Car Gasoline Containers: How to Use, Fill, Transport, and Dispose Them

Written by

CarParts.com Research Team

Automotive and Tech Writers

Updated on January 17th, 2025

Reading Time: 4 minutes
Summary
  • Gasoline containers are specially designed tanks that are used to store and transport gasoline.
  • The best way to store and transport gasoline is to load it upright inside the trunk bed or cargo hold where it’s away from direct sunlight.
  • Gasoline containers are commonly used to store spare fuel for road trips or to transport contaminated gas to a disposal facility.

Gasoline is a volatile and corrosive substance, which means materials like plastic and rubber might not contain them well. That’s why gas is typically kept in tanks specially designed to store it, especially when transporting it. These tanks are known as gasoline containers.

Gasoline containers are a must-have for long off-road drives, especially on routes where gas stations are sparse. They’re also handy if a vehicle’s gas gets contaminated and needs to be disposed of.

But are gasoline containers safe to use? Similarly, how exactly does one fill them without accidentally spilling gasoline all over the place?

Are Gasoline Containers Safe to Use?

Yes, gasoline containers are safe to use, provided that they are well taken care of.

Gas containers can become a safety hazard when they’re improperly stored or filled. If they have gas or vapor leaks, they can ignite and cause an explosion. This could cause anything from severe burns to expensive car or garage repair bills, depending on how and where the accident happened.

How to Fill a Gasoline Container Safely

Gas containers can become a safety hazard when they’re improperly stored or filled.

Filling a gas container isn’t as simple as filling a water bottle. Spills, for example, can have hazardous consequences. Follow these steps to ensure an efficient top-up.

  1. Set the empty gasoline container on a flat surface, ideally on the ground.
  2. Insert the fuel pump nozzle into the container. Ensure it touches the rim of the opening to dissipate static electricity and reduce the risk of ignition.
  3. Fill the gasoline container until it is about 95% full. Don’t fill it to the brim because vapors can expand in storage and transit. Make sure to give gas enough room in the canister.
  4. Seal the gasoline container with a cap or a lid. Ensure that it’s airtight to prevent leaks.
  5. Load your gasoline container onto your vehicle. Make sure it’s kept in a space that’s clean, dry, away from heat and sunlight, and far from anything that can ignite it.

Other Gasoline Container Filling Tips

Here are some tips to reduce the likelihood of leaks, spills, and other accidents while topping up a gas container.

  • Wear safety equipment, such as gloves and goggles, to keep yourself safe while handling gasoline.
  • Turn off your vehicle’s engine and refrain from smoking when filling gasoline containers.
  • Wipe the container clean before loading it on your vehicle.
  • Always check if gasoline containers have been stamped and approved by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).
  • Secure your gasoline containers during transport to minimize their movement.
  • Never store your gasoline container in the passenger compartments of your vehicle.
  • Don’t leave gasoline containers in your vehicle for extended periods.

How to Transport Gasoline Containers

Once your gasoline containers are filled and ready to go, it’s time to load them onto your vehicle.

When storing containers filled with any liquid, it’s important to keep them upright in either your truck bed or your trunk depending on which storage compartment your vehicle has. This way, it will be less likely to spill or leak from the lid.

Before loading the container inside your vehicle, make sure the lid is properly sealed. Store it someplace away from heat and direct sunlight to prevent the gasoline vapors from expanding.

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How to Safely Dispose of Gas

If you want to dispose of old or contaminated gasoline in your vehicle, you’ll need to siphon it and store it in a gasoline container. You can’t pour gasoline down a drain or throw it into a trash can. Instead, you must bring it to a facility capable of disposing of it.

The exact nature and location of these disposal facilities vary depending on where you live. Keep a sharp eye out for community programs in your area dedicated to disposing of hazardous waste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about gasoline containers.

What does it mean if gasoline is expanding in its container?

If your gas container swells up, it means the vapors inside have expanded. This is typically caused by improper storage. If the gas container is left someplace hot, the vapors inside it expand. Metal gasoline containers are less likely to expand.

What are gasoline containers made of?

Containers for gasoline are usually made of thick metal or high-density polyethylene (HDPE). This is because gasoline tends to corrode less durable materials.

How long can gas be stored in a container?

Gasoline can typically be stored in a sealed container for up to six months without significant degradation. Just make sure to keep it someplace clean, sealed, dry, and away from sunlight and heat.

Does gasoline take the shape of its container​?

Yes, gasoline takes the shape of its container because it’s liquid.

Written By CarParts.com Research Team

Automotive and Tech Writers

The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. Guided by CarParts.com's thorough editorial process, our team strives to produce guides and resources DIYers and casual car owners can trust.

Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.