petrol station

Meaning

A petrol station is a roadside facility where drivers can buy fuel (petrol or diesel) for their vehicles. Many also sell oil, snacks, and drinks. This term is standard in British, Australian, and South African English, whereas American English uses 'gas station'.

Examples

• We need to stop at a petrol station before the fuel light comes on.

  We need to stop at a petrol station before the fuel light comes on.

• Is there a petrol station near here where I can buy a bottle of water?

  Is there a petrol station near here where I can buy a bottle of water?

• He works at the petrol station down the road.

  He works at the petrol station down the road.

• I washed my car's windshield at the petrol station.

  I washed my car's windshield at the petrol station.

• The petrol station is open 24 hours a day.

  The petrol station is open 24 hours a day.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I need to go to the petrol house to fill up.

  ✓ I need to go to the petrol station to fill up.

  'Petrol house' is an incorrect literal translation. The standard term is 'petrol station' (UK) or 'gas station' (US).

• ✗ Let's stop at the gasoline station.

  ✓ Let's stop at the gas station.

  While grammatically correct, 'gasoline station' sounds very formal and unnatural. Native speakers say 'gas station' in North America or 'petrol station' in the UK.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Our car is running out of fuel, so we must find a ___ quickly.

  💡 A place where you buy fuel for your car.

  Show answer

  petrol station

• You can buy snacks and drinks at the ___ while you pay for fuel.

  💡 A roadside shop that sells fuel.

  Show answer

  petrol station