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?
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.
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.
Here are some tips to reduce the likelihood of leaks, spills, and other accidents while topping up a gas container.
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.
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.
Here are some commonly asked questions about gasoline containers.
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.
Containers for gasoline are usually made of thick metal or high-density polyethylene (HDPE). This is because gasoline tends to corrode less durable materials.
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.
Yes, gasoline takes the shape of its container because it’s liquid.
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.