I always try to go to the Getty gas station near my house so long it’s the cheapest because it’s full serve. I don’t have to get out of my car to pump the gas and it’s sort of a treat since typically I pump my own gas. I wondered whether the “full” service lived up to its name. Back decades ago the attendant would automatically check your oil level and tire pressure, also clean your windshield.
After I gave my card to the attendant I asked him if he could check my oil level and, to my surprise, he grabbed a rag, opened my hood, checked it, and gave me a thumbs up. I thought the practice had ended long ago and he would tell me that it was something they didn’t do. Many stations where there is a full serve option it is actually “mini serve,” just pumping gas, no extras. Of course, since the Getty was all full serve the price wasn’t any higher than any of the self service stations. And whenever I go to any of those I never pay the premium for the full serve island. But now, I think every so often I will pay that premium and have them check the oil, tires, and wipe the windshield. I guess that’s where full serve got its name. Quality service, more than just pumping gas. They could so something about the way they dress. Note the photo on the right.
