# Pumping gas isn't rocket surgery you lazy twit **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [April 12, 2016, 4:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pumping-gas-isnt-rocket-surgery-you-lazy-twit/751976 "2016-04-12T04:22:31Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 7
**Author:** ![lance\_strongarm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/87869e/32.png) [@lance\_strongarm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lance_strongarm)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2016, 1:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pumping-gas-isnt-rocket-surgery-you-lazy-twit/751976/121 "2016-04-14T13:27:54Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > My cousin is aphasic. > > YOUR USE OF “DUMB” IS INSENSITIVE AT BEST.:mad: Was it “mean” though? ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2016, 1:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pumping-gas-isnt-rocket-surgery-you-lazy-twit/751976/122 "2016-04-14T13:36:11Z")
> [@lance\_strongarm](#): > > Was it “mean” though? What do you mean? ---
**Author:** ![lance\_strongarm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/87869e/32.png) [@lance\_strongarm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lance_strongarm)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2016, 1:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pumping-gas-isnt-rocket-surgery-you-lazy-twit/751976/123 "2016-04-14T13:51:05Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > What do you mean? Hey, stop using that word! ---
**Author:** ![Macca26](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/13edae/32.png) [@Macca26](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Macca26)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2016, 1:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pumping-gas-isnt-rocket-surgery-you-lazy-twit/751976/124 "2016-04-14T13:52:06Z")
> [@wolfpup](#): > > You don’t know what you’re talking about. I hate banks and would be the last to defend them, but this is just wrong. A “hold” in the sense of a pending transaction that immediately reduces your available credit occurs every single time you buy anything and the transaction is authorized, and remains that way until the transaction is posted some days later, or else until the transaction is cancelled. If neither happens, the hold expires at some indeterminate time in the future. > > You will also get explicit pre-authorizations for set amounts when it’s necessary to guarantee that funds will be available for a future transaction of unknown amount. The most common example is when renting a car. Do you suppose the rental company reads your card just for the fun of it? What do you think happens between the rental agency and your CC issuer at that point? My bank (specifically a credit union) says “yes, it’s ok” but never puts a hold on my account. If there is some requirement that there’s a hold, since it’s not on my account, they must be using it on their end of the funds and “eating the risk” so to speak. I check my balances very regularly, sometimes immediately after a transaction or authorization, and I have never had a hold or reduction of my available credit or bank balance at any point, any time. Not for gas, hotels, shopping, rentals, etc. My credit union posts approximately half of my purchases immediately. Any that take a day or two to clear are only for the exact amount I authorized, never for some greater amount until it posts, and are only immediately after I make an actual purchase, not after any pre-authorization. ---
**Author:** ![Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9de053/32.png) [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2016, 2:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pumping-gas-isnt-rocket-surgery-you-lazy-twit/751976/125 "2016-04-14T14:06:57Z")
I just want to point out that I’ve lived in NJ most of my life and almost never have to wait on a gas line for a fill up. At least 80% of the time, I just pull up to the pump and tell the guy to “fill it up. cash”. He fills up, I pay and I’m out. It’s way faster and easier than any of the 48 self-serve states. I assume that those that have commented about waiting in NJ gas lines have only experienced highway gas stations, which are typically more crowded. Those of us that live here have access to numerous local gas stations that almost always have an open pump and an attendant ready to fill. In fact when I go out of state, the gas lines are frequently a chaotic mess. You have people leaving their cars unattended at the pump while they go inside for a restroom or food. You have cars facing the wrong way due to having the tank opening on the wrong side. NJ gas stations generally operate far more efficiently than self-serve states. I’ve lived in Texas and Pennsylvania and getting gas in those states was torture. ---
**Author:** ![Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba9def/32.png) [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Just_Asking_Questions)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2016, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pumping-gas-isnt-rocket-surgery-you-lazy-twit/751976/126 "2016-04-14T14:54:59Z")
> [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](#): > > You have cars facing the wrong way due to having the tank opening on the wrong side. NJ gas stations generally operate far more efficiently than self-serve states. So NJ bans all cars with gas fillers on the left? or is it the right? The state’s control over the filling of your tank is worse than we thought! ---
**Author:** ![Fotheringay-Phipps](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/d9b06d/32.png) [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2016, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pumping-gas-isnt-rocket-surgery-you-lazy-twit/751976/127 "2016-04-14T15:08:19Z")
> [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](#): > > I just want to point out that I’ve lived in NJ most of my life and almost never have to wait on a gas line for a fill up. At least 80% of the time, I just pull up to the pump and tell the guy to “fill it up. cash”. He fills up, I pay and I’m out. It’s way faster and easier than any of the 48 self-serve states. I assume that those that have commented about waiting in NJ gas lines have only experienced highway gas stations, which are typically more crowded. Those of us that live here have access to numerous local gas stations that almost always have an open pump and an attendant ready to fill. This is absolutely not correct. When you think about it, what you write is unlikely on its face. That would mean that gas stations owners are staffing their stations to the point that they have at least one person just standing around waiting for someone to pull in 80% of the time. I’ve lived in NJ for over 25 years. In my experience, you can pull into an available pump over 90% of the time (Costco stations are a big exception) and perhaps that’s what you’re referring to. But then you have to wait for the service guy to come over - he will typically be busy dealing with other people. And after you’re filled up and the pump clicks off you have to wait for him to come over again - and he will be once again busy dealing with other people. (There are even some places where the credit card processor is not at the pump and you have to wait for the guy a third time, but those have become very unusual by now.) And when it is a busy time, you can get actual gas lines where there are no pumps available, since the people are not moving in and out as fast as they would be if it were self-service. The percentage of times that you have a guy waiting at the pump when you pull in and then ready and waiting again when the pump clicks off is probably a lot less than 5%. Like, maybe if you pull into a rare open station at 2 AM and there’s no one else there. Otherwise, no chance. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2016, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pumping-gas-isnt-rocket-surgery-you-lazy-twit/751976/128 "2016-04-14T15:10:15Z")
> [@Macca26](#): > > My bank (specifically a credit union) says “yes, it’s ok” but never puts a hold on my account. If there is some requirement that there’s a hold, since it’s not on my account, they must be using it on their end of the funds and “eating the risk” so to speak. I check my balances very regularly, sometimes immediately after a transaction or authorization, and I have never had a hold or reduction of my available credit or bank balance at any point, any time. Not for gas, hotels, shopping, rentals, etc. My credit union posts approximately half of my purchases immediately. Any that take a day or two to clear are only for the exact amount I authorized, never for some greater amount until it posts, and are only immediately after I make an actual purchase, not after any pre-authorization. I get ‘Temporary Authorizations’ for the exact amount of the purchase. Nothing over the amount. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2016, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pumping-gas-isnt-rocket-surgery-you-lazy-twit/751976/129 "2016-04-14T15:18:03Z")
> [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](#): > > I just want to point out that I’ve lived in NJ most of my life and almost never have to wait on a gas line for a fill up. At least 80% of the time, I just pull up to the pump and tell the guy to “fill it up. cash”. He fills up, I pay and I’m out. It’s way faster and easier than any of the 48 self-serve states. I assume that those that have commented about waiting in NJ gas lines have only experienced highway gas stations, which are typically more crowded. Those of us that live here have access to numerous local gas stations that almost always have an open pump and an attendant ready to fill. In fact when I go out of state, the gas lines are frequently a chaotic mess. You have people leaving their cars unattended at the pump while they go inside for a restroom or food. You have cars facing the wrong way due to having the tank opening on the wrong side. NJ gas stations generally operate far more efficiently than self-serve states. I’ve lived in Texas and Pennsylvania and getting gas in those states was torture. Can’t imagine how it would be faster than me swiping my card at the pump, filling the tank, getting in my car and driving off. It may take the same amount of time as having an attendant provided he isn’t taking care of other people, but unless the attendant is ‘The Flash’ it’s never going to be faster than me doing it myself. ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2016, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pumping-gas-isnt-rocket-surgery-you-lazy-twit/751976/130 "2016-04-14T15:31:56Z")
> [@enipla](#): > > Can’t imagine how it would be faster than me swiping my card at the pump, filling the tank, getting in my car and driving off. It may take the same amount of time as having an attendant provided he isn’t taking care of other people, but unless the attendant is ‘The Flash’ it’s never going to be faster than me doing it myself. Almost exactly what I was going to say. ---
**Author:** ![Drunky\_Smurf](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drunky_smurf/32/449_2.png) [@Drunky\_Smurf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drunky_Smurf)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2016, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pumping-gas-isnt-rocket-surgery-you-lazy-twit/751976/131 "2016-04-14T15:44:32Z")
> [@lance\_strongarm](#): > > Using the word retard and retarded are mean. Being an asshole about it is mean. You need to stop cyber bullying me. I’ll tell DrDeth on you. Anyways I’m done with your retarded hijack. > [@Broomstick](#): > > $10 is generally sufficient for a week of driving, I buy gas once a week, not a problem. Why don’t you just put in $20 and go every other week? ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2016, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pumping-gas-isnt-rocket-surgery-you-lazy-twit/751976/132 "2016-04-14T15:51:42Z")
> [@Drunky\_Smurf](#): > > Why don’t you just put in $20 and go every other week? Confuses me too, but probably don’t want to go there. I distinctly remember a thread where the OP claimed it was fun to run out of gas. ---
**Author:** ![lance\_strongarm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/87869e/32.png) [@lance\_strongarm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lance_strongarm)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2016, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pumping-gas-isnt-rocket-surgery-you-lazy-twit/751976/133 "2016-04-14T16:13:08Z")
> [@Drunky\_Smurf](#): > > You need to stop cyber bullying me. I’ll tell DrDeth on you. Anyways I’m done with your retarded hijack No you aren’t. If you were you wouldn’t have responded. People who use retarded as an insult are assholes. Sorry for being mean though. ---
**Author:** ![andros](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e480ec/32.png) [@andros](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/andros)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2016, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pumping-gas-isnt-rocket-surgery-you-lazy-twit/751976/134 "2016-04-14T17:16:50Z")
People who use “asshole” as an insult are dum. ---
**Author:** ![lance\_strongarm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/87869e/32.png) [@lance\_strongarm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lance_strongarm)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2016, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pumping-gas-isnt-rocket-surgery-you-lazy-twit/751976/135 "2016-04-14T17:46:12Z")
> [@andros](#): > > People who use “asshole” as an insult are dum. No they aren’t, because an asshole is an undesirable thing to be. Unless maybe your asshole is clean and shiny. That may explain why you think being an asshole isn’t a problem. Now you know. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2016, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pumping-gas-isnt-rocket-surgery-you-lazy-twit/751976/136 "2016-04-14T18:02:33Z")
> [@lance\_strongarm](#): > > No they aren’t, because an asshole is an undesirable thing to be. Unless maybe your asshole is clean and shiny. That may explain why you think being an asshole isn’t a problem. Now you know. Shiny, happy assholes holding hands (with apologies to R.E.M.). ---
**Author:** ![andros](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e480ec/32.png) [@andros](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/andros)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2016, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pumping-gas-isnt-rocket-surgery-you-lazy-twit/751976/137 "2016-04-14T18:05:45Z")
I know how to wipe. And they can be fun to play with when they’re clean. I’m sorry you hate them so much. Ever try just a li’l pinky in there for funsies? ---
**Author:** ![lance\_strongarm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/87869e/32.png) [@lance\_strongarm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lance_strongarm)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2016, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pumping-gas-isnt-rocket-surgery-you-lazy-twit/751976/138 "2016-04-14T18:14:39Z")
> [@andros](#): > > I know how to wipe. And they can be fun to play with when they’re clean. I’m sorry you hate them so much. Ever try just a li’l pinky in there for funsies? Oh, I like real assholes. I just don’t like real assholes. You figure it out. ---
**Author:** ![andros](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e480ec/32.png) [@andros](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/andros)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2016, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pumping-gas-isnt-rocket-surgery-you-lazy-twit/751976/139 "2016-04-14T18:20:24Z")
Selective pedantry is the best kind of pedantry! ---
**Author:** ![Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9de053/32.png) [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2016, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pumping-gas-isnt-rocket-surgery-you-lazy-twit/751976/140 "2016-04-14T18:26:01Z")
> [@Fotheringay-Phipps](#): > > This is absolutely not correct. > > When you think about it, what you write is unlikely on its face. That would mean that gas stations owners are staffing their stations to the point that they have at least one person just standing around waiting for someone to pull in 80% of the time… Au contraire. Most stations only have 1 attendant and it’s just coincidence if he happens to be busy with another customer. Since the pumps are auto, it’s not like he has to stand there waiting for the other car to fill up. And due to the presence of an actual attendant, stupid drivers can’t manage to get their cars facing each other and create a traffic issue. And this is in North Jersey, where the population density is higher. OTOH we also have a lot of gas stations. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pumping-gas-isnt-rocket-surgery-you-lazy-twit/751976.md?page=6) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pumping-gas-isnt-rocket-surgery-you-lazy-twit/751976.md?page=8)