When at a gas station with an attendant who fills the tank for you, is one supposed to tip?

When I lived in New Jersey, I never tipped the attendant. A friend who worked in a gas station told me that he usually got tips from people for whom he had done something extra. Examples include: putting air into tires, giving directions, or in very bad weather.

BTW, pumping your own gas in NJ is not allowed--ever! It is not optional!

In New Jersey, only attendants may fill a gas tank. No tip is given. If they check your oil or clean your windshield, you may tip. This is not the usual service, though.

Times have changed, haven't they? I grew up when gas station attendants filled your tank, cleaned your windshield, checked your oil, and checked the air in your tires.

Nowadays, best as I know, the only state in the country that requires an attendant to be available to fill a tank is New Jersey. Even then, you can fill your tank yourself if you want.

To answer your question: No tip is required.

Out of curiousity: In which state do you reside?

Are you already paying more for full service instead of pumping yourself? If so, I wouldn't bother tipping.