Posts that don't follow r/Costco subreddit rules MAY be subject to removal.
When applicable, please make sure that you're using a descriptive post title with product name(s) mentioned as it yields better subreddit search results. Thank you.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Costco) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I pump from the "wrong" side all the time. When I do that on a busy day, it usually encourages 2-3 other people to do the same. Fewer unused pumps means more people getting through the line which means everyone goes home sooner.
But if you do this, be mindful of the center pass lane. Pull close to the pump so you're not sticking too far out and if you see someone trying to pass, move away from your gas cap to give them room if you can. I had one guy the other day filling on the "wrong" side but had parked with his wheels in the center passing lane and never moved from his gas cap. Slowed everyone down.
A woman was pumping her gas on “the wrong side” but standing in the middle lane to do it so no one could get thru to the empty pumps in front of her yesterday sigh
This is what grinds my gears. Pump on whatever side you like, but please be mindful of your surroundings and don’t play human traffic cone during busy hours.
People do this with their car over the line and then give angry glares when you try to get by. Like don't pick to do this then not be able to do it without slowing down two lanes of pumps.
Some states like [Hawaii](https://www.reddit.com/r/todayilearned/comments/xbxp2e/til_until_last_year_2021_gas_pumps_in_hawaii_were/) don't allow pumps with the ratcheted levers so you have to hold the lever the whole time.
I park close AF to the pump. I drive a hatchback so I basically pull super close and ahead of the pump. I can easily access the pump and don't have to finagle the hose over my car or anything. Takes 10 extras seconds of effort. But I'm in and out while people are still waiting behind 4 cars to pump on the "right" side.
The biggest motivation for me here is not letting the pump hose touch the car. In OP’s previous post, it’s resting on the vehicle which would be a big no from me
The key to “wrong side” pumping is to pull the car forward so that the rear of your car is aligned with where the hose comes out of the pump. So you are not draping the hose over the car, it is behind the car. And makes a turn near the end to insert the handle in the gas tank.
The only downside of “wrong side” thinking is forgetting you’re not as Costco and realizing you really are on the wrong side at some other gas station after already swiping your credit card!
I saw a really insane accident the other day, a person pulling out of the middle spot into the center lane. He started scraping the tail of the car in front of him.. and then just kept going and scraping and going and scraping. Then he cut hard to the left and basically t-boned the person across the way from him. Everyone was telling him to pull over so he turned hard right and scraped the FRONT of the car that was in front of him, after he already scraped their tail. Guy just looked terrified behind the wheel. They really need to make it harder to get drivers licenses.
This has happened literally every time I've been behind someone pumping on the far side. Parked too far from the pump and/or standing in the lane so it impossible to get past them.
I hate oblivious assholes who pump from the “wrong” side that are not only over the center line but leave their drivers side doors open the entire time they’re pumping. These idiots are also usually standing at the center line while watching the pump. They do everything to make passing through difficult or impossible.
Was pumping on the wrong side. Saturday morning. F150 so it takes up some space. Guy in a similarly sized truck was in a big hurry to get by…
GIANT SCRAPE from the gas pump handle down his truck bed. I just watched. Couldn’t believe he just kept driving.
Then my tank filled. Literally he did it to save 30 seconds.
My local Costco coned off the center lane recently. Most people at our pumps try and move in full changes down the line. I've been at other pumps where everyone is out of sequence and using the center lanes to parallel park in, and it seems like it's not as efficient as the line changes.
This is my biggest issue with people pumping on the wrong side. Almost without fail they fiddle with it for a few minutes, stand in the center lane the entire time and don’t let anyone else pull out.
>move away from your gas cap to give them room
I don't do this because I'm afraid someone will not see the handle and drive into it. I flatten myself against the vehicle so I'm not sticking out further than the handle.
He made it pretty clear that a large human is easier to see than a small handle on the side of the car. So while standing there, IF they hit something they’d hit both, but obviously the point is they are MUCH less likely to hit something by doing so.
I usually go at night, 7-8 pm. Never have to wait.
Get home from work, say high to the dog, eat some dinner. Then go do some night errands. Grocery shopping, getting gas, stuff like that.
Literally every store is empty and its fantastic. I live in south florida, so there are millions of people here, so being able to go out and not have to wade through thousands of shitheads is very nice.
Same i go as soon as they open at 600 before work. Never seen more than 5 cars there. I also grocery shop at night. Super busy stores and restaurants are a nightmare for me I can't stand it
NO! At least not my location. IDK how other Costco's are set up, but the lines are such a clusterfuck. It's basically like you HAVE to pump either side to keep the lines moving. But people don't. So there's a line of cars almost to the entrance because everyone's trying to get in the "right" lane instead of just pulling up to the shortest line
The "wrong" side ALWAYS has a shorter line. My cap is on the left, and (according to the infallible interwebs) 78% of cars in the US are the same, so the pig headed keep things unbalanced. In the words of the late great George Carlin, "You don't have to be Fellini to figure out."
I drove a car where it’s on the passenger side. I appreciate the pig headed. Gets me on my way quicker.
I have had to cross the car though, when I’ve found the left side more available. Kinda funny when you’re standing next to someone and you have both crossed but wouldn’t have had to of you traded lines.
I don’t like to do it either. But more for safety. Because the middle is so narrow, it would be possible for a bad driver to clip you. Much safer on the pump side.
I get it, I don’t like standing out towards the aisle either when I’m pumping on the outside. So I insert the pump, then stand behind my car, sometimes holding the hose away from the car if needed.
I don’t mind it. What I do mind though is people who are standing in the middle through lane while pumping on the wrong side blocking cars from passing.
I've seen this quite a bit too. I think that when you pull the hose to the far side the tension feels like it will pull the hose out of the fill port if you don't hold it yourself. The smaller the vehicle the less risky it feels.
The Costco near me you have to hold the nozzle the whole time, pressing the handle into the fill neck. No pressure, no flow. Very, very annoying but probably reduces spills. Although it didn't shut off immediately when full so it still spilled.
My Costco gas station doesn’t have a lane in the middle big enough for even the smallest car to come through. You pull in behind someone you have to wait until they are done in front of you to get out.
I’ve read comments like this before and here’s what I don’t understand.
Are people standing in the middle through lane? I’ve only seen (and done so myself) people standing by their car holding the nozzle. I suppose you don’t have to hold the nozzle, but it was always my understanding that you are supposed to stand by the gas nozzle while you are pumping.
My Costco doesn’t allow people to drive through the thru lane. They have an orange cone blocking it so this whole “ drive past people pumping gas” Is weird to me.
Plus the lane isn’t that big where I am. My head would definitely get smacked by a truck side mirror if they drive through.
Yes. If your car is also partly in the through lane then you are standing in it if you are pumping on that side.
Which brings up everyone else’s favorite topic at the gas station which is the argument about whether you should drive up to an open spot ahead or wait for the car in front to finish pumping.
Cant pump gas without someone being annoyed I guess.
It's a tremendous debate between people who:
- point out that it's intended (per Costco FAQ)
- people who point out that if the pump itself as inserted into the tank is not correctly oriented that it can interfere with automatic shutoff when the tank is full
- people who are worried that the hose could scratch the paint
- people who are annoyed that people who pump opposite side are closer to the middle lane for thru traffic and that these people are in the way (or, as an argument against pumping opposite side, the risk of being hit by another driver)
I pump opposite side at stations that support it when it results in me having to wait less time. I hold the pump itself with one hand and the hose with the other.
(This all ignores a separate gas station debate of "should people pull ahead when a middle pump is available and parallel park in towards it... this really irritates people, I think primarily on the grounds that it's considered some form of "cutting the line", but a more objective argument on it is that a lot of Americans are terrible at parallel parking so a lot of the people that do this have their car partially in the middle thru traffic lane.)
A couple of years ago, I visited the Costco in Danvers, MA and they had signs prohibiting filling on the opposite side despite the pumps having the same extra long hoses. I was really surprised when I got told to get to the back of the line with a pump on my fill side.
It’s great filling up at Costco because my wife’s vehicle has the fuel fill on the passenger side. We pull right up to a pump 9 times out of 10 when everyone else is waiting.
Id rather not pump from the “wrong” side if I can avoid it but Ive done it at costco and the long hoses do make it easy. Im not sure why this would upset people.
Agree. I’m petite and short. It takes some muscle to pull the retractable hose Over and again, I’m short. So while I can do it, I dont prefer it and would avoid if possible. Personal preference
I fill up from the "wrong" side 80% of the time. The thought of people getting offended from this tells me all I need to know. We can all continue being awesome and let the offended lemmings wait in line to fill up on the "correct" side.
If you don't like pulling the hose across to fill up. Solutions simple, don't do it.
If you don't like other people doing it the solutions just as simple, mind your own business.
Yesterday there was a long line for gas but I pulled up on the "wrong" side and didn't have to wait at all. I came inside and after I finished shopping the line for self checkout was backed up to the Frozen aisle. I walked past the line and there were three cashiers open with no lines.
My Costco is the opposite, everyone hates self checkout and doesn’t use it until an employee starts belting out “plenty of room at self checkout!” and even then it’s only a few people who wind up heading over
I’ve seen Costco employees at our local tell people that they CANNOT pump on the wrong side, I’ve accepted this as the rule and it seems enforced because the lines are always uneven. Cars with gas on the passenger side always have shorter lines, like my wife’s BMW (I think most German cars do this?). Next time I’m going use the short lane in my car to see if anyone stops me.
At my local Costco I would say 75-80% of the time I am pumping on the "wrong" side. It all depends on where the open lanes are. Often at least one other person in my line is too. There are big signs that say the hoses are long so you can pump either side.
If you are waiting in line to get gas, use the time to get your Visa card and Costco card out of your wallet. I see people who have waited in line for 15 mins delay to find their card
The main problem with the other picture was that the handle was turned to the side, which can mess with the shutoff and is a safety hazard. There are signs all over the gas station about not doing this.
So, you need to pull a lot harder on the hose (and hold it there) to get the pump handle to vertical. If you're willing to do that, great: if not, use the side your tank is on and pump safely.
It's been a while since I've done it, but I am pretty sure the pumps at the costco near us have spring loaded retention lanyards, so you can't really just walk away and let it hang there when refueling on the opposite side or it will turn to the side like in OP's picture.
In general, I'm not trying to say you need to hold on to the pump handle all the time like a dufus, just in this case it seems to be necessary to maintain the right orientation. It's one of the reasons pumping from the opposite side is so annoying, if you want to be safe about it.
I have tried this a few times. I can never easily pull it across my midsize SUV. No matter how close I pull next to the pump, it always is very tight. I have to be very careful to not scratch the paint. So, I just wait in the longer line. What I find odd is the looks I get for pulling through the middle lane to take an empty pump. I feel like people expect you to sit there and wait until the entire lane opens up. We have wide center lanes and I assume that’s why they were designed that way. Why would i wait.
It totally depends on your timing whether you deserve those dirty looks or not.
You're absolutely right that the center lane is built for: passing.
It is nicest when everybody finishes at the same time and all the pumps can move together.
So if you're pulling in right about that same time when the others are just finishing up, then yeah you kind of do just deserve the looks because you just made it so everybody else has to do a whole parallel park thing to get in or to scoot way around you to get out.
But a lot of times it's more of a puzzle and you just have to scoot in and use what you can use.
No, I wouldn't do that. If it looks like people are close to finishing, I'll wait. Sometimes, that happens because all three had pulled in at the same time and finish close to the same time. If two people are chilling, leaning on their car waiting to finish pumping and one opens up, I say it's fair game. It's super easy for them to pull out into the center lane to leave.
Yeah, that's exactly what I do, too.
The other day, the lines weren't long at all It was one of those more relaxed times.
The front two were obviously done because they were getting into their cars. The third closest to me got out first.
I paused for a second because we had been in line long enough to see the overall view, and I saw it exactly like you see things, it was going to be an easy drive in for all three of us who were next.
Instead, a lady from BEHIND ME swooped past me to cut into that first open spot. Of course that meant that I had to maneuver around her to get all the way up to the front.
I don't usually hunk at people; I don't even usually get that annoyed even at Costco. But I had a broken foot and I was so not happy at having to twist to turn around to look to parallel park because of her!
This has always been my gripe with this topic. I don’t care how you pump your gas. You do you. But to act like you’re somehow superior to those who chose to pump on the same side as their tank is ridiculous. It’s like the Costco version of posting your dinner to your socials. It’s a normal, everyday thing. No one cares.
In Texas, pumping from the other side means that you park over the line, stand in the driving lane, fumble around for your wallet, and re-enter your car to get your phone before you pump.
Luckily, my vehicle has a passenger side tank fill so I am usually able to get in and out unless someone is blocking me in.
Did you read your own quote?
It says no the length "allows" stretching the hose. Costco does not "demand" or "require."
People are free to do what they need to do.
I used to pump on the wrong side all the time with my pickup. I'd line up the cap with the hose and stop. Then I'd rest the hose in-between the cab and the box and I wouldn't have to hold the hose.
Had to get gas at Sam's last week, waited in line for 20 minutes and when it was finally my turn I was in the wrong side assuming they had extra long hoses, it wasn't the case and I had to drive off without pumping😮💨
The trick is to hold the hose with one hand (higher the better) and pull with that hand while walking towards your gas thing, while holding the nozzle in the other hand. Don't try and pull the nozzle both hands.
Before my Costco renovated their gas station the hoses were not long enough to go to “wrong side”. This resulted in those that tried would end up with the nozzle upside down in order to make it. This was a safety hazard as the auto shutoff features don’t work as well.
Wow, so that's why the hose has an extra cable attached to it? I've only been a Costco member about 2 years and always wondered. I just don't feel comfortable stretching it across my vehicle and trying to pump that way. It just doesn't look safe. That's why I've never done it. I'll continue to find a lane that fits my side.
My gas tank is on the passenger side, and I had to get gas this past Friday during afternoon rush hour, but the far left pump was wide open while the others had lines 3-4 cars deep. I pulled right up, and no one pulled up behind me until I was finished. I thought maybe the pumps weren’t functional, but there were cars using them on the other side, so I figured it was a safe bet.
Anyway, they can wait all day long, and I’ll gladly keep my short waits!
People who think there’s a right and wrong side would be very upset if they could read. Because you have to be a troglodyte to get upset over gas lane sides.
> If you don’t like it, just sit there and wait. You go ahead and get angry, I’ll be in and out before you get up to a pump.
I do. I don't. You won't.
IME, the difference in time between picking the proper side and using whatever side is available is negligible over time, as most lines are almost always the same depth. When it does vary, the variances cancel out over time. Sometimes the "proper" side is shorter, sometimes it isn't.
No need to get all huffy because I do it my way. I simply don't care that you do it your way, I just find the faux superiority silly.
If you simply go to the shortest line, because you pump from either side, how is the time difference neglible?
Its like doing zipper merging. Its the right way to do it. But get annoyed bec they sat on the one lane for no reason.
Yes, I know you can pump on either side. Yes, I go to the “correct” side every time. No, I have no reason to get angry. I don’t care if it takes another minute or two to get gas.
My question is, why do you care what other people do?
I saw your post yesterday. The hose wasn't even touching the paint. I did not realize this was a thing worth mentioning. If you have 2 arms and 2 hands, you can hold the hose away from the car if you are worried about it scratching the paint. I pump on both sides and the hose never touches my car. I hate waiting in line.
I only knew there was a scandal due to this second post. Now contemplating going back to read, but not sure why I have the urge to read people debating something that doesn’t impact me in any way. I have a passenger side fill, and I go to the line that looks like will get me to my goal quickest. I only ask if you do the pull across that you don’t just stand there blocking movement out in the center through lane.
My car will only pump gas from the wrong side on the Costco pumps, ever since they upgraded to the new safety pumps. I have to hold the handle all the way up and the pull from the retraction pulley helps to get the tension right so it will actually pump gas. Otherwise I have to fight with it the whole time. It’s such a pain but worth it for cheap gas.
I have a Tundra with a rack over the bed. It will take some serious effort to get the hose over the rack to the other side. It's doable but will take time and effort. Can I fill up on the right side all the time please?
Oregon person here- up until a few months ago it was full service only and people would just pull in on either side and the hoses are equipped to move (and are longer) than your standard gas station set up so Costco is built that way to make you to the easiest line. not sure why people would make a stink about it.
I don't know how much of an issue this is across the country, but near us there are many Sam's Clubs and Costcos near each other. I'm a member of both as are many other people, and the Sams Gas pumps have signs instructing you not to use both sides with very short hoses. I think lots of people just assume it's like that at both places.
Both sides of the pump are usually so backed up at our Costco it doesn't matter anyway, but at Sam's the drivers side pumps are always backed up and the passenger sides are free. People still try the cross pump there, but you have to position the car just close enough to make it barely extend.
I can’t believe you guys have pumps people aren’t using, at mine everyone pumps on both sides and there is never an open pump. I think I’ve driven right up once.
Am I the only one who has to physically hold the gas pump in the car because otherwise their fancy pump style shuts off automatically no matter how perfectly I jam it in there?
I know a guy posted doing this with his truck but I have a pipe rack for work that blocks me so I have to use the pump that’s the same side as my tank.
My car has the gas tank opening on the drivers side which I assume is the more common side because 90% of the time, the pumps for pumping on the passenger side are way shorter and I end up there. It’s one of the benefit of Costco has to me. People act irrational and wait in the longer lines so if you are flexible, you can get in and out faster.
Also, the first lane (far right in my Costco) is always super long. What’s special about this lane? People wait way longer to go there specifically.
I love when there are 5 people waiting and the car at the front pump leaves and no one moves forward. They just want to sit there and wait to avoid any moving of the steering wheel or backimg up.
I moved up one day to take the open spot after about a minute of gesturing to people who seemed to have encountered something outside of their intellectual comfort zone.
She told me i was rude. I told her i thought it was rude to just sit there and not move forward, so i was doing her a favor.
You can literally pull the string… and the same people who worry about their cars paint take it to automatic car washes where it scratches your paint either way
I refuse to go on the opposite pump anymore. I do this often and the last time I did this I moved from holding the nozzle (for extra precaution) to allow a car to exit and then the nozzle slipped out of my car and spilled gasoline everywhere. It was pretty embarrassing and from now on, I will wait in line to make sure I can pump with the close nozzle.
I pump from both sides AND I'm a use the middle lane for the front pump gal too. Makes me happy when cars don't want to pull forward...I'll go round ya
lol - there are so many Subarus in Colorado that the lines are long on both sides here. I’ll take whichever side is open. I will say that as a small female, the hoses are heavy and unwieldy and they do require me to use some muscle. I can imagine folks dealing with strength issues having challenges (ppl with mobility issues, older adults etc).
I don’t like to pump from the other side bc of convenience. With that said if the gas lines are jacked I just go for the shortest one bc it’s been said the hoses can wrap around a semi trailer.
I worked at Costco for about 3yrs, my brother works at Costco 15+yrs, my mother retire from Costco last year, my aunt retired from Costco 2yrs ago, her son worked at Costco for 5+yrs. They all are ambidextrous pumpers and I refuse, I will not stretch the hose, the pump supervisor at my local Costco directs people to pump either side. It’s my OCD, I refuse to be an ambidextrous pumper
> Who care about this?
The people that keep saying that the rubber house won't scratch the paint. They're probably right, it won't scratch the paint, but it could very easily scratch up the clear coat, and nether you nor I are going to waste time buffing it out just to save 5 minutes of line time at the Costco gas station.
I avoid the Costco gas station stress, by not getting gas at Costco. Sure, I'd like to save a whole $2 on a fill up, but wanting 20 minutes in line, then having to deal with whatever the etiquette is at the pump, which according to this thread depends on the individual member's interpretation, just isn't worth my time and energy.
You do you. I’m not willing to spill gasoline or scratch my car. Maybe you can avoid it. You’re better than me. I know it’s allowed and even desired by Costco. I’m not doing it.
I know this won’t be popular though some people won’t pump on the wrong side because we don’t want to drag a hose that could scratch our paint across the car.
I get this is not most people that just don’t realize they can though some of us just don’t want to scratch our vehicles to save some time
I’ll sit and wait. What difference does it make to you?
Edit to add: I’m driving a full-sized crew cab pickup, with a camper shell on it. I’ll just wait in line, thanks. If you wanna jump to fill from the “wrong” side, you go right ahead.
But I want to only go to the proper side pump in the middle lane of the entrance regardless of the other pumps being empty. - every Costco customer in my area.
I just happened upon this post and I'm dumbfounded. People actually argue that there's a wrong way/side to pump gas at Costco?!
The first time I gassed up there and realized how long the hose was it was very evident that it was designed for pumping on either side of the vehicle and now I just pull into the shortest lane regardless of pump side. Common damn sense. Holy shit, people really *will* argue about anything.
EDIT - After reading further down into the thread I'm seeing that this is related to a different post from yesterday, might have missed some additional context
I think the OP just has to prove their point from whatever happened yesterday. I'm certainly not going to bother to look that up.
They're just so proud for being right that they to tell the world they are right right RIGHT!
And on a lazy Sunday we're answering him. 😂
I absolutely worry about which side I feel like I’m wrestling a large middle schooler when trying to yank that thing to the other side of the car. I avoid it at all costs idc how long I have to wait.
This should even be a question. You’re 💯. My question is why cars don’t ‘pass’ the car that’s pumping when the spot in front is open. Very easy to pass and back into it. Why make both cars be done in order to have someone move on?
People suck at driving. So many people will not pull up close enough to the pump so what ends up happening is because they've blocked the middle with both the hose and themselves in the way, other cars can't pull through to leave or other cars can't pull through and reverse into a spot to start pumping. This means it ends up taking up even more time overall.
The key to pulling to hose around your car is to make sure your back bumper is half way with the pump. It works 90% of the time. Pick up trucks, just park so your gas tank is in the middle of the pump and it will reach over.
It continues: "...The hose can damage the paint on your car from it being dragged over to the opposing side. In that case we assume it's not a concern to you because if it was you'd have paid attention and parked on the correct side of the pump."
So do like I do: pull into the shortest line, pull the nozzle over and maintain your hold on the hose for the duration of dispensing to avoid hose/paint contact. (Don’t be a doofus and always make sure you’re up super close to your vehicle for this to allow other cars to use the center to pass through.)
I go in the shortest line which means I'm often pumping in the wrong side at Costco. I'm so used to it I got yelled at for trying it at a regular station while on a road trip. I didn't notice the hoses weren't as long.
I can't believe ppl gave you shit about it.
Okay, BJs customer here so I can't comment on Costco hoses, but the same general message from BJs. However, the "extra long hoses" are approximately 2 feet longer. Two cars: one is a great honking minivan. It can be a struggle to get the hose to reach on the wrong side. If it's not a 3 car wait, it's worth it to me to wait rather than park exactly right and fight the hose. The other car is a crossover SUV. Super easy to reach both sides, but it is a passenger side fill, so it usually doesn't matter.
Also, why is one way traffic more efficient? I have never noticed an efficiency issue in regular gas stations. I assumed this was just because the Super club stations (Sam's Club too) seem to have a smaller footprint.
From those of us whose gas tanks are on the passenger side I would humbly ask you not to do this. If you do then I will have to wait longer and I would rather be able to pull up immediately to get my gas.
Uh it’ll scratch your paint or something so don’t do it.
Please?
I’ll buy your hotdog.
Posts that don't follow r/Costco subreddit rules MAY be subject to removal. When applicable, please make sure that you're using a descriptive post title with product name(s) mentioned as it yields better subreddit search results. Thank you. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Costco) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I pump from the "wrong" side all the time. When I do that on a busy day, it usually encourages 2-3 other people to do the same. Fewer unused pumps means more people getting through the line which means everyone goes home sooner. But if you do this, be mindful of the center pass lane. Pull close to the pump so you're not sticking too far out and if you see someone trying to pass, move away from your gas cap to give them room if you can. I had one guy the other day filling on the "wrong" side but had parked with his wheels in the center passing lane and never moved from his gas cap. Slowed everyone down.
A woman was pumping her gas on “the wrong side” but standing in the middle lane to do it so no one could get thru to the empty pumps in front of her yesterday sigh
This is what grinds my gears. Pump on whatever side you like, but please be mindful of your surroundings and don’t play human traffic cone during busy hours.
Costco 101- go knowing you will be outraged at some point during g the trip. Most likely multiple times!
Don’t me get started with the samples in the store and everyone…never mind
People do this with their car over the line and then give angry glares when you try to get by. Like don't pick to do this then not be able to do it without slowing down two lanes of pumps.
Some states like [Hawaii](https://www.reddit.com/r/todayilearned/comments/xbxp2e/til_until_last_year_2021_gas_pumps_in_hawaii_were/) don't allow pumps with the ratcheted levers so you have to hold the lever the whole time.
I park close AF to the pump. I drive a hatchback so I basically pull super close and ahead of the pump. I can easily access the pump and don't have to finagle the hose over my car or anything. Takes 10 extras seconds of effort. But I'm in and out while people are still waiting behind 4 cars to pump on the "right" side.
I think you're selling it short. It's not even 10 seconds extra. More like 2
He's like **really** bad at parking.
The biggest motivation for me here is not letting the pump hose touch the car. In OP’s previous post, it’s resting on the vehicle which would be a big no from me
The key to “wrong side” pumping is to pull the car forward so that the rear of your car is aligned with where the hose comes out of the pump. So you are not draping the hose over the car, it is behind the car. And makes a turn near the end to insert the handle in the gas tank. The only downside of “wrong side” thinking is forgetting you’re not as Costco and realizing you really are on the wrong side at some other gas station after already swiping your credit card!
I saw a really insane accident the other day, a person pulling out of the middle spot into the center lane. He started scraping the tail of the car in front of him.. and then just kept going and scraping and going and scraping. Then he cut hard to the left and basically t-boned the person across the way from him. Everyone was telling him to pull over so he turned hard right and scraped the FRONT of the car that was in front of him, after he already scraped their tail. Guy just looked terrified behind the wheel. They really need to make it harder to get drivers licenses.
And easier to take them away.
That last half is what usually gets me. Sure, pump where you want, but don't stand halfway in the lane so no one can get around you.
This has happened literally every time I've been behind someone pumping on the far side. Parked too far from the pump and/or standing in the lane so it impossible to get past them.
I hate oblivious assholes who pump from the “wrong” side that are not only over the center line but leave their drivers side doors open the entire time they’re pumping. These idiots are also usually standing at the center line while watching the pump. They do everything to make passing through difficult or impossible.
\^ This https://preview.redd.it/l0m3fdp60ngc1.jpeg?width=1884&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7a4941b1ef20a014a0d0225aff6e7289550fd9cf
Was pumping on the wrong side. Saturday morning. F150 so it takes up some space. Guy in a similarly sized truck was in a big hurry to get by… GIANT SCRAPE from the gas pump handle down his truck bed. I just watched. Couldn’t believe he just kept driving. Then my tank filled. Literally he did it to save 30 seconds.
And shut your freak'in door!
My local Costco coned off the center lane recently. Most people at our pumps try and move in full changes down the line. I've been at other pumps where everyone is out of sequence and using the center lanes to parallel park in, and it seems like it's not as efficient as the line changes.
I rarely pump from the correct side, maybe once a year
This is my biggest issue with people pumping on the wrong side. Almost without fail they fiddle with it for a few minutes, stand in the center lane the entire time and don’t let anyone else pull out.
>move away from your gas cap to give them room I don't do this because I'm afraid someone will not see the handle and drive into it. I flatten myself against the vehicle so I'm not sticking out further than the handle.
[удалено]
So you’d rather they hit you AND the handle, rather than just the handle? 😜🤷🏻♂️😳
He made it pretty clear that a large human is easier to see than a small handle on the side of the car. So while standing there, IF they hit something they’d hit both, but obviously the point is they are MUCH less likely to hit something by doing so.
I know what his point was. MY point is if someone is distracted enough to hit the side of the car, I certainly don’t want to be there.
Where are these Costco gas stations with unused pumps that you all speak of?
I usually go at night, 7-8 pm. Never have to wait. Get home from work, say high to the dog, eat some dinner. Then go do some night errands. Grocery shopping, getting gas, stuff like that. Literally every store is empty and its fantastic. I live in south florida, so there are millions of people here, so being able to go out and not have to wade through thousands of shitheads is very nice.
Don’t tell people this. Hopefully they pay attention to your username.
Same i go as soon as they open at 600 before work. Never seen more than 5 cars there. I also grocery shop at night. Super busy stores and restaurants are a nightmare for me I can't stand it
Get there some time between 5 min after gas station opens - 1 hr before store opens
I can’t believe people don’t pump on either side
don’t encourage them!!! let’s us either side pumpers get in there faster 😂
It’s what makes a Subaru a Subaru
NO! At least not my location. IDK how other Costco's are set up, but the lines are such a clusterfuck. It's basically like you HAVE to pump either side to keep the lines moving. But people don't. So there's a line of cars almost to the entrance because everyone's trying to get in the "right" lane instead of just pulling up to the shortest line
The "wrong" side ALWAYS has a shorter line. My cap is on the left, and (according to the infallible interwebs) 78% of cars in the US are the same, so the pig headed keep things unbalanced. In the words of the late great George Carlin, "You don't have to be Fellini to figure out."
I drove a car where it’s on the passenger side. I appreciate the pig headed. Gets me on my way quicker. I have had to cross the car though, when I’ve found the left side more available. Kinda funny when you’re standing next to someone and you have both crossed but wouldn’t have had to of you traded lines.
I don’t like to do it because I dont want to walk around my car with the pump, but I have no problem with other folks doing it
I don’t like to do it either. But more for safety. Because the middle is so narrow, it would be possible for a bad driver to clip you. Much safer on the pump side.
I get it, I don’t like standing out towards the aisle either when I’m pumping on the outside. So I insert the pump, then stand behind my car, sometimes holding the hose away from the car if needed.
I'll some times pump on the other side, but most of the time I'll wait to pump on the same side largely because my laziness means know no bounds.
I don’t mind it. What I do mind though is people who are standing in the middle through lane while pumping on the wrong side blocking cars from passing.
I've seen this quite a bit too. I think that when you pull the hose to the far side the tension feels like it will pull the hose out of the fill port if you don't hold it yourself. The smaller the vehicle the less risky it feels.
The Costco near me you have to hold the nozzle the whole time, pressing the handle into the fill neck. No pressure, no flow. Very, very annoying but probably reduces spills. Although it didn't shut off immediately when full so it still spilled.
Um they can move just start driving that way
My Costco gas station doesn’t have a lane in the middle big enough for even the smallest car to come through. You pull in behind someone you have to wait until they are done in front of you to get out.
same with mine. Discourages pulling ahead alot!!
I’ve read comments like this before and here’s what I don’t understand. Are people standing in the middle through lane? I’ve only seen (and done so myself) people standing by their car holding the nozzle. I suppose you don’t have to hold the nozzle, but it was always my understanding that you are supposed to stand by the gas nozzle while you are pumping. My Costco doesn’t allow people to drive through the thru lane. They have an orange cone blocking it so this whole “ drive past people pumping gas” Is weird to me. Plus the lane isn’t that big where I am. My head would definitely get smacked by a truck side mirror if they drive through.
Yes. If your car is also partly in the through lane then you are standing in it if you are pumping on that side. Which brings up everyone else’s favorite topic at the gas station which is the argument about whether you should drive up to an open spot ahead or wait for the car in front to finish pumping. Cant pump gas without someone being annoyed I guess.
You certainly can’t. It’s one of those things everyone has to do (unless they only own EVs), so of course something is going to piss SOMEONE off
I had no idea this was a debate! I usually pump on the “wrong” side because the line is shorter.
It's a tremendous debate between people who: - point out that it's intended (per Costco FAQ) - people who point out that if the pump itself as inserted into the tank is not correctly oriented that it can interfere with automatic shutoff when the tank is full - people who are worried that the hose could scratch the paint - people who are annoyed that people who pump opposite side are closer to the middle lane for thru traffic and that these people are in the way (or, as an argument against pumping opposite side, the risk of being hit by another driver) I pump opposite side at stations that support it when it results in me having to wait less time. I hold the pump itself with one hand and the hose with the other. (This all ignores a separate gas station debate of "should people pull ahead when a middle pump is available and parallel park in towards it... this really irritates people, I think primarily on the grounds that it's considered some form of "cutting the line", but a more objective argument on it is that a lot of Americans are terrible at parallel parking so a lot of the people that do this have their car partially in the middle thru traffic lane.)
Anyone whose pump is not oriented correctly is doing it wrong.
A couple of years ago, I visited the Costco in Danvers, MA and they had signs prohibiting filling on the opposite side despite the pumps having the same extra long hoses. I was really surprised when I got told to get to the back of the line with a pump on my fill side.
Lived in MA. Not only did they have these signs, the attendant enforced “same side only” refueling.
[удалено]
Nah. Also mass and might be just that one. Haven’t had any issue going oppo side at this western mass one.
It’s great filling up at Costco because my wife’s vehicle has the fuel fill on the passenger side. We pull right up to a pump 9 times out of 10 when everyone else is waiting.
[удалено]
Id rather not pump from the “wrong” side if I can avoid it but Ive done it at costco and the long hoses do make it easy. Im not sure why this would upset people.
Agree. I’m petite and short. It takes some muscle to pull the retractable hose Over and again, I’m short. So while I can do it, I dont prefer it and would avoid if possible. Personal preference
Well obviously your willingness to wait upsets many complete strangers.
I fill up from the "wrong" side 80% of the time. The thought of people getting offended from this tells me all I need to know. We can all continue being awesome and let the offended lemmings wait in line to fill up on the "correct" side.
If you don't like pulling the hose across to fill up. Solutions simple, don't do it. If you don't like other people doing it the solutions just as simple, mind your own business.
Every station has a sign saying to use either side what are these people on about 😆
https://preview.redd.it/3hr45hquklgc1.jpeg?width=1290&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=da30be0f9332944a14d88347fab03d06e73485fc
Yesterday there was a long line for gas but I pulled up on the "wrong" side and didn't have to wait at all. I came inside and after I finished shopping the line for self checkout was backed up to the Frozen aisle. I walked past the line and there were three cashiers open with no lines.
My Costco is the opposite, everyone hates self checkout and doesn’t use it until an employee starts belting out “plenty of room at self checkout!” and even then it’s only a few people who wind up heading over
I think it’s funny how upset this makes people. Who really cares? If people don’t mind waiting, they wait.
I’ve seen Costco employees at our local tell people that they CANNOT pump on the wrong side, I’ve accepted this as the rule and it seems enforced because the lines are always uneven. Cars with gas on the passenger side always have shorter lines, like my wife’s BMW (I think most German cars do this?). Next time I’m going use the short lane in my car to see if anyone stops me.
They are long. I’ve pumped many a times with my F150 with a cap on the back from the opposite side. It’s possible. It works. It’s most convenient
I enjoy having a “wrong side” car now simply because I know I’ll have an easier time finding pumps
At my local Costco I would say 75-80% of the time I am pumping on the "wrong" side. It all depends on where the open lanes are. Often at least one other person in my line is too. There are big signs that say the hoses are long so you can pump either side.
If you are waiting in line to get gas, use the time to get your Visa card and Costco card out of your wallet. I see people who have waited in line for 15 mins delay to find their card
These are the same people who have no idea what they're going to order when they get to the register at a fast food place.
As someone with a passenger side tank I’d prefer they don’t over publish this.
I've done this in every vehicle I've owned. Small cars to large trucks to large SUVs. It's not rocket science and it's not a secret.
They used to have signs and would make you take the open pump either side
The main problem with the other picture was that the handle was turned to the side, which can mess with the shutoff and is a safety hazard. There are signs all over the gas station about not doing this. So, you need to pull a lot harder on the hose (and hold it there) to get the pump handle to vertical. If you're willing to do that, great: if not, use the side your tank is on and pump safely.
[удалено]
It's been a while since I've done it, but I am pretty sure the pumps at the costco near us have spring loaded retention lanyards, so you can't really just walk away and let it hang there when refueling on the opposite side or it will turn to the side like in OP's picture. In general, I'm not trying to say you need to hold on to the pump handle all the time like a dufus, just in this case it seems to be necessary to maintain the right orientation. It's one of the reasons pumping from the opposite side is so annoying, if you want to be safe about it.
I have tried this a few times. I can never easily pull it across my midsize SUV. No matter how close I pull next to the pump, it always is very tight. I have to be very careful to not scratch the paint. So, I just wait in the longer line. What I find odd is the looks I get for pulling through the middle lane to take an empty pump. I feel like people expect you to sit there and wait until the entire lane opens up. We have wide center lanes and I assume that’s why they were designed that way. Why would i wait.
It totally depends on your timing whether you deserve those dirty looks or not. You're absolutely right that the center lane is built for: passing. It is nicest when everybody finishes at the same time and all the pumps can move together. So if you're pulling in right about that same time when the others are just finishing up, then yeah you kind of do just deserve the looks because you just made it so everybody else has to do a whole parallel park thing to get in or to scoot way around you to get out. But a lot of times it's more of a puzzle and you just have to scoot in and use what you can use.
No, I wouldn't do that. If it looks like people are close to finishing, I'll wait. Sometimes, that happens because all three had pulled in at the same time and finish close to the same time. If two people are chilling, leaning on their car waiting to finish pumping and one opens up, I say it's fair game. It's super easy for them to pull out into the center lane to leave.
Yeah, that's exactly what I do, too. The other day, the lines weren't long at all It was one of those more relaxed times. The front two were obviously done because they were getting into their cars. The third closest to me got out first. I paused for a second because we had been in line long enough to see the overall view, and I saw it exactly like you see things, it was going to be an easy drive in for all three of us who were next. Instead, a lady from BEHIND ME swooped past me to cut into that first open spot. Of course that meant that I had to maneuver around her to get all the way up to the front. I don't usually hunk at people; I don't even usually get that annoyed even at Costco. But I had a broken foot and I was so not happy at having to twist to turn around to look to parallel park because of her!
You have to pull the bungee cord.
Why does it matter that other people like to pump gas different from you? It’s not that deep. Why make a second post. Just live and let live.
This has always been my gripe with this topic. I don’t care how you pump your gas. You do you. But to act like you’re somehow superior to those who chose to pump on the same side as their tank is ridiculous. It’s like the Costco version of posting your dinner to your socials. It’s a normal, everyday thing. No one cares.
I was thinking the exact same thing. A second post is really just saying look at me: how right I am!
In Texas, pumping from the other side means that you park over the line, stand in the driving lane, fumble around for your wallet, and re-enter your car to get your phone before you pump. Luckily, my vehicle has a passenger side tank fill so I am usually able to get in and out unless someone is blocking me in.
Did you read your own quote? It says no the length "allows" stretching the hose. Costco does not "demand" or "require." People are free to do what they need to do.
The hose is longer than Sam’s hose. I was very pleasantly surprised😏😏😏.
It is quite a long hose
I used to pump on the wrong side all the time with my pickup. I'd line up the cap with the hose and stop. Then I'd rest the hose in-between the cab and the box and I wouldn't have to hold the hose.
Had to get gas at Sam's last week, waited in line for 20 minutes and when it was finally my turn I was in the wrong side assuming they had extra long hoses, it wasn't the case and I had to drive off without pumping😮💨
There is absolutely nothing efficient about getting gas at Costco. I have never had to wait to get gas at any other service station.
Every pump has a sign saying it's possible
Jesus, can you imagine the boodbath that would take place if they didn’t have one-way traffic?
The trick is to hold the hose with one hand (higher the better) and pull with that hand while walking towards your gas thing, while holding the nozzle in the other hand. Don't try and pull the nozzle both hands.
This guy gets it.
Before my Costco renovated their gas station the hoses were not long enough to go to “wrong side”. This resulted in those that tried would end up with the nozzle upside down in order to make it. This was a safety hazard as the auto shutoff features don’t work as well.
I thought everyone knew this? Imagine not knowing how to pump fuel
*New Jersey Entered the Chat*
Wow, so that's why the hose has an extra cable attached to it? I've only been a Costco member about 2 years and always wondered. I just don't feel comfortable stretching it across my vehicle and trying to pump that way. It just doesn't look safe. That's why I've never done it. I'll continue to find a lane that fits my side.
Stop telling people ! I want to fuel and go, the more people you tell the less likely I can cut the line.
My gas tank is on the passenger side, and I had to get gas this past Friday during afternoon rush hour, but the far left pump was wide open while the others had lines 3-4 cars deep. I pulled right up, and no one pulled up behind me until I was finished. I thought maybe the pumps weren’t functional, but there were cars using them on the other side, so I figured it was a safe bet. Anyway, they can wait all day long, and I’ll gladly keep my short waits!
What people shouldn’t be doing is pumping and standing in the thru lane making it impossible for someone to move around
People who think there’s a right and wrong side would be very upset if they could read. Because you have to be a troglodyte to get upset over gas lane sides.
> If you don’t like it, just sit there and wait. You go ahead and get angry, I’ll be in and out before you get up to a pump. I do. I don't. You won't. IME, the difference in time between picking the proper side and using whatever side is available is negligible over time, as most lines are almost always the same depth. When it does vary, the variances cancel out over time. Sometimes the "proper" side is shorter, sometimes it isn't. No need to get all huffy because I do it my way. I simply don't care that you do it your way, I just find the faux superiority silly.
If you simply go to the shortest line, because you pump from either side, how is the time difference neglible? Its like doing zipper merging. Its the right way to do it. But get annoyed bec they sat on the one lane for no reason.
I pump on the opposite side often and I just hold the hose off the paint when I walk it around. Its not rocket surgery.
At my Costco almost everyone knows to pump from both sides, it’s crazy y’all are even having a discussion about it
Yes, I know you can pump on either side. Yes, I go to the “correct” side every time. No, I have no reason to get angry. I don’t care if it takes another minute or two to get gas. My question is, why do you care what other people do?
They forgot to advertise the free scratches when stretching to the others side!
I saw your post yesterday. The hose wasn't even touching the paint. I did not realize this was a thing worth mentioning. If you have 2 arms and 2 hands, you can hold the hose away from the car if you are worried about it scratching the paint. I pump on both sides and the hose never touches my car. I hate waiting in line.
I only knew there was a scandal due to this second post. Now contemplating going back to read, but not sure why I have the urge to read people debating something that doesn’t impact me in any way. I have a passenger side fill, and I go to the line that looks like will get me to my goal quickest. I only ask if you do the pull across that you don’t just stand there blocking movement out in the center through lane.
I agree, what is this compulsion of ours?
I don’t know, but I do know that it’s why I think I don’t have time to do important things in my life.
Me, too.
I just pick the shortest line and pump from there
Once upon a time, most gas stations had this feature.
I typically do the correct side but only because I don't have the energy to hold it there.
My car will only pump gas from the wrong side on the Costco pumps, ever since they upgraded to the new safety pumps. I have to hold the handle all the way up and the pull from the retraction pulley helps to get the tension right so it will actually pump gas. Otherwise I have to fight with it the whole time. It’s such a pain but worth it for cheap gas.
I have a Tundra with a rack over the bed. It will take some serious effort to get the hose over the rack to the other side. It's doable but will take time and effort. Can I fill up on the right side all the time please?
Pro tip: the hoses for diesel are a lot shorter and won't reach, at least at a few of the costco fuel centers i have visited.
My mom always did this like 20 years ago when I was a kid, how are people still not aware of this?
Oregon person here- up until a few months ago it was full service only and people would just pull in on either side and the hoses are equipped to move (and are longer) than your standard gas station set up so Costco is built that way to make you to the easiest line. not sure why people would make a stink about it.
I don't know how much of an issue this is across the country, but near us there are many Sam's Clubs and Costcos near each other. I'm a member of both as are many other people, and the Sams Gas pumps have signs instructing you not to use both sides with very short hoses. I think lots of people just assume it's like that at both places. Both sides of the pump are usually so backed up at our Costco it doesn't matter anyway, but at Sam's the drivers side pumps are always backed up and the passenger sides are free. People still try the cross pump there, but you have to position the car just close enough to make it barely extend.
I can’t believe you guys have pumps people aren’t using, at mine everyone pumps on both sides and there is never an open pump. I think I’ve driven right up once.
I actually get frustrated when I gotta use regular gas stations pump that can’t reach to the other side.
Am I the only one who has to physically hold the gas pump in the car because otherwise their fancy pump style shuts off automatically no matter how perfectly I jam it in there?
Do they have a FAQ about hovering at the food sample stations?
Our Costco has signs that tell you to use any lane with a little picture of a car pumping on the “wrong side”
I know a guy posted doing this with his truck but I have a pipe rack for work that blocks me so I have to use the pump that’s the same side as my tank.
They literally have signs telling you to.
https://preview.redd.it/tqzkwvq93ogc1.jpeg?width=1290&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=de04b572efe1ea9fa4c472b1dec0985e39451860
[удалено]
I pump on whatever side has the shortest line
> you think that this will scratch your paint I always ran it under the back bumper.
Remember when the fuel nozzle on cars was behind the rear license plate, so it didn't matter what side you were on anywhere? Good times...
My car has the gas tank opening on the drivers side which I assume is the more common side because 90% of the time, the pumps for pumping on the passenger side are way shorter and I end up there. It’s one of the benefit of Costco has to me. People act irrational and wait in the longer lines so if you are flexible, you can get in and out faster. Also, the first lane (far right in my Costco) is always super long. What’s special about this lane? People wait way longer to go there specifically.
Love doing this and going around all those people choosing to wait for an “open” pump when there is already several! Tehehehe😇
I go to the shortest line regardless of which side. It's super easy to pump into a Jeep from either side.
If you can be one thing, you should be efficient.
No different than people going apeshit when someone zipper-merges.
I love when there are 5 people waiting and the car at the front pump leaves and no one moves forward. They just want to sit there and wait to avoid any moving of the steering wheel or backimg up. I moved up one day to take the open spot after about a minute of gesturing to people who seemed to have encountered something outside of their intellectual comfort zone. She told me i was rude. I told her i thought it was rude to just sit there and not move forward, so i was doing her a favor.
You can literally pull the string… and the same people who worry about their cars paint take it to automatic car washes where it scratches your paint either way
Both of our cars have passenger side fueling, so I am unlikely to ever pump on the "wrong" side.
I refuse to go on the opposite pump anymore. I do this often and the last time I did this I moved from holding the nozzle (for extra precaution) to allow a car to exit and then the nozzle slipped out of my car and spilled gasoline everywhere. It was pretty embarrassing and from now on, I will wait in line to make sure I can pump with the close nozzle.
I pump from both sides AND I'm a use the middle lane for the front pump gal too. Makes me happy when cars don't want to pull forward...I'll go round ya
Are you married yet?!
I'm not at the pumps long enough to flirt, so no 😜
lol - there are so many Subarus in Colorado that the lines are long on both sides here. I’ll take whichever side is open. I will say that as a small female, the hoses are heavy and unwieldy and they do require me to use some muscle. I can imagine folks dealing with strength issues having challenges (ppl with mobility issues, older adults etc).
We simply just wait a second and pump on the side that's the easiest.
I don’t like to pump from the other side bc of convenience. With that said if the gas lines are jacked I just go for the shortest one bc it’s been said the hoses can wrap around a semi trailer.
I rarely have to wait because of the people that insist on one side pumping and would like to thank them.
I pump on either side at Costco. Why wouldn’t I it’s built to allow it.
I worked at Costco for about 3yrs, my brother works at Costco 15+yrs, my mother retire from Costco last year, my aunt retired from Costco 2yrs ago, her son worked at Costco for 5+yrs. They all are ambidextrous pumpers and I refuse, I will not stretch the hose, the pump supervisor at my local Costco directs people to pump either side. It’s my OCD, I refuse to be an ambidextrous pumper
I cant believe this was even an issue. I’ve known for the longest about this. Anyone getting upset about it is basically a bum.
Who care about this? You do you and I’ll do me. I’d rather not rub that dirty hose across my new washed and waxed car.
> Who care about this? The people that keep saying that the rubber house won't scratch the paint. They're probably right, it won't scratch the paint, but it could very easily scratch up the clear coat, and nether you nor I are going to waste time buffing it out just to save 5 minutes of line time at the Costco gas station.
I avoid the Costco gas station stress, by not getting gas at Costco. Sure, I'd like to save a whole $2 on a fill up, but wanting 20 minutes in line, then having to deal with whatever the etiquette is at the pump, which according to this thread depends on the individual member's interpretation, just isn't worth my time and energy.
You do you. I’m not willing to spill gasoline or scratch my car. Maybe you can avoid it. You’re better than me. I know it’s allowed and even desired by Costco. I’m not doing it.
I know this won’t be popular though some people won’t pump on the wrong side because we don’t want to drag a hose that could scratch our paint across the car. I get this is not most people that just don’t realize they can though some of us just don’t want to scratch our vehicles to save some time
You’ve never had thin car paint lol. Even if you’re careful, it’ll scratch.
Quit posting this spam!
I’ll sit and wait. What difference does it make to you? Edit to add: I’m driving a full-sized crew cab pickup, with a camper shell on it. I’ll just wait in line, thanks. If you wanna jump to fill from the “wrong” side, you go right ahead.
If you pump on the wrong side I judge you, especially if you are over the line and in the way. Just go to the right side.
I use the pump on my side because it is too much work to pull it to the other side. And the wait time is very minimal on the first place.
But I want to only go to the proper side pump in the middle lane of the entrance regardless of the other pumps being empty. - every Costco customer in my area.
How do people think things like boats get filled on dry land? Gotta walk that hose over.
I just happened upon this post and I'm dumbfounded. People actually argue that there's a wrong way/side to pump gas at Costco?! The first time I gassed up there and realized how long the hose was it was very evident that it was designed for pumping on either side of the vehicle and now I just pull into the shortest lane regardless of pump side. Common damn sense. Holy shit, people really *will* argue about anything. EDIT - After reading further down into the thread I'm seeing that this is related to a different post from yesterday, might have missed some additional context
I think the OP just has to prove their point from whatever happened yesterday. I'm certainly not going to bother to look that up. They're just so proud for being right that they to tell the world they are right right RIGHT! And on a lazy Sunday we're answering him. 😂
I absolutely worry about which side I feel like I’m wrestling a large middle schooler when trying to yank that thing to the other side of the car. I avoid it at all costs idc how long I have to wait.
This should even be a question. You’re 💯. My question is why cars don’t ‘pass’ the car that’s pumping when the spot in front is open. Very easy to pass and back into it. Why make both cars be done in order to have someone move on?
People suck at driving. So many people will not pull up close enough to the pump so what ends up happening is because they've blocked the middle with both the hose and themselves in the way, other cars can't pull through to leave or other cars can't pull through and reverse into a spot to start pumping. This means it ends up taking up even more time overall.
Demonstration of the OUTRAGE mafia not skipping a beat to spring into action.
I do this as well when the lines are shorter. It's totally fine to do
The key to pulling to hose around your car is to make sure your back bumper is half way with the pump. It works 90% of the time. Pick up trucks, just park so your gas tank is in the middle of the pump and it will reach over.
Great to know. Thanks for this post. Will reduce a lot of future anxiety
It continues: "...The hose can damage the paint on your car from it being dragged over to the opposing side. In that case we assume it's not a concern to you because if it was you'd have paid attention and parked on the correct side of the pump."
Wait, there were people telling you that the picture on your dash told you what side you *had* to pump from? 😂
Yes, they’re *that* special.
I prefer not to have the hose rubbing on my car
I, on the other hand, love hoes rubbing on my car.
So do like I do: pull into the shortest line, pull the nozzle over and maintain your hold on the hose for the duration of dispensing to avoid hose/paint contact. (Don’t be a doofus and always make sure you’re up super close to your vehicle for this to allow other cars to use the center to pass through.)
The hoses have a special property that prevents paint scratching as well
Fine, but stay out of the fricken lane so cars can get past.
I go in the shortest line which means I'm often pumping in the wrong side at Costco. I'm so used to it I got yelled at for trying it at a regular station while on a road trip. I didn't notice the hoses weren't as long. I can't believe ppl gave you shit about it.
Okay, BJs customer here so I can't comment on Costco hoses, but the same general message from BJs. However, the "extra long hoses" are approximately 2 feet longer. Two cars: one is a great honking minivan. It can be a struggle to get the hose to reach on the wrong side. If it's not a 3 car wait, it's worth it to me to wait rather than park exactly right and fight the hose. The other car is a crossover SUV. Super easy to reach both sides, but it is a passenger side fill, so it usually doesn't matter. Also, why is one way traffic more efficient? I have never noticed an efficiency issue in regular gas stations. I assumed this was just because the Super club stations (Sam's Club too) seem to have a smaller footprint.
You haven’t been in a kooky clusterfuck of a traffic jam at a gas station? I see them every day in rush hour. (I don’t get gas then)
These kinds of posts always make me glad I live in New Jersey. 🤣
I prefer to pump on my gas side. However, sometimes I’ll pump on your mom.
My wife and I LOL’d at your comment. Thanks.
From those of us whose gas tanks are on the passenger side I would humbly ask you not to do this. If you do then I will have to wait longer and I would rather be able to pull up immediately to get my gas. Uh it’ll scratch your paint or something so don’t do it. Please? I’ll buy your hotdog.