2006-09-19 06:16:12 · 11 answers · asked by Christina 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Safety
If your engine is running then YES your car can ignite. The combination of gasoline fumes in the air and the spark that can occur in various parts of your electronic igniton system can ignite.
As long as your engine is off (which means the A/C Compressor will not be working) you should be fine.
Spark points can occur as long as electricity can find a grounding point. (ie inside your distributor cap as the rotor makes contact with the points is a good example) Even with electronic ignition, you could have sparks.
ALWAYS turn off your engine when pumping gas. I know in California it's the law. I would think it's the law in all states.
2006-09-19 06:36:57 · answer #1 · answered by hsueh010 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The A/C will normally only work if the car is running... this being said, it is required in every state that I have ever been to, to turn off your car. Its also common sense. Another thing that can cause a fire while fueling is talking on a cell phone, as it is considered an electrical appliance or device. In the dry winter months, getting back into your car while waiting for it to fill up can cause a static spark when you get back out and touch the pump handle. Hope this clears things up for you.
2006-09-20 00:58:31 · answer #2 · answered by Porterhouse 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. Turn off your engine, get off the cell phone and do not get back in your car until you have finished pumping gas.
Almost all auto fires at pumps involve women , mainly because you get back in your car, and when you get out and to go to remove the pump handle, you throw a static spark that ignites gasoline fumes.
2006-09-19 17:58:56 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is nothing inherent about the AC that is a fire danger. However, the AC compressor is typically tied into the rest of the engine and will not work unless the car is running. If you turn off your car, but the key still in the ignition, you can run the AC fan (which will push air over the still cold coils), but you are not running the AC.
If the car is running, there is a danger. If the car is off, you are fine.
2006-09-19 13:27:56 · answer #4 · answered by Wundt 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
read the sign on the pump turn the car off before refueling
2006-09-19 13:25:50 · answer #5 · answered by norsmen 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
your required to turn off your vechile while pumping gas but just yesterday i pumped gas in my car with my A/C on and nothing happened
2006-09-19 13:25:01 · answer #6 · answered by shortbrenz 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should turn your car off while pumping gas. I don't don't know about all states, but in mine it it required by law for safety.
2006-09-19 13:21:53 · answer #7 · answered by fatkatn 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Turn off your car before stepping out to refuel .... unless you are an Indy car driver. (literally)
2006-09-20 16:38:42 · answer #8 · answered by insuranceguytx 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely. You must turn the vehicle off when refueling.
2006-09-19 15:01:54 · answer #9 · answered by profoundatheist 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no it cant it has to have a pretty big spark or an open flame
2006-09-19 13:25:41 · answer #10 · answered by moslongpimpininla 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋