Do you really have to turn off your car when you fill it with gas?

Question

Cause I didn't today and nothing blew up.

Answer 1

You don't have to, but you should. Gas vapors and the charge from a running vehicle can be dangerous.

Also, many modern vehicles have a sensor in the gas cap. And if the cap is not secured tightly while the engine is running, then it trips the "check engine" light until the sensor is reset.

Answer 2

Well it is best to, the ignition and electrical systems in your car do produce sparks. The chances are very slim that it would cause a problem, but is it really worth the risk, how hard is it to turn it off

I often don't turn off my truck at the diesel; pumps, but diesel isn't nearly as flamable(it doesn't create vapors like gasoline does), and there is no ignition system on a diesel engine

I used to prove to people that gas isn't as flamable as they thought. They always say a cigarette will ignite gasoline, there is a chance, but I have yet to see it happen. I would take a small container of gas(a few ounces), go way out in the parking lot, and throw a lit cigarette in it. The cigarette always just went out when it hit the gas. Now I don't advise anyone try it, and I always made sure I was well away from everything, and only used a small amount of gasoline, because it could light, it is just not likely

Answer 3

You should. There have been incidences where with the right conditions, a spark from a running automobile has set off gas fumes resulting in explosion and fire. My Dad was badly burned in an accident like this, so it is always a good idea to shut your engine off while you fill up. Chances are nothing will happen, but do you want to take the chance that something will?

Answer 4

Gas vapors are highly flammable. They are heavier then air, so they sink to the ground as your filling the tank. If you let your car run, the hot exhaust spits out close to the ground. While it is probably unlikely you would generate enough heat to light the gas vapors, the catalytic converter operates at a high temperature and could develop a small leak that has the potential to ignite the gas vapors.

Answer 5

I spent a year and a half in Iraq, refueled HUMVEE's every day and never turned one of to refuel it, but technically you should because if there would happen to be an electrical short somewhere in your car, it could ignite the fuel vapors as your fueling.

Answer 6

Yes because of the potential for gas fumes to ignite. It is also recommended not to have a cell phone active either and not to be smoking either. This is also the law in some states as well.

Answer 7

you should turn it off as 1 little spark at the right time has the posibility of an explosion, it might never happen but there is that 1 chance it might and I really don't want to be around when it does.

Answer 8

there is one other reason you should turn the car off...with the car running and the gas cap off air can be sucked into the fuel dispensing system..and vapor locks can occur... tanks are pressurized for a reason!

Answer 9

Absolutely! All it takes is a spark and you could blow yourself and everthing around you to Kingdom Come.

Answer 10

For safety purpose...Of course ..YES