How to Refuel a Rental Car in Japan: Self-Service Stations

Fuel names and nozzle colours

Japanese pumps use the same three colours everywhere, so you can choose the right fuel even if you cannot read the labels.

The fuel a car needs has nothing to do with its size. Check the label inside the fuel door or ask the rental company. Our Volkswagen Golf Variant takes high-octane (yellow) only.

Full-service or self-service

Stations with a セルフ or セルフサービス sign at the entrance are self-service: you refuel the car yourself. At full-service stations, staff guide you in and refuel the car for you. Saying "haioku, mantan de" (high-octane, full tank, please) is enough. Some self-service stations also have pumps that are not for customers to use, so always follow the signs.

Step by step at a self-service pump

1. Pull up so the fuel door is next to the pump, put the car in park and turn off the engine.
2. Open the fuel door with the lever or button inside the car, then close the windows and doors.
3. On the touch screen, choose how to pay and the fuel type. Many screens have an English button.
4. Choose "full tank" (満タン, mantan) or an amount in yen or litres.
5. Touch the anti-static pad before you open the fuel cap. If there is no pad, touch a metal part of the car.
6. Take the nozzle with the right colour, insert it fully and pull the trigger. Staff in the control booth check that it is safe before the fuel flows.
7. Let it stop by itself when the tank is full. Do not top up again.
8. Put the nozzle back, close the cap and take your receipt.

If the pump stops straight away and you cannot fill up, ask the staff for help. Smoking and lighters are not allowed anywhere on the forecourt, and you may not fill containers yourself.

Refuelling on expressways

On expressways, fuel is sold at service areas (SA, サービスエリア). Many smaller parking areas (PA, パーキングエリア) have no station, so watch the signs that show the distance to the next fuel stop and refuel before the tank is a quarter full on long drives. Prices at expressway stations are often a little higher than in town, and some close at night in the countryside.

Paying

Most self-service stations take credit cards and cash. If you pay cash and put in more than the fuel costs, the receipt usually has a barcode: scan it at the change machine (精算機, seisanki) to get your change. Keep the receipt.

Returning your Go on rental car full

Please return the car with a full tank of high-octane petrol. Refuel shortly before you arrive at Haneda Airport and keep the receipt. If the tank is not full, we charge the fuel used plus a ¥2,000 refuelling fee. Full details are in our rental terms, and the emergency and driving guide has more tips for the road.

If you put in the wrong fuel

Do not start the engine. Push the car to a safe spot if needed, tell the station staff and call us. Starting a petrol car with diesel in the tank can seriously damage the engine; draining the tank before starting is much cheaper and quicker.

Ready to drive? Check prices and book your car at Haneda, or first check that your driving licence is valid in Japan.