A few days ago, one of our high-net-worth clients asked me, can I put gas in my running car?
I just asked him back why do you wanna put gas in a running car?
My intention behind the query was to know the real reason that is forcing him to do so.
At IzzySmartHomeGuide.Com, we believe that the more we have clarity about a question, the better we’ll be at providing the solution.
My client had his own justified reason for putting the gas in a running car so we decided to answer this question as many of our readers would have something similar in mind, right?
The quick and easy answer is a BIG NO.
You can’t put gas in a running car and it’s advisable also not to commit such a mistake as it can lead to safety concerns.
In fact, in many states, it’s in the form of a written law that you can’t put gas in a running vehicle.
And, even though putting gas in a running car is legal in your country still I would suggest you shouldn’t commit such a mistake because it goes against the International Fire Code that is widely accepted and enforced by most communities
If you’re doing such things it might risk your life as well.
When you leave a car engine running it emits heat that might ignite the gas that has spilled out onto the ground, and do I need to say what will happen next?
Another threat could be to your vehicle which might catch fire from the gas vapors that somehow escape the tank during the process of refueling.
And, because of all these reasons, gas is not allowed to be put in a running vehicle.
Moving further, we’ll dive deep into the discussion and would walk you through various aspects of putting gas in a running car.
It’s always good to be safe than sorry, isn’t it?
Can You Legally Put Gas In A Running Car?
Not to dishearten you but chances are very high that putting gas in a running car might be an illegal activity in your country as it is in many states in the USA.
So, it’s always good to have the knowledge of what the laws of your country say about putting gas in a running car legally.
No one wants to pay a fine for putting gas in a car while it’s running, right?
The safety concern is definitely something that makes such activity illegal.
No government wants to put your life at risk because of such activities so they have put strict laws right in place to tackle such issues.
It goes without saying that the heat emitting from the car engine can ignite the gas vapors putting the life of the passenger at stake.
Are There Any Laws For Pumping Gas Into A Running Car?
Let’s hear what the International Fire Code has to say.
In fact, the International Fire Code provides guidelines for public safety with respect to fire prevention.
Needless to say, these guidelines are widely adopted by different states in the form of law to prevent casualties that might be the end result of a car catching fire or something similar caused due to a fire outbreak.
Many newbies wouldn’t be aware of the fact that section 2305.4 Sources of Ignition, specifically states that both smoking and open flames should be prohibited in the areas wherein fuel is dispensed.Not only that but also the engine of the vehicle that is getting fueled should be shut off during fueling in order to prevent any unprecedented event.
And, of course, electrical equipment shall be in accordance with NFPA 70.
My advice would be to check with your states regarding the law to avoid any fines.
Are There REALLY ANY Fire Concerns While At The Pump?
At times, youngsters come to us and ask us whether or not there are any fire concerns while at the pump.
The fact is that you need to be very careful when you’re fueling your car because you never know what bad can happen.
I wouldn’t deny the fact that there are numerous fire safety concerns with pumping gas.
The National Fire Protection Agency states that there were approximately 4,370 fires at gas stations in the United States which clearly depicts the severity of the issue.
Always remember prevention is better than cure.
Just for your information, Over 50% of these fires (2,470) were due to vehicle fires so it’s my humble request to all my readers not to take it lightly in any way.
As, its good to be safe than sorry, isn’t it?
Have you ever wondered why there are numerous signs around pump-aiding precautions?
Do some research and try to find out, and you know that the data that you’ll get will astonish you for sure.
You might have noticed the warning signs, right?
In fact, running your engine while pumping gas is one of the things that you must avoid not only yourself but for others present at the pump as well.
Since almost the whole body and engine of your car becomes hot when it is running the risk increases at the pump as gas vapors can get ignited due to the car heat at the pump.
Correct me, if I’m wrong.
Moving further, we’ll discuss whether vapors really escape while at the pump or NOT so that you can have a full piece of information.
As we all know knowledge about anything can do more bad than good so please keep reading till the end so that you’re fully informed and thus, can guide others as well.
Do Vapors Really Escape While At The Pump?
Before I answer this question, let me know in the comment section, what you think about it.
To be honest, yes, vapors escape and could be very fatal if safety measures aren’t right in place.
Many of you would’ve noticed that as soon as you take the cap off your fuel tank, gas vapors can escape.
Not only does it pose a risk of fire but also can impact the environment adversely which as a responsible citizen you’ll never want to happen, won’t it?
Just imagine, what will happen if the vapors will come in contact with high-heat elements something similar to your heated car?
I’m not trying to scare you but the fact is it can do damage much more than you can ever imagine.
However, the good thing is, by taking preventive measures you can easily avoid such incidents.
Always, place the gas cap on securely once you’re done pumping your gas so that gas vapors don’t escape.
Tell Us Something About Vapors Recovery Units…
Frankly speaking, nowadays, most vehicles come with some sort of vapor recovery system in order to keep our environment clean, and suitable not only for us but for the future generation as well.
In 1990, the same was formulated by the Clean Air Act Amendments.
The main purpose of a vapor recovery unit is to control vapors from recovering while pumping your gas.
However, you are not required to install it in a newly bought vehicle.
The sad truth is even though you’ve installed the best vapor recovering system right in place, it wouldn’t be able to prevent 100 percent vapors from escaping.
In layman’s terms, a vapor recovery unit can drastically reduce the probability of fire breaking out but unfortunately, can’t completely negate it.
So, it’s always good to take proper precautions to avoid any unprecedented event.
Another threat to gas vapor is from static electricity which we will be talking about in the next section so please stay with us as we will reveal the nuts and bolts of putting gas in a running car.
What Is Static Electricity?
Static electricity can be defined as the imbalance of charge on or within the surface of the material.
The charge is present until and unless it is able to move away either by means of electricity or through electric discharge.
A static electric charge can be created whenever two surfaces contact has worn and separated, and at the same time, at least one of the two surfaces should have a high resistance to electric current.
You can feel, hear, and even see the spark as the excess charge is neutralized when brought close to a large electrical conductor.
In layman’s terms, static is an electric charge that is the outcome of friction.
Though static charge can be produced in any climatic condition their probability to happen is more in dry climates as well as winters.
What Causes Static At The Pump?
One of the possible causes of static charge being created or accumulated is the frequent in and out movement of passengers from the cars at the pump.
And, your cloth plays a crucial role in the production of static charge as it produces friction when the car seat is rubbed intentionally or unintentionally by your cloth.
Further, the fabric of your cloth can also impact the production of static charges.
For example, the clothes that are known to create more friction will definitely produce more static charges and vice-versa.
And, the worst part is, your cell phone can also lead to static fires at pumps so be careful and do the needful.
How Do I Prevent Static Electricity At The Pump?
Discharging of static charge is quite easy and anyone can expedite it with ease for sure.
Touching metal outside of your car before reaching the pump can do the trick for you.
By doing so, you can ensure that the accumulation of static charge has been taken care of.
As mentioned earlier, the threat associated with static charge is that even minutes of spillover from the filling can cause more harm than good.
So, try to follow the instructions that we’ve discussed with you in order to not only yourself and your family from hazards but also the people working at the pump and in its vicinity.
Isn’t There An Automatic Shutoff To Prevent Spillage?
Of course, to prevent any last-second misadventure each and every pump comes with an automatic shutoff.
The automatic shutoff is uniquely designed to shut off the discharge of gasoline as soon as it detects that your fuel pump is full.
However, in the case of malfunctioning of the automatic shutoff, the gasoline can overflow right into your tank which is really dangerous.
And, in case you’re not careful or paying attention to it the fuel can overflow and spill over on your car and in its vicinity.
Unfortunately, such scenarios invite fire hazards as a static or heated car can act as a catalyst for fire ignition.
What If No One Is In The Car?
The lack of anyone in the car can give birth to another problem, that is, stealing your car.
Of course, a running and unlocked vehicle is a perfect scenario for those who are eagerly waiting for such opportunities.
And, with the keys still in the ignition, it’s really easy for anyone to take the car with him.
But, I’m not saying that it will always happen.
However, such thing has happened in the past and can happen in the future as well.
So, never make the mistake of leaving the car alone.
Will It Damage My Car If I Pump Gas While It Is Running?
You tell me, what do you think, huh?
Of course, the probability is very high that pumping gas while your car is running can damage the vapor recovery system.
I hope now you’re aware of the vapor recovery system and why it should be installed in all the new cars.
Well, it prevents the vapors from escaping while fueling and so protect your car as well as the environment.
The probability of the vapor recovery system getting damaged increases multifold in case your car is running while at the pump.
Why Do People Still Leave Their Cars Running While Pumping Gas?
Definitely, an interesting question, indeed.
I think more than me it is you would tell me why people do such things putting not only their lives at risk but also many other people present in and around the pump.
To be honest, I asked a couple of my clients why they do so.
And, you know what the answers were very interesting, indeed!
Quite of few of them said they were too busy to think about it, and have been doing so for years.
I was literally shocked after hearing such answers.
Other sets of answers include my baby was sleeping and I didn’t wanna disturb her so left the car running while pumping at the tank.
Horrible, isn’t it?
However, a majority of my clients accepted that they weren’t aware of the potential threat associated with putting gas in a running car.
I hope and believe that after reading this post definitely some of you will definitely stop such practice.
Keep in mind, that we’ve to make this world a better place to live not for only ourselves but also for the generations to come.
Additional Gas Safety Tips
For the welfare of mankind, there are signs posted all over the pump so that driver who isn’t aware of the precautionary measures that need to be taken can gain some knowledge regarding that.
For example, no smoking, turn your engine off, turn off your cell phone, and not get back into your vehicle while fueling are some of the most commonly seen warning signs across the pumps.
It’s my humble request to all the readers of IzzySmartHomeGuide.com to please acknowledge such warnings so that you don’t have to deal with unprecedented events and last-minute misadventures.
In case, you’re aware of some other safety tips that we’ve not covered then please do let us know in the comment section, and we would be more than happy to inculcate it in the post along with your name.
It’s A Wrap
First and foremost, I would like to thank you for being with us till the end.
Secondly, I would like to bring to your notice that I along with my core team have put loads and loads of effort into coming up with this idiosyncratic superlative piece of information.
And, in case, you liked our efforts and want to appreciate us, then please do share this information with like-minded people and the ones who are in need of it.
After all, sharing is caring, isn’t it?
To cut a long story short, if I had to answer the question Can I put gas in a running car, then my answer would be NO…NOT AT ALL.
Please don’t make such a mistake as it will not put your life at stake but can lead to fire hazards that may impact the environment adversely.
Let’s try together to make this world a better place to live not only for us but for the future generation as well.
That’s all, as of now.
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