Driving up to the gas station, especially on a sweltering summer day or a frigid winter one, you might have pondered, “Can I just keep my car running while I pump gas?” After all, you’ve seen it done in racing environments, and the thought of preserving your car’s climate control is undeniably appealing. However, despite the temptation for comfort, refueling while your engine is running is a practice fraught with potential dangers and is widely discouraged. Let’s delve into why it’s crucial to turn off your engine when refueling and explore essential safety practices at the gas pump.
The Hidden Dangers: Why Refueling with the Engine On is a Bad Idea
While the image of a car erupting in flames at the gas station might seem like something out of an action movie, the risks associated with refueling while the engine is running are very real. Although uncommon, fires at gas stations can occur, and a running engine significantly increases the potential for ignition.
One primary concern is the risk of stray sparks or contact with extremely hot components. Gasoline is highly flammable, and its vapors are even more so. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) highlights that gasoline’s autoignition temperature is 536°F (280°C). This might seem high, but certain components of your car, particularly the catalytic converter, can easily exceed this temperature. Catalytic converters, designed to reduce harmful emissions, can reach temperatures between 800-1000°F during normal operation.
You might assume that the catalytic converter’s undercarriage location shields it from gasoline vapors. However, gasoline vapors are denser than air. This means they don’t rise and dissipate quickly; instead, they sink and accumulate in low-lying areas, potentially right beneath your vehicle where the catalytic converter is located. While open-air gas stations benefit from air currents that usually disperse vapors, there’s still a risk, however small, of these vapors coming into contact with a superheated catalytic converter.
Furthermore, issues within your vehicle can amplify the danger. If your car has faulty spark plugs, unburnt fuel can enter the catalytic converter. This can lead to overheating of the catalyst, potentially damaging its structure and even causing the expulsion of red-hot particles from your exhaust pipe – a scenario you definitely want to avoid when surrounded by flammable gasoline fumes.
Beyond the catalytic converter, electrical faults pose another ignition risk. Short circuits or worn wiring insulation can create sparks. Turning off your engine minimizes the electrical activity in your vehicle, reducing the chance of such faults becoming a source of ignition at the gas pump.
While a well-maintained car is less likely to create the precise conditions for a fire while refueling with the engine running, the potential risks are undeniable. It’s simply safer to switch off the engine. Adding to this, most states have adopted the International Fire Code, which explicitly mandates that “the engines of vehicles being fueled shall be shut off during fueling.” Therefore, keeping your engine running isn’t just risky; it’s often against the law.
Essential Refueling Safety Practices to Remember
Turning off your engine is just the first step in safe refueling. Several other practices can significantly minimize risks at the gas station.
Avoid Getting Back into Your Vehicle During Refueling
Surprisingly, re-entering your vehicle while refueling can be more dangerous than leaving the engine running. A study by the Petroleum Equipment Institute (PEI) investigated numerous gas station fire incidents and discovered that in a significant number of cases where no obvious ignition sources were present, the fires occurred when people re-entered their vehicles during refueling.
Specifically, in 87 out of 176 incidents studied, the fire was linked to the person returning to their car and then touching the fuel nozzle. The likely culprit? Static electricity. Sliding across car seats, especially in dry conditions, can generate a static charge. When you then step out and touch the metal fuel nozzle, this static electricity can discharge, creating a spark in the presence of fuel vapors.
If you must re-enter your vehicle, ground yourself before handling the fuel nozzle again. The American Petroleum Institute (API) recommends touching a metal part of your car with your bare hand after exiting and before touching the nozzle. This discharges any static buildup, reducing the risk of a spark.
Unplug Phone Chargers and Accessories
One of the core reasons for turning off your car during refueling is to minimize electrical current flow. However, even with the engine off, some circuits, like those powering cigarette lighters or USB ports, might still be active. For an extra layer of safety, especially if you have older or potentially damaged charging accessories, unplug them before refueling. This further reduces any potential electrical ignition sources.
Refrain from Smoking
Gasoline and open flames are a dangerous combination, a fact that hardly needs explaining. Like refueling with the engine running, smoking near a gas pump is almost certainly prohibited by local regulations and definitely by common sense. The International Fire Code clearly bans smoking and open flames in fuel dispensing areas. Refueling is a quick process; it’s always best to wait until you are well away from the gas station to light up.
Avoid “Topping Off” Your Gas Tank
“Topping off” refers to the practice of continuing to add fuel after the pump automatically stops, indicating a full tank. While some believe this squeezes in a bit more fuel for extra mileage, it’s a harmful practice that can damage your car and create a fire hazard due to overflow.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) explains that modern cars (generally post-early 2000s) are equipped with Onboard Refueling Vapor Recovery (ORVR) systems. These systems are designed to capture fuel vapors during refueling, preventing them from escaping into the atmosphere and contributing to air pollution and fire risks. ORVR systems use carbon canisters to store these vapors, which are then drawn into the engine and burned as fuel during normal operation. Topping off your tank can flood this ORVR system with liquid fuel, damaging it, reducing its lifespan, and potentially causing engine performance issues.
Limit Cell Phone Use
You’ve likely seen warnings against cell phone use at gas stations. While early concerns centered around the myth that cell phones could emit sparks and ignite fuel vapors, scientific studies by the NFPA and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) have debunked this fire hazard myth (https://www.nfpa.org/assets/files/AboutTheCodes/30A/FI%20-%20NFPA%2030A-2015%20Para%208.3.1%20-%20Attachments%2014-19.2017-04-04.pdf). The signs largely remain as a liability precaution for gas station owners.
So, can you use your phone while pumping gas? Technically, yes, from a fire safety standpoint. However, cell phones are undeniably distracting. Refueling requires your attention, and it’s best to stay focused on the task at hand in case of any unexpected issues.
Bonus Tip: Fuel System Maintenance for Peace of Mind
Practicing safe refueling habits is paramount for preventing fire risks, but proactive vehicle maintenance also plays a crucial role in overall safety and performance. Regular fuel system cleanings and fuel filter replacements (if your vehicle is equipped with one) are vital for maintaining a healthy fuel system. A neglected fuel system can lead to problems like rough idling, decreased engine performance, increased emissions, and even contribute to issues that could indirectly increase fire risk over time. Consult your local automotive service professionals to schedule fuel system maintenance and ensure your vehicle remains in top condition.
By adhering to these refueling safety guidelines and maintaining your vehicle properly, you can ensure safer trips to the gas station and contribute to the overall safety of yourself and others.
