A service station is a place where vehicles stop to refuel and get maintenance or repairs. You might know it better as a gas station or filling station, the place where your family stops to pump gasoline into the car's tank. Service stations can provide fuel, vehicle maintenance, and repairs all in one location.

The name comes from the fact that these places originally provided full service for your vehicle. An attendant would pump your gas, check your oil, test your tire pressure, clean your windshield, and even do minor repairs. They had mechanics on site who could fix problems or perform regular maintenance like oil changes. In the 1920s through 1950s, service stations were important community gathering spots where people got to know their local mechanics.

Today, most gas stations are self-service, meaning you pump your own gas (except in a few places where attendants still do it for you). Many modern service stations still have mechanics who can change oil, rotate tires, or fix brake problems, while others just sell fuel and snacks.

When someone says they're stopping at a service station, they usually mean they need gas, but they might also need to use the restroom, grab a drink, or get their car checked.