Definition of gas station

The term "gas station" originated in the early 20th century, when gasoline (also spelled petrol in some regions) began to replace kerosene and other fuels as the primary product for powering vehicles. Prior to this, automobiles were typically filled with fuel at notorious "gasoline sheds" or "filling sheds," which were often just a simple underground tank with a series of pumps and a hand-cranked lever to transfer the fuel to the cars. As the demand for gasoline skyrocketed, these impromptu fueling stations became more organized and specialized, with buildings erected to house the pumps and the fuel supplies. The name "gas station" emerged as a generic term for these Combine structures, signifying that they sold gasoline and offered various related services and products such as automobile parts, repairs, and rental cars. In the mid-1920s, the major oil companies began to set up their own franchised or company-owned gasoline stations, which offered a consistent and recognizable branding and services across the country. This further consolidated the use of "gas station" as a common term for these filling and repair stops, which have become a ubiquitous element of the modern landscape, particularly in urban and suburban areas. Overall, the term "gas station" accurately reflects the multifaceted role that these spaces play in modern transportation and mobility, serving as a crucial pit stop for fuel, supplies, and servicing needs, as well as a cultural and economic monument to the automotive industry and the era of petrol-powered progress.