Can You Pump Gas When the Car’s Engine Is On? Plus Safety Tips

You shouldn’t pump gas when the car’s engine is on. Gasoline can easily evaporate and produce a lot of vapors, which are highly flammable. Gas stations can be filled with these combustible vapors, hence safety should be the utmost priority.

You might notice that unless the vehicle has dual exhaust, the fuel filler door is always on the opposite side of the vehicle from where the exhaust pipe is located. And on the gas pump, there are warning labels that should always be followed.

Anything that can cause a spark or flame should be prohibited. This is why gas stations prohibit people from smoking, using mobile devices, and filling up gas cans that aren’t on the ground.

While the possibility is slim, your vehicle’s running engine can cause these vapors to ignite and cause a flash fire. When engines are turned on, the vehicle produces heat from combustion, as well as sparks, since the vehicle has an alternator that creates electricity.

There are systems in place to lessen the possibility of fuel vapors escaping and igniting. For one, most vehicles in the US are fitted with an onboard refueling vapor recovery system. This prevents gasoline vapors from escaping while you refuel your vehicle by recirculating them into the engine. The gasoline station’s fuel nozzle also has components that prevent gasoline and gasoline vapor from escaping. That said, you should still exercise safety at all times.

Safety Tips While Refueling

1. Don’t overfill your vehicle with fuel. While gas stations are fitted with a nozzle that disengages fuel flow when the tank is full, this is still quite risky. Too much fuel can flood your vehicle’s vapor recovery system. If the nozzle doesn’t disengage fuel flow, fuel can overflow and spill. Fuel is already dangerous when it’s being transferred from one container to another. It’s even more dangerous if it’s spilled onto you, the ground, or your vehicle.
2. Take warning signs seriously. Turning off your vehicle can be an inconvenience for your passengers, especially if it’s a hot summer day. But bearing the temporary hassle is worth it when you consider what’s at risk if a fire starts.
3. Discharge any static electricity by touching a piece of metal before exiting and entering your vehicle. Your body can sometimes create static electricity when you rub your clothes on your vehicle’s upholstery. The American Petroleum Institute says that static-related incidents have caused brief flash fires at the fill point.