Is it really dangerous to fill your car's gas tank with the engine still on?

Answer 1

Nope...and Yeah.
Depends on how much static electricity you have stored up, gas fumes in the air.
Electricity=spark
Electricity+gas fumes=bad news for gas station

Answer 2

It's not hugely dangerous, but it's not all that smart either. While the gas does not flow directly from the pump into the running engine, you do have a running *COMBUSTION* engine near an area that has a very high chance of having gasoline vapor in the air.

Are you really so pressed for time that you can't turn off your engine before you fill up and turn it back on when you're done? Do those extra 10 seconds really matter?

Answer 3

In my opinion no. If the engine has not been under severe load for a minute or so before filling up the chances of hot carbon from the exhaust is remote if the exhaust system has no leaks. You need a source of ignition such as heat to ignite gasoline. Furthermore the exhaust gasses do not contain oxygen and therefore combustion around the exhaust gas is also remote. Some welders used to run exhaust into fuel tanks for several minutes to evacuate all oxygen in the tank to safely weld it.
Other risks such as kids or pets putting the car into gear by accident should be considered.

Answer 4

And modern cars think! when the engine is running the fuel tank should not rise and sender voltage to change to full will cause a "check engine light" Fuel Level Sensor Out of Range. And that's not all folks! Would you want to risk the kids sitting in air conditioned or heated comfort while you burn down the car. Fumes from Gasoline will ignite at -40 degrees and higher. Just one bad plug wire and it does not have to be your car the car that pulls in next to you could do it static spark any spark.

Answer 5

Is there a possibility that something could happen if you engine is running? Yes, its remote but still a possibility, Static Electricity will build up and when the nosel and the fuel tank come in contact a spark could happen. So if the spark happens then you would have to have the right Fuel/Air mixture in the vicinity of the spark to cause ignition. Never heard of it happening but why take a chance. On Aircraft there is a grounding clamp that is used prior to fueling just for that reason.

Answer 6

No, it is not. The hose is internally grounded and when you stick it in the filler, it bonds the hose and the vehicle. Bonding is when you ground two items together thus sharing the electron potential between the 2. Example, car has 10 static electricity, pump has 30. When you bond them, the SE is equalled to 20. The difference in SE is what causes the spark. Like when you scuff your sock feet on carpet and touch a door knob. As said before, on newer vehicles, they have a closed system. The pressure that was previously released into the air is now directed back to the engine to burn as vapor, thus creating less air pollution and adding to fuel economy.

Answer 7

These days, not really.

Most fuel pumps are inside the gas tanks nowadays (guess why!) and other electrical systems are well shielded. It used to be an issue when an accidental overflow and unfortunate spark might result in a deadly combination.

However, it's best to learn and practice smart habits. You never know when you might be filling up that old car, lawn mower or go-kart where sparks might be present.

Answer 8

Yes, a spark from the electrical system with all those fumes will ignite the gas in your tank and cause an explosion. Also , don't use your cell phone while you gas up. Same effect.

Answer 9

No, your more dangerous! If your wearing the wrong clothes , and your charged up with static and fill the car yourself, it could blow regardless if the engines running or not

Answer 10

I remember in the olden days, the station's pump jockey would fill the tank while he was smoking a cigarette.

I've gassed up my hot rod with the engine running, and haven't blown up, yet.

Makes life exciting!