Is it dangerous to run your vehicle while filling it at a gas station?

Question

What about the other vehicles that are running? Do they pose any danger while you are filling your gas tank?

Answer 1

Well, a lot of people will be afraid of a random spark setting off fumes and causing an explosion, but that's really unlikely. Much more likely is that your dog or kid bumps the gearshift lever and the car takes off - especially if the hose is still in the tank. Be a responsible driver and kill the engine!

Answer 2

They can do. In an emergency, such as a fuel spill, all drivers will be asked to turn off their igitions, and push the vehicles to a safe distance. You shouldn't have your engine running whilst filling up because it's an igition source. Service stations have safety signs next to bowsers, and it's a good idea to read them. You'll find advice about such things as not using your phone, not allowing children to fill up, using approved containers, extinguishing ignition sources (such as pilot lights, engines, naked flames, and cigarettes), to hopping off your motorbike whilst filling up. These are potential hazards, and in order to protect you, fuel retail companies err on the side of caution. In certain conditions fuel vapour is particularly flammable, and there's usually a detectable amount in the air when you fill up. Also, you should discharge any static electricity you may have built up on yourself before touching the nozzle to metal. This includes filling containers. They must be placed on the ground during filling, so that they are earthed. Fuel generates static electricity during the filling process. Just be aware of the risks, and always follow the advice of the attendants. It's their job to see that noone blows up the building and the thousands and thousands of litres of fuel underground (in a worst case scenario).

By the way, when Mythbusters did the phone in the fuel vapour box test to see if it would spark the vapour, they didn't replicate the exact circumstances which may happen in the instance where a phone could act as a detonator. In the Mythbusters controlled experiment they simply caused the phone to ring, which didn't cause an explosion. The problem there was that the phone was never answered. In a real life scenario the person who answers the phone next to the fuel filling point will typically have to press a button to receive the call. This may cause a spark within the phone, and any vapour in and around the phone is likely to ignite. Plus, your attention to the task at hand, such as filling your fuel tank, will be seriously impeded if you begin a phone conversation, so it's wise just to leave off answering calls until you're done, and 4 meters away from any vapour.

Answer 3

It depends on the car really. In racing during a pit stop, the driver never turns the car off, BUT the hot exhaust pipe(s) usually come out to where they are not close to the opening for fuel. In NASCAR, you will notice the tailpipes come out just behind the driver's 'door'. Therefore, the only way to ignite it would be an open flame or a spark.

I usually leave my Mustang GT running when I fill it up in the winter. I suppose you can too if you are careful not to overflow the gas tank to where gas would run down the side of the car onto your hot exhaust.

The flip side of the coin is why. If your car is warmed up already, you are outside of it filling it up with gas for say maybe a total of 10 minutes. The car will cool somewhat if it is cold outside, but the heated engine and chemicals under the hood retain heat so the car will warm back up fully within minutes of starting the engine again.

Answer 4

Chances of it catching fire while doing this are slim.

That being said, I've personally witnessed a gas station go up in flames down the block from us because of this when I was really young. I remember because we had to leave our house just in case the station exploded (it never did). But there was a fuel spill in that situation, which greatly increases chances of something like that happening.

I wouldn't really freak out if another vehicle is running while they're filling up, but I would stay more alert to what was going on by their vehicle.

Answer 5

YES, there are sparks under the hood from components that are running. That is a possible source of ignition for the gasoline fumes. The exhause pipes are hot too.
Play it safe and SHUT THE DAMNED ENGINE OFF.
Don't waste the fuel.

Also, if I was looking to steal a car, where would be a good place? A gas station. Watch for one with a full tank of gas and the keys in the ignition. Go baby go!!!!!!

THINK ABOUT IT. Turn off the engine and put the keys in your pocket.

Answer 6

Running your vehicle with the gas cap off can trigger a diagnostic trouble code and a subsequent "check engine" light which will fail the vehicle on a state inspection.
Yes it is safer to turn your car off. Don't worry about other cars their would have to be some kind of catastrophic event to make such a thing happen.

Answer 7

Yes. You could spark a fire by static electricity and catch the car on fire--then the gas pumps, and maybe cause a huge explosion. It's dangerous. Before you touch the gas handle touch a piece of metal. Then when you go to remove the gas handle from the tank area, touch some metal again before you touch the handle. IT will dissipate any static shock.

Answer 8

The best thing is to shut off the vehicle when refueling. There is a chance if a spark ignites it can cause a fire

Answer 9

Well its best to shut your car off. The idea is that the fumes from your exhaust and the gas fumes can mix and ignite and blow your silly azz to kingdom come which i'm sure you don't want cause i really wouldn't wanna go out that way either so just be safe and shut the car off. "If You Can Avoid Trouble.... AVOID IT!!"

Answer 10

Yes, car exhaust may give out spark when the engine is on. The chance is very slim, but still may happen.