a fish tank.

It’s a simple fix: if you’re not using the air pump, don’t park there.

Park in a regular spot like the rest of us. That way, the person with a squishy tire can get back on the road without stressing out.

Cranking Music Like They’re Hosting a Car Concert

We get it—you love your playlist. Maybe it’s country, maybe it’s hip-hop, maybe it’s ’90s boy bands. No judgment.

But blasting it at full volume while you’re at the pump?

That’s just obnoxious.

Gas stations aren’t music venues. People are trying to focus—maybe they’re checking directions, listening for the beep on the pump, or just enjoying some peace and quiet.

Not everyone wants to hear your live performance of Drake or Luke Bryan.

It’s totally fine to jam out in the car, but maybe keep the windows rolled up or turn it down while you’re out pumping gas. Save the concert vibes for when you’re on the road, not when you’re making everyone else’s ears ring.

Cutting the Line at the Pumps

Sometimes gas stations get busy—really busy. Especially during holidays or long weekends.

Customers line up, waiting for their turn. But then someone pulls in from the side and cuts in like it’s no big deal.

Oh, it’s a big deal.

This happens a lot at popular stops that get busy. And it almost always leads to someone honking or yelling, which turns the whole place into a mini soap opera.

We’re all in a rush, but that doesn’t make it okay to jump the line. Cutting people off just makes you look like a jerk—and nobody’s getting ahead that way.

Leaving the Fuel Nozzle Hanging Like It’s a Decoration

When someone finishes pumping gas and just lets the nozzle dangle or drops it on the ground, it’s lazy—and it can actually break stuff. Those hoses are made to click back into place, and when they don’t, it messes up the whole setup.

Plus, if the nozzle hits the ground and leaks a bit of gas, that’s dangerous.

It can create slick spots or even spark if someone’s not paying attention. It also slows things down for the next person who has to fix the mess.

It takes, like, one second to put the nozzle back where it goes. If you can open a bag of Funyuns, you can hang up a gas nozzle properly.

Letting Their Kids Run Around

Kids have energy. Totally understandable. But a gas station isn’t the place to let them run free.

Cars are pulling in and out, people are backing up, and there’s a lot going on. A gas pump is not a jungle gym, and that little air pump isn’t a toy.

Still, people pull up to spots like Exxon, and next thing you know, their kids are darting between pumps or playing tag near traffic. It’s nerve-wracking for everyone, including the drivers trying not to hit anybody.

Bringing kids along? Cool.

Just keep them close. The snack aisle is a much better place for exploring than the gas lane.

Sitting in the Car After Fueling Like It’s Nap Time

Once someone finishes pumping gas, it’s time to move on. But nope—some folks decide it’s the perfect time to check texts, scroll social media, or organize their glove box.

Meanwhile, a car is behind them, waiting patiently… or not-so-patiently.

You see this all the time at packed stations like Costco gas or Sam’s Club, where people are already dealing with long lines. Just sitting there, completely ignoring the car behind you, is a surefire way to make someone’s day worse.

If someone needs a few extra minutes, all they have to do is pull into a parking space.

That way, they’re not holding up the line, and everyone else can get their gas and get out.

Hogging Two Spots Like They’re Driving a Limo

Some folks pull into a pump like they’ve never parked a car before. They end up crooked, stretched across two spots, or too far forward, blocking the pump in front of them.

This is common at smaller gas stations where space is already tight. It’s like they think they’re parking a fire truck instead of a sedan.

It becomes a serious pain when someone’s trying to squeeze into the next spot but can’t because the other car’s nose is hanging out like it owns the place. Then people are reversing, adjusting, and getting frustrated, all because one person couldn’t park straight.

All it takes is a few extra seconds to line it up right. The pump isn’t going anywhere.

And hey, if you’re not sure you’ve got it right, just hop out and take a quick peek. It’s better than having your bumper halfway into someone else’s lane.

Blocking Delivery Trucks and Fuel Tankers

Have you ever seen someone parked right in front of the clearly marked “No Parking – Delivery Trucks Only” area? And you just know a big Pepsi or Frito-Lay truck is about to roll in?

Yeah, not a good move.

Some people don’t realize those spots are reserved for a reason—especially at big busy places like Delta or Buc-ee’s where shipments come in constantly.

Worse yet, some drivers block the fuel tankers when they’re trying to refill the underground tanks. You’ll know it’s happening when the ground is roped off with cones and the workers have those big metal covers popped open.

Still, someone will squeeze in, thinking, “I’ll just be quick.”

Not cool.

Blocking deliveries can delay restocks, slow down everyone inside, and sometimes even create safety issues. Just keep an eye out for signs and cones. If it says “No Parking,” it really does mean no parking—even if you just want a Dr Pepper and a Slim Jim.

Using the Windshield Squeegee to Wash the Whole Car

Look, it’s totally fine to use the squeegee to clean your windshield—that’s what it’s there for. But some folks go full car wash mode with it.

Suddenly they’re scrubbing their side mirrors, rear windows, headlights, even the roof. At a gas pump. At 8 a.m. On a Monday. It’s a little much.

This usually happens when someone’s got bugs splattered all over their bumper or a dusty ride from a long road trip.

Many gas stations offer free squeegees and water buckets, which is awesome. But turning the pump lane into a detail station?

Not the best idea.

If your car’s super dirty and you want to do the whole thing, pull over to a corner of the lot once you’re done pumping. That way, other people can still get gas while you tackle all those bugs.

Leaving Behind Spilled Drinks and Sticky Spots

Nothing ruins one’s day like stepping into a sticky puddle of mysterious liquid. Someone drops a half-full bottle of orange soda or spills their slushie from 7-Eleven, and instead of cleaning it up—or at least telling someone—they just drive off like it never happened.

It’s even worse inside.

Have you ever walked into the convenience store section of a gas station and nearly slipped because someone spilled coffee and didn’t say a word?

Not cool. It’s rude, it’s gross, and it makes life harder for the workers who are already juggling a million things.

Yes, accidents happen. So if you spill something, let an employee know. Most of them are super nice and would rather handle it right away than have someone fall or track sticky goo all over the place.

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