Drivers in New Braunfels encounter touchscreen gas pumps on March 19, 2026, part of H-E-B’s ongoing rollout across Texas.
Nicholas Hernandez/MySA
The presence of technology in everyday life is becoming harder to avoid, and now, it’s reshaping something as routine as pumping gas.
Digital interfaces are everywhere, from self-checkout kiosks to Waymos, but now that shift at the gas pump for H-E-B shoppers.
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H-E-B confirmed to MySA it began installing touchscreen pumps in 2022, like those seen at the 651 S. Walnut Avenue store in New Braunfels. Every new fuel station now has the technology, with additional rollouts underway at existing locations across Texas. Some stores already offer tap-to-pay, which I noticed appeared as a symbol on the screen but didn’t function during my transaction. H-E-B said customer feedback has been largely positive but remains open to input.
A touchscreen gas pump at an H-E-B fuel station in New Braunfels on March 19, 2026, replaces traditional buttons with a tablet-style interface.
Nicholas Hernandez/MySA
Instead of the usual setup, the pump is dominated by a tablet-like screen. The familiar process—insert a card, press a grade button, start pumping—has been replaced by a touchscreen guiding every step.
“Remember when they told us if we used our cell phones while pumping gas the car would blow up?” Lauren McCarty wrote in a Facebook thread about touchscreen pumps. “And now they’ve just turned the whole pump into a giant cell phone.”
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That shift — from fearing phones at the pump to fully integrating them — underscores how quickly technology is redefining even routine tasks. While there’s no documented evidence phones have caused fires at gas pumps, safety groups still discourage their use due to distraction and static risks.
Traditional pumps relied on physical grade buttons for quick, accessible use. Newer models replace those with touchscreens that add weather, traffic and promotions, bringing a digital layer to what was once a simple stop.
A digital gas pump interface guides users through payment and fuel selection at an H-E-B station in New Braunfels on March 19, 2026.
Nicholas Hernandez/MySA
MySA asked readers in a New Braunfels-area Facebook group if they had encountered the new pumps. Community reactions suggest the rollout is far from universally embraced.
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“People already have a hard time looking up from their phones, and now it’ll be easier to get got at night. I just see them as a waste of money for HEB and a danger,” said Brandon Kotrola.
Some said the technology complicates a quick task. “Too many buttons, just let me hit no receipt, gas I want, pump and go. Absolutely unnecessary,” said Aimee Gold.
“Used one at HEB that had a computer glitch and the whole pump wouldn’t work. Had to change pumps on a busy day,” said Julie Prescott. Karen Reininger reported a similar experience: “Same here, it happened to us today. Had to change pumps!”
“My biggest concern is when using a credit card, the automatic setting shows your zip code as you type it in,” said Emily Piazza. She claims the ZIP display, shown in large text, is unnecessary and exposes personal information to anyone at nearby pumps.
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When I tried it, the touchscreen prompted for a ZIP code in large text but included an option to hide the numbers, similar to a “show/hide password” function on laptops. It offered some privacy control but still felt prominent.
Katy Cat added, “I’m so over technology being everywhere. Throw some plants in there,” noting she stays in her car while fueling for safety. Berni Bea Gorrill wrote, “Nowadays everything is digital and touch screen… what’s the difference here.”
Some saw benefits. Reed McCarty described checking weather and traffic from the pump, though noting limitations like the inability to zoom in.
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Jackie Antu offered a more playful take: “Robots scare me but if HEB says it’s okay then I love it.”