Fear of refueling – 62 percent of the gene Z fear the petrol station

Panic in front of the tap gun, discomfort at the petrol station – which may sound like an exotic phobia, the majority of young drivers actually affect. A British survey shows: Generation Z feels significant discomfort when refuming the car.

The age group of those born between 1997 and 2012 now comprises 13- to 28 year olds- i.e. the youngest motorized road users. But the problem is not limited to them alone. 2000 British drivers took part in the study by the online car dealer Cazoo. 39 percent of them felt discomfort during the tank process, but for the 18 to 24 year olds it was 62 percent.

The reasons are complex: young people are afraid of making mistakes in public. They worry whether they drive close enough to the petrol pump, choose the correct fuel or operate the technology correctly. Added to this is the stress due to waiting drivers.

This behavior fits into a larger pattern. In Generation Z, psychologists observe a significant increase in social fears in everyday life. The American Psychological Association found that this age group rated its mental health 27 percent more than mediocre or poorly than earlier generations. Technology and social uncertainties additionally intensify this development.

Harry Waring, car expert at Cazoo, confirms this assessment: “For many, refueling may be a simple, everyday task. However, our investigations show that it is a real source of concern for millions of drivers, especially for younger or less experienced.

The avoidance behavior has concrete consequences: half of those affected admit that the tank has already driven empty only to avoid the petrol station. Therefore, a quarter even remained. Particularly noteworthy: Almost two thirds of Generation Z ask other people to take on this stressful task.

The petrol station phobia is not alone. It is part of a variety of everyday challenges that young adults are particularly stressful today. 37 percent of the gene reports report that their smartphone affects daily activities and relationships. Three quarters feel stress when making calls, 30 percent suffer from interpersonal tensions in the workplace.

Driving itself also causes difficulties: an earlier Cazoo survey showed that 96 percent of those surveyed have problems with parking in tight gaps. This accumulation of everyday fears indicates a fundamental change in dealing with young people with practical challenges.