Tips To Protect Yourself From COVID-19 While Pumping Gas

As we face the COVID-19 virus, simple tasks such as filling your car with gas, can feel daunting. What steps can you take to protect yourself from COVID-19 while fueling up?

At Waspy’s, the health and safety of our customers and staff is our top priority.

We always try to keep our fuel pumps clean, no mater the season, but during COVID-19 we’re focused on conducting extra cleaning of the fuel pump handles and touchpads throughout the day.

We also want to offer you advice and suggestions to ensure you can fill up safely.

Whether you’re driving to buy groceries, picking up restaurant carry-out, going to work, or just taking a scenic drive to get out of the house, your fuel gauge will, eventually, point toward empty. 

Recent research from Harvard University suggests that the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 can survive for up to two to three days on plastic and stainless steel. 

Coughing on your hand and then touching the pump or credit card payment pad could leave the virus behind. A little diligence can help protect you at the pump.

Wipe Down the Pump

If you keep disinfectant wipes in your vehicle or purse, it’s recommended you use them to wipe down the pump and touch pad before use. 

If you have hand sanitizer, sanitize your own hands before using the pump as a way to protect others.

Cover Your Hands

Touching as little of the pump and keypad as possible is ideal. If you have disposable gloves, use them to grab the pump handle.

If you don’t have gloves, use one of the paper towels available near Waspy’s pumps. We have paper towels near the garbage containers at all of our pumps. Or check your own car or glovebox to see if you have fast food napkins and use those to grab the pump handle.

Touch the Keypad As Little As Possible

Much like the pump itself, it’s important to touch the credit card keypad as little as possible. Again, use gloves, paper towels or napkins. If none are available, touch the keypad with a single finger to minimize exposure.

When You’re Finished

After fueling, invert your gloves (if you’re wearing them) and throw them away, along with paper towels, napkins or anything else you’ve used as a barrier.

Disinfect your hands with hand sanitizer. If you have a disinfectant wipe, make sure to wipe your credit card. 

Wash your hands as soon as you return home.

Commercial Truck Wash

Another cleanly idea is using our commercial washes. To keep your vehicle or truck clean use our automated car wash, or our brand new commercial truck wash. Sanitizing the exterior and interior of your vehicle is another important element of keeping safe during these interesting times.

Remember, at Waspy’s, a family-owned business with roots in our communities, we know keeping yourself and your family safe from COVID-19 is important. Taking a few simple steps at the fuel pump will help make that possible.

So stop on in – whether it be at the gas or diesel islands, there’s plenty of space to fuel up along with ample parking on our 16-plus acres. We pride ourselves with very clean facilities … inside and out!