The end of the year is nearly here, and for most service station owners, that means one thing: a whole lot more traffic.

Whether it’s families heading off on their Christmas holidays, tradies wrapping up their final jobs, or last‑minute shoppers dashing around town, the festive season brings a serious spike in vehicles on the road. In fact, according to the NRMA, more than 14 million Australians are expected to hit the road over the summer holiday period. And where there are cars, there are servos.

So the question is… is your site ready?

We spoke with Paula Alanis Correa from Dover Fueling Solutions® (DFS) about what independent fuel retailers can do to make the most of the festive surge, and how a few smart decisions now can save stress later.

Stay Stocked, Stay Trusted

Nothing turns a customer away faster than a “Pump Out of Service” sign, especially when they’re halfway through a Christmas road trip with kids in the back seat.

“People are in a hurry this time of year,” says Paula. “You want them to be able to refuel and move on quickly. The moment you’re out of fuel or the pump’s down, you’ve lost them and maybe for good.”

That’s where a reliable ATG (automatic tank gauging) system comes in. DFS’ ProGauge MagLink LX® console gives operators real-time insight into tank levels, flow rates and potential issues. You can plan deliveries before you run low, spot any irregularities early, and avoid those awkward stockouts on Christmas Eve.

And because the system integrates with existing forecourt wiring, upgrades can often happen without disrupting your trading hours.

Prep the Forecourt

Let’s face it, first impressions matter. A tired old pump with cracked nozzles and slow flow doesn’t exactly scream “quality”.

That’s why so many ServoPro members have turned to Wayne® dispensers from DFS. They’re built to handle high volume, deliver strong flow, and look sharp doing it. Whether you’re in metro Melbourne or outback Queensland, a clean, modern pump helps build trust with customers.

Paula says. “If it’s working well and looks good, it reflects on your whole site, even what’s inside the store.”

The Servo Store Is a Lifesaver

Let’s not forget the in-store experience. From emergency sunscreen to cold drinks, festive snacks, and fuel vouchers, the c-store can be a lifesaver for customers and a big revenue driver for you.

According to the Australian Retailers Association, Aussie consumers are expected to spend over $67 billion across the Christmas trading period. That means more foot traffic through your doors, and more opportunities to cross-sell.

Having your fuel systems, ATG, POS and back-end reporting working in sync makes a world of difference. That’s where DFS’ Fusion® automation server version 3 can come in, linking your dispensers, tank gauges, and systems together for smoother operations.

Safety, Compliance and Peace of Mind

It’s not just about speed and service, it’s also about safety. During the busy season, the last thing you need is a fuel leak, overfill, or system fault.

ATG systems like DFS’ MagLink LX console come with built-in leak detection features (including PLLD and CSLD) that meet Australia’s strict environmental standards. That means peace of mind for you and confidence for regulators if you’re ever audited.

By automating your wetstock management, you also reduce the risk of manual errors or missed reconciliations, which can be easy to overlook in the December rush.

Make the Most of the Holiday Surge

So how can you use all of this to your advantage?

Paula puts it simply: “The festive season is a huge opportunity. But only if you’re ready. If your systems are reliable, your stock is topped up, and your site looks good you’ll not only get more customers, you’ll keep them coming back into the new year.”

Here’s a quick festive checklist for service station owners:

Confirm tank levels and deliveries ahead of peak travel dates
Double-check pump flow rates, nozzles and displays
Make sure your ATG system is up and running with alerts configured
Clean the forecourt, top up store shelves, and check signage and lighting
Talk to Paula at DFS if you’re due for a hardware or system upgrade

Final Word

For service station operators, the Christmas season is more than just busy; it’s an opportunity. With more drivers on the road, more customers walking through the doors, and higher expectations all round, your site can either thrive or fall behind.

A little planning, the right equipment, and a trusted partner like DFS can make all the difference.

And when in doubt, give Paula a call; she knows what it takes to make a servo sparkle this Christmas.

For the latest retailer news and information, check out the ServoPro website or to speak to us about how we can help your business contact us.