	USA & Canada Toll Free: 1-800-509-8194 UK Toll Free: 0800 047 0248 International: +41 91 220 0567 Italy: +39 089 842 6126 Email: info@summerinitaly.com
Home Travel Guide Travel Tips Wish List Postcards Contact

Fill It Up

In our continuing series, Rules of the Road, we're giving you the lowdown on gassing up.

The full tank you received when you picked up your rental car will only get you so far. Eventually you will have to fuel up and figure out the petrol pumps. Gas stations can range from tiny one-pump roadside pull-offs to full-scale, monster truck-sized service plazas. They’re pretty basic but have their quirks.

The little pull-off pumps are generally full service, which is a good thing because there may not be room for you to exit your car with traffic streaming by. You simply drive in, they pump the gas and off you go. Frequently, they will also wash your windows and check your oil at no extra cost. Even larger gas stations with service-specific lanes may offer additional services that you don’t expect, even in the self-service lines. If not and the station is open, you simply fill your tank then pay the attendant.

Did you catch that line, if the station is open? A sign at the curb announces if a station is open Aperto or closed, Chiuso. Some may say Aperto but looked shuttered; that is because many stations offer 24 hour availability, even if an attendant is not present. At these pumps you must pay at a machine before pumping the gas. The machines take cash; some -- but not all -- take ATMs or credit cards. Frequently, one machine services several pumps so pay attention to which pumpnumber you’ve parked at. Insert the banknote, select the correct pump number and then choose your gas type (unleaded is called senza piombo; diesel is called gasolio). Beware: the machine does not make change!

Larger stations offer attendants to offer assistance and collect your money. They will check your oil or tire pressure on request. If you’re paying by credit card you generally have to go inside the store to complete the transaction. Most of the larger gas stations also have little shops and caffes, as well as restrooms, so you can fuel up on caffeine or snacks while filling up your car.

Quick search:

Sleeps:
Min bedrooms:
From (optional):

For week(s):
Sort:

	What to Show/Take it Slow
	Reading the Lines
	Life in the Fast Lane
	Fill It Up
	Take a Breather

Home | Travel Guide | Travel Tips | Contact Us

USA & Canada Toll Free: 1-800-509-8194
UK Toll Free: 0800 047 0248
International: +41 91 220 0567

Italy +39 089 842 6126. Switzerland +41 (0) 91 220 0567
Fax International: +41 91 220 0877. Fax Italy : +39 089 311 5055
e-mail info@summerinitaly.com