Is there a risk associated with refueling a car without turning off the engine? Gas station warnings always ask you to turn off your car when refueling.
But why? What terrible thing will happen to you if you don’t? There are several legitimate reasons for this.
What happens when you refuel a car without turning off the engine?
Everyone says to turn off your engine when at the gas station, but is it really so precarious to leave your car running?
The reason it’s advised to keep our cars off during refueling is that incidents related to static electricity can occur, although they are unusual.
This static electricity spark could ignite gasoline vapors, immobilizing your car and causing the fuel pump to catch fire.
A similar thing could happen when you sit in the car and then return to the fuel pump. Your cell phone could ring and start a fire or trigger an explosion.
It is also possible that power sources from phone chargers and lighters are also potential triggers for a fuel fire.
If you put gas in the car while it’s running and rush to the emergency store during refueling, it can create a risk of children inadvertently engaging the drive mechanism and moving the car with the fuel nozzle in the tank.
This could lead to a fatal accident, whether it’s a slip, fall, or burn.
Why is it dangerous to refuel a car without turning off the engine?
Here is our answer on why you should turn off your car when refueling. According to an automotive expert, if you refuel the car with the engine on, it’s possible for the system to ingest liquid fuel, which can completely destroy it.
Leaving your car running while refueling at the gas pump could also increase the chances of you driving off with the hose still attached to your car.
Even though the risks of an accident are slim, it’s still better to take precautions beforehand by referring to some car maintenance tips from automotive experts.
There are many cases where drivers accidentally move cars during refueling because they are distracted or in a hurry. This situation can lead to a major fuel spill and a fire from the exhaust gases.
Therefore, we are supposed to turn off our engines and disable any ignition sources to minimize the risk of an accident.
Important refueling tips to remember
Avoid getting in the car while refueling
Getting in and out of your car while refueling can be more dangerous than leaving your engine running.
In reality, the Petroleum Equipment Institute (PEI) reviewed 176 gas station fires in which nearly 50% of the incidents occurred when drivers returned to the vehicle during the refueling process and then touched the nozzle after leaving the vehicle.
When we get in and out of the car, we frequently slide on the seats, which can cause static electricity. Our body can transfer the voltage when we touch the metal fuel nozzle, leading to a small spark causing an explosion.
If you must return to your vehicle, ground yourself before reaching the gas nozzle. You can achieve this by touching a metal part of your automobile with your bare hand after exiting, it could be your door or any other metal surface, as long as it’s not near the fuel tank.
Unplug charged items
One of the main reasons you turn off your automobile before pumping gas is to reduce the amount of energy flowing through its wiring harness.
However, even when the car is off, some cables, like those connected to cigarette lighters or USB ports, can retain electricity.
Unplug all charging cables or electrical equipment before refueling to be very cautious, especially if they are worn or broken.
Do not smoke near the pump
Gasoline and fire don’t mix well – or more precisely, they mix too well. Smoking at the gas pump, like leaving your engine running, is definitely illegal in your state.
This is due to the International Fire Code, which prohibits “smoking and open flames… in areas where fuel is dispensed” at certain gasoline dispensing facilities.
Refueling doesn’t take long, so be cautious and wait until you are far enough away from the station to light one.
Remember not to “top off” your tank
Topping off refers to the risky habit of continuing to fill one’s tank after the gas pump has indicated it is full.
Although some people believe that topping off your gas tank will save a bit more mileage before the next tank fill-up, it can damage your automobile and pose a fire risk if your tank overflows.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), most automobiles manufactured in the early 2000s and later are equipped with Onboard Refueling Vapor Recovery (ORVR) systems.
By preventing vapors from your fuel tank from escaping into the atmosphere during filling, these devices preserve the environment and reduce the risk of fire at gas stations.
Instead, carbon canisters are used to trap the vapors until the engine runs, after which they are drawn into the engine and used as fuel.
Topping off a car can overload the ORVR system, shorten its lifespan, and potentially cause your engine to malfunction.
Do not use a cell phone
You’ve probably seen the signs near gas pumps warning not to use cell phones. Previously, reports revealed that cellular devices could release sparks during use.
However, scientific research has found that using cell phones near gas pumps does not pose a fire risk. These signs are now only used to limit gas station owners’ liability.
So, are you allowed to talk on the phone while refueling? Even though cell phones do not pose a fire threat, they can be a distraction. It is essential to be physically and mentally present when filling your tank, in case something goes wrong.
FAQ on safely refueling a car
Is it safe to smoke while refueling?
No, smoking during refueling is extremely dangerous and can cause a fire or explosion. Always avoid smoking at the gas station.
Can I use my phone’s flashlight to refuel at night?
It’s best to avoid using your phone’s flashlight or any other light source near the fuel pump, especially at night, as it can cause sparks and pose a fire risk.
What should I do if I spill fuel on myself or the car?
If you accidentally spill fuel on yourself or your car, inform the gas station attendant immediately. Do not start the engine or use any electrical components until the spilled fuel has been cleaned and the area is safe.
Should I turn off my car’s interior lights while refueling?
Yes, it’s a good practice to turn off all interior lights during refueling to minimize potential ignition sources.
Is it safe to use my car’s rear defroster during refueling?
It’s best to avoid using your car’s rear defroster or any other electrical accessories during refueling to reduce the risk of sparks.
Can I leave the gas cap open during refueling?
Never leave the gas cap open while refueling. It helps maintain proper pressure in the fuel tank and prevent fuel vapor leaks.
What should I do if I smell gasoline during refueling?
If you smell gasoline during refueling, stop the process immediately and inform the gas station attendant. Do not attempt to continue refueling until the issue is resolved.
Watch this video from Smart Easy DIY for more information on how to pump your own gas credit or cash self-service!
Can I use my credit card or phone to make a payment during refueling?
It is generally safe to use your credit card or phone to pay at the pump. However, always follow the gas station’s guidelines and avoid using your phone or electronic devices when handling fuel.
Remember that safety should always be a top priority when refueling your car. Follow these guidelines, stay vigilant, and be cautious to ensure a safe and incident-free fueling experience.
Conclusion
The above reasons clearly show that it is dangerous to refuel a car without turning off the engine.
Thus, to prevent your car from catching fire, it’s better to be safe than sorry and not be “fuel greedy.” Make sure to turn off the car’s engine while refueling at the fuel pump.