30 Things We Only See At Gas Stations

1. The World of Gas Stations

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There is more to a gas station than just the pumps. In fact, gas stations carry way more items than just fuel, they've also got a history too, as well as a few baffling items in them.  And while you can probably find a lot of the items elsewhere, gas stations pride themselves on their convenience and sometimes, you might find something in one that you didn't know you definitely needed!

2. Perhaps a KFC

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You might see a fast food counter at a service station and perhaps this could be a KFC.  And while we're on the subject of KFC, did you know that the nation's beloved fried chicken chain actually started its life as a gas station? It's true, back in the 1940s and 1950s, KFC founder, Colonel Sanders, actually owned a gas station where he served chicken dinners!

3. Independent Owners

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When you think of gas stations, you might think of the gas giants including Shell and BP.  But interestingly, these big names are actually in the minority.  In fact, one study by NACS found that only 0.4% of US gas stations are owned by the top 5 oil companies and the rest are independently owned!

4. The Perfect Location

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So you might be driving along thinking that you definitely need to stop soon for a snack, a rest, some gas, a pair of sunglasses; when suddenly, you see a gas station!  Hallelujah!  They always seem to be there when you need them and this is no accident.  In fact, you might even notice that gas stations tend to appear in clusters too.  One study found that this is because they all want the best location that is easy to access!

5. Endless options for your headwear...

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So we've established that gas stations don't just do gas and then send you on your way.  There are also many products that you'd probably expect to see but then lots of items on sale that are just baffling.  Like the endless options of headwear!  We mean, yes, a warm beanie or a cap is understandable, but why are there so many other options too?!

6. ...and your sunglasses

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One less baffling product is sunglasses. There's so much choice and they're there just when you need them to block the sun out.  And while we're on the subject of eyewear, you can also often get reading glasses at gas stations too. Not for reading the newspaper whilst you're driving, of course, but they might help with your map reading!

7. The best road snacks & beverages found anywhere

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A gas station is not a gas station without an array of amazing snacks and beverages. It can be quite exciting to anticipate the endless options that await you in the prepackaged sandwich section and fill your cart with your favorite road snacks and drinks.

8. Caffeine fix

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You'll often find a self-service coffee machine too so you can get your caffeine fix for your journey ahead.  And if you're really lucky, there might even be a coffee counter too, where they make delicious warm beverages for you to enjoy on your rest stop or journey.

9. Help when you need it

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You'll find attendants at gas stations too. Perhaps they're inside ready to serve you at the counter. Some full-service gas stations across the country also have attendants that are available to pump your gas for you too.  Many used to have mechanics for repair and maintenance services.

10. Headache?  Look no further...

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Gas stations are known for their convenience, and what better convenience than being able to buy over-the-counter medications too?  Particularly if you require it at unpopular times of the day and night because they're pretty much always open and there when you need them.

11. Good old-fashioned newspaper racks

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In the age of social media and the internet being right at your fingertips, many places have suffered from significant drops in sales of their newspapers and magazines. But if you like to actually turn your pages and wait for your news, you can rely on gas stations to provide you with the good old-fashioned medium.

12. Ice-ice-baby

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You'll even find bags of ice at many service stations too. But it's probably not the best idea to buy multiple bags of ice on a hot day when you've not got a cool box though.  But at least it's there when people need to keep their food and drink cold!

13. A boost to your energy

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As well as over-the-counter medications and a wide choice of food and drink, you might also find energy shots and tablets available too.  This is particularly useful and a good place to stock them, especially when customers are in the middle of a long journey.  Just consume in moderation.

14. Personal care items that make you feel like a giant

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Although you can find a lot of personal care items like toothbrushes, razors, and toiletries elsewhere, you'll probably find that gas stations do miniature versions that make you feel like a giant.  Not only are they super cute, they are also a convenient fix for when you're on the road!

15. Feeling nostalgic?

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If you're feeling like you need a trip down memory lane, many gas stations have you covered.  This is because a good percentage across the nation still have payphones installed.  So if you find yourself with a coin and a dead battery on your phone, why not visit the past and use a payphone?!

16. Gone fishing?

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Believe it or not but it's quite normal to see fishing bait and tackle available to buy in service stations.  So if you're an avid fisher, look no further because gas stations have been known to be on par with many specialist shops selling fishing and angling equipment!  And sometimes they even have a fishing bait vending machine!

17. Feeling lucky?

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You can also head to a gas station to buy your lottery tickets in person too.  It's not only grocery stores and convenience stores that sell them, and with gas stations, you have that added luxury of being able to go and buy one at any time of the day or night.  Good luck!

18. USB charging cables

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When you're stuck with a dead battery, gas stations have your back. But you do have to watch out because many customers have found that the chargers are either extremely expensive or they're cheap and break straight away. The latter are usually located in a bin by the cash register at many gas stations.

19. Firewood

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Amongst all of the things you probably wouldn't expect to be able to buy in a gas station is firewood. To be honest, although many locations do, depending on your state, it's still a little baffling item that you can buy from a gas station.  But convenient nonetheless!

20. Blankets & pillows

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Even more baffling is the ability to buy blankets and pillows at your own convenience when you visit a gas station.  You never know when you're going to urgently need to buy blankets and pillows!  And we know you can get these anywhere but have you ever seen the customised gas station varieties?  Thought not!

21. Fire extinguishers

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Fire extinguishers are always useful at a gas station and in your car, so it only makes sense that they do actually sell these too.  You probably won't find these compact varieties everywhere and will probably think of the gas station first when you need to purchase one!

22. Hand sanitizer stations

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Hand sanitizer stations popped up in gas stations across the country during the global COVID-19 pandemic, but interestingly, many of them are still in place. Perhaps people thought that it would be a good idea to keep them so people have the option of sanitizing their hands!

23. Local souvenirs & trinkets

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Some of the more independent gas stations often sell local souvenirs and trinkets that you can buy to remember your trip. You might find themed hats, key chains, fridge magnets, cuddly toys, dishtowels, and more that will probably be unique to that particular part of the country.

24. Maps & travel guides

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When you find yourself lost or need some recommendations for sightseeing, gas stations will no doubt stock a range of maps and travel guides for you to peruse. And at least you can read them too with your gas station reading glasses, available everywhere!

25. Propane exchange cages

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When you're visiting your local gas station, or happen to stumble upon one on your travels, you'll no doubt see propane exchange cages somewhere in the vicinity.  They are stored in cages for safety and provide convenient propane refilling services for grilling, heating, and more.

26. Vehicle maintenance tools

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Luckily, if you get into a spot of bother, you'll probably be able to find some maintenance tools for your vehicle.  Many gas stations used to have mechanics working for them, and some still have a mechanic shop attached to them.  So if you find yourself needing to fix something on the road, the gas station is probably a good bet.

27. Car Wash Facilities

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Many gas stations will have car wash facilities attached to them too.  You might find an automatic car wash with no human interaction, or if you're more sociable, you might prefer one with a manual car wash where attendants will clean your car for you.  There might even be an option for you to clean it yourself with a hose and a vacuum available for you to use.

28. Motor oil & other automotive fluids

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Along with all of your car maintenance needs, you'll also find plenty of motor oil and other automotive fluids to help keep your vehicle in tip-top shape.  It's an additional source of revenue for the gas station and super convenient for the customers.

29. Washer Fluid Stations

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Everyone forgets to fill up their washer fluid from time to time, so some gas stations think ahead and install some washer fluid stations for when people are out of fluid.  This means that you will be able to use a pump and fill it up at the station when you go to get gas.

30. Oh yeah... There are gas pumps too...

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So obviously gas stations are going to have gas pumps, that's their main commodity and why they exist.  But there is so much more to a gas station than just its pumps.  They have other sources of revenue for customer convenience as well as their enjoyment too!