I live in Oregon, and travel in Nevada, Idaho, California and Washington. I
haven't found self-serve gas stations any cheaper than Oregon stations,
brand for brand.
It doesn't seem to take longer either...really, is it quicker to go into
the station, pre-pay, and then go back in if you've filled and need change?
I don't think so.

But...I'd never let anyone else check the oil.

----------
> From: Stuart <stuart@COBALTGROUP.COM>
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: oil stick
> Date: Monday, February 14, 2000 6:05 PM
>
> Oregon is the same way, but their legislature thinks their citizens are
> too stupid to pump their own gas.
>
> I live in Washington and find this extremely annoying. It takes twice as
> long, and costs more.  Can you imagine not having "pay at the pump?"
>
> Ken is right, just get out and check your own oil and coolant, and you
> will also be ready to assist with gas cap reinstallation.
>
> I think the real reason is that the station owners lobby the
> legislatures in those states.  "Mini serve" provides employment for the
> disadvantaged and lets you justify a higher gas price. Both political
> winners.  There is no other reason to prohibit self serve.
>
> End of rant.
>
> Bill Johnson wrote:
> >
> > I noticed this same ritual while in NJ.  What is the reason for no self
> > serve?
> >
> > Bill
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: <KENWILFY@AOL.COM>
> >
> > The time I like to check the oil is right after filling up with gas.
That
> > way the oil is warm, yet you have given it a few minutes to flow back
down
> > into the bottom of the motor.  I usually check it almost every gas
fillup
> > when I am travelling.  That and the coolant.
> > I got into a really good habit of doing this when living in the South
where
> > you can pump your own gas (this right should be in the Constitution :).
> > Here
> > in the People's Republic of NJ we are forced to let the gas station
> > attendants scratch our cars with gas nozzles, slop fuel down the side
of the
> > car, and attempt in vain to put the gas cap back on while we sit back
and
> > relax :)  And if they ask if they can check the oil and water, be smart
and
> > say, "No thanks".
> >
> > Ken Wilford
> > http://www.vanagain.com
> > John 3:16
> > Office (856)-765-1583
> > Shop (856)-327-0027
> > Fax   (856)-327-2242