Truth behind where your gas really comes from at the pump – and why there’s only two pipes for three types of fuel
DRIVERS were shocked after learning what really happens when they choose their gas — and it all comes down to the pipes.
Motorists across the country are just now realizing that gas stations might not work the way they’ve always believed.
GettyDrivers were shocked to learn that midgrade fuel wasn’t its own separate gas option (stock image)[/caption]
Most drivers assume that each fuel grade — regular, midgrade, and premium — has its own dedicated underground tank.
But a viral photo on Reddit has left many drivers scratching their heads.
The image shows a gas station pump being installed, with just two visible pipes coming up from beneath the concrete.
The user captioned it: “The gas pump only has 2 pipes coming up from the ground.”
That means only two grades of fuel are being supplied — not three like the pump menu suggests.
The image left drivers wondering how they are able to select midgrade gas at a station.
A TikTok video from Genuine Automotive (@genuineautomotiveatx) explained how the three different options work, confirming that most stations don’t store midgrade fuel at all.
Instead, the pump mixes regular and premium in real time to create the mid-tier option on the spot.
“The higher the grade of gas, the better it burns inside the engine,” an auto employee said in the video.
“You will typically save money if you put the cheap stuff in, but the cleaner it burns, the cleaner everything is inside the motor and in the exhaust as well.”
“Probably my suggestion is go with midgrade because it burns a lot cleaner than the low,” he added.
Midgrade fuel, which typically has an octane rating of around 89, is produced by combining regular (87) and premium (91 or higher) in a set ratio.
It’s basically a custom cocktail for your vehicle.
Many drivers were stunned to learn this, especially those who thought they were paying for a separate, higher-quality fuel.
How To Pump Gas
There are several steps you can take to safely pump gas.
Find Your Pump
Drive up to a pump, aligning your car’s fuel tank with the nozzle. Look for the fuel indicator arrow on your dashboard or the manual to know which side your gas tank is on.
Pay for Your Gas
You can either pay at the pump with a credit/debit card or pay inside. If paying inside, give the attendant your pump number and the amount you want to spend.
Open Your Fuel Lid
Use the lever or button inside your car to open the gas tank lid, or open it manually if your car doesn’t have a lever. Unscrew the gas cap.
Pick the Right Nozzle
Grab the correct nozzle from the pump (regular, premium, or diesel). Insert it securely into your gas tank.
Select Fuel Grade
Choose the fuel grade (usually regular, mid-grade, or premium). Check your car’s manual for the recommended fuel type.
Start Pumping
Pull the trigger to begin pumping. Most nozzles have a lever that locks in place so you don’t have to hold it.
Wait for Automatic Shutoff
Keep an eye on the pump. It will automatically stop when your tank is full. You’ll hear a click when this happens.
Remove the Nozzle and Close the Tank
Carefully remove the nozzle, return it to the pump, and make sure the gas cap is tightly secured.
Get Your Receipt
If you paid at the pump, decide if you want a receipt. If you do, print it; if not, finish the transaction.
Reset Your Odometer
Inside your car, reset the fuel odometer to track your mileage. Usually, turning your car back on will reset it.
Source: AAA
“Wait… so midgrade is just a mix? I’ve been paying extra for that?” one person wrote on Reddit.
Another chimed in, “I thought it had its own tank all this time — this is wild.”
While there is no harm in using the blended fuel, it’s worth understanding what a driver is actually buying when they select the midgrade option.
Stations use this method to save money and space, since installing and maintaining three tanks is more costly and complicated.
While some older stations still carry all three fuel grades in separate tanks, that setup is becoming increasingly rare.
In most cases, what looks like three options at the pump is actually just two.
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