How to Self-Service Refuel When There's No Staff or Card at the Gas Station?

[DelArabella]

Before self-service refueling, the vehicle owner should first touch the static electricity discharger to eliminate any potential static electricity on their body, especially during dry seasons like autumn and winter. Determine the type of fuel needed, and insert the fuel card into the card slot with the front side facing up (the side with the chip is the front). If there is a password, enter it first. After inserting the fuel card, the balance on the card will be displayed on the fuel dispenser screen, allowing the owner to select the refueling mode as needed. The refueling process is not complicated: open the fuel tank cap, lift the fuel nozzle, place the nozzle into the fuel tank, then press and lock the trigger. After refueling is complete, remove the fuel nozzle and return it to its original position on the fuel dispenser.

[Percy]

I've encountered this issue quite a few times, especially during late-night long-distance drives when gas stations are deserted. Typically, many self-service stations now support mobile payments and don't require cards at all. I've used WeChat Pay or Alipay QR code payments several times - the process is super simple: first park properly, there'll be a QR code displayed near the fuel nozzle or a scanner, just scan it with your phone, enter the refueling amount, confirm, and the nozzle becomes operational. If you don't see the QR code button, you might need to manually activate the payment function in the mobile app. Don't forget to pop the hood first to check the fuel cap. Some older stations lack connected equipment - in that case, you can only look for nearby 24-hour convenience stores to see if there's staff available. If all else fails, switch to a more modern gas station to avoid operational errors causing fuel leaks. I also recommend developing the habit of checking your app payment bindings before trips and downloading several major gas station apps as backups.

[JordanFitz]

I often drive in remote mountainous areas and occasionally encounter gas stations without staff on duty. In situations where there's no card, most modern gas stations are equipped with smart payment systems, allowing everything to be handled via a smartphone. For example, I've used Sinopec's EasyPay app, which allows direct account registration linked to a bank card, and scanning the QR code on the fuel pump to start refueling. The process is similar: park the car, select the fuel type, scan the machine's instructions, pay via phone, and the fuel nozzle automatically activates. No signal can be a bit troublesome; in such cases, carrying some cash is always a good idea—some stations still support cash payment boxes. For safety, I always check the surrounding environment to ensure it's safe and confirm the fuel tank cap is sealed before starting to prevent fires. Here's a handy tip: familiarize yourself in advance with the payment tools commonly used by local gas station brands, such as Shell's frequent use of Alipay integrated solutions. This way, you won't panic when encountering similar issues next time, and with a bit of practice, it'll become second nature.

[OIsaac]

When driving to another city and encountering such unmanned and cardless gas stations, it can indeed be confusing. My advice is not to panic—most stations now allow payment via mobile apps. Simply open WeChat or Alipay to scan the QR code on the fuel pump, enter the amount, pay, and the nozzle will start working. It’s straightforward and takes just a few minutes. If there’s no signal, seek help from a nearby convenience store or find a staffed station. I usually recommend beginners download the gas station’s official app in advance and link their payment method to avoid awkward situations. Safety first: ensure the car is turned off while refueling, avoid using your phone carelessly, and prevent static sparks.