As the designated gas pumper in my marriage, I've successfully pumped gas in various locations in Canada but on our trip to the U.S., it was a little more complicated. There was archaic pump functionality that I was unfamiliar with. I got paranoid about overfilling the tank. And did you know that many stations now ask you to enter a zip code before you can start the pump? Even if you have a valid credit card, you still have to head into the store to get them to turn the pump on for you. Our pit stops were lengthy.

So it was a total delight in Oregon to sit back and let someone else fill the tank for me. Paradise!

When we returned home to Canada, I started to wonder about full serve gas stations. Do we even have those any more? And if we do, where are they, so that I can make sure to frequent them? Frequently?

It turns out that Petro-Canada has over 200 full service gas stations all across the country - and a few of them are near me! More importantly, a few of them may be near you too. Here's how to find out, using our handy gas station locator.

1. Go to the Petro-Canada site.
2. Locate the "Find a gas station" widget in the bottom left hand corner.
3. Click on "Advanced Search".
4. Select "Full Serve" and then enter your location. 

 There are several advantages to full service gas stations:

• You can stay cozy in your car on cold or rainy days
• It's easier for seniors and disabled persons 
• You won't accidentally douse your clothes, shoes or hands with gasoline
• No topping-off spills

Many see the act of pumping gas as a necessary skill and a rite of passage. They're not wrong - you won't always be in Oregon, after all, and knowing how to pump your own gas is pretty important. But every now and then, it's nice to leave it to the professionals at the pump.

Do you seek out full serve gas stations in your area? Or are you self-serve all the way?

Rose R.