No other type of infrastructure was more influenced by the influx of automobiles than the gas station (also called the service station). Prior to 1910, there was little need for gas stations because ownership of cars was limited to rich hobbyists. During that time, the motorist was required to visit the local kerosene refinery found in the outskirts of the city in order to get some gasoline.

When Henry Ford perfected the mass production of cars and lowered its prices in 1908, more people started owning cars. The local hardware store or carriage maker then added gas pumps to their busy central locations in the city. This arrangement did not prove beneficial, because when cars lined up to refuel, they ended up blocking major thoroughfares.

The first gasoline station building was created to serve Kentucky's ever growing motorists. Between 1920 and 1960, designs for these gasoline stations evolved reflecting the type of economy, the consumer's influence and the expansion of the auto repair and service industry.

Now, gas stations are strategically located everywhere - even in the farthest deserts and along the longest highways. The United States gasoline industry is booming, now more than ever, especially because almost all households in the country use at least one car.

The term "gas station" is mostly used in the United States and Canada. In other English speaking countries, the term "petrol station" or the old fashioned term "petrol garage" is still used. In the United Kingdom, the term 'garage' is also still commonly used (even if the gas station being referred to has no service or maintenance facilities). In Australia, the term 'service station' describes any petrol station.

In some regions in America, filling stations normally have a mechanic on duty, although this is not common in other parts of the world.