service station

Meaning

A service station is a roadside facility along a major highway where drivers can stop to refuel their vehicles, buy food, use restrooms, and take a break. It is also commonly referred to as a 'service plaza' or 'rest stop' depending on the region.

Examples

• Let's stop at the next service station to get some gas and grab a coffee.

  Let's stop at the next service station to get some gas and grab a coffee.

• The service station on Highway 101 has a great fast-food court and clean restrooms.

  The service station on Highway 101 has a great fast-food court and clean restrooms.

• I need to stretch my legs, so pull over at the upcoming service station.

  I need to stretch my legs, so pull over at the upcoming service station.

• Is there a service station nearby where we can check our tire pressure?

  Is there a service station nearby where we can check our tire pressure?

• We parked our car at the service station and went inside to buy some snacks.

  We parked our car at the service station and went inside to buy some snacks.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ We stopped at a gas house to eat some lunch.

  ✓ We stopped at a service station to eat some lunch.

  A 'gas station' only focuses on fuel, while a 'service station' is the correct term for a larger facility with food and facilities. 'Gas house' is incorrect.

• ✗ The highway has many service places for resting.

  ✓ The highway has many service stations for resting.

  'Service place' is a literal translation from other languages. Use 'service station' or 'rest area' instead.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I'm running low on fuel, so I hope there's a ___ along this highway.

  💡 A place to get gas, food, and use the restroom.

  Show answer

  service station

• We can buy some sandwiches at the ___ instead of searching for a restaurant.

  💡 A roadside stop with multiple facilities.

  Show answer

  service station