Every driver is familiar with the process of using a gas station pump. Just grab the pump, put the nozzle in the tank, and squeeze the handle. But how does gas know when to stop pumping?
How Does a Gas Station Pump Know When to Stop?
Gas pumps know when to stop pumping thanks to the venturi tube. It’s a small tube that runs through the pump nozzle and the handle, sucking in air from the tank to create a vacuum in the pump.
Because the venturi tube draws in air from the tank, the volume of air in the tank diminishes slowly but steadily as fuel fills it up. The more fuel there is in the tank, the less air there is to take in. Once there isn’t enough air in the tank, the venturi tube stops sucking it in, preventing additional fuel from entering the tank.
In short, the venturi tube sucks in air until there’s no air left. Without air, there can be no vacuum inside the pump to supply the tank with additional fuel.
What Does It Mean if the Gas Pump Stops When the Tank Isn’t Full?
Gas station pumps have systems designed to help you refuel your vehicles quickly and effectively with minimal risks, they aren’t perfect. Sometimes the pump stops before the tank is full. Here are some of the possible reasons why this happens.
Clogged Gas Pump
Check the nozzle to see if there are any obstructions. If gunk buildup or debris is blocking the pump, wipe it away and try pumping your vehicle again.
If the problem persists, there might be a blockage somewhere inside the pump itself. In that case, your best bet would be to inform any personnel at the gas station. They can fix the problem and divert you to a different gas pump.
Blocked Vent Line
If the gas pump is fine but remains incapable of topping off your gas tank, then there might be something wrong with the vent line. It’s the component that releases the air in your gas tank as it fills up with fuel. If the vent line is faulty, the air could prevent fuel from entering the tank.
Gas Splashing Onto Venturi Tube
If the problem persists even after you’ve confirmed the gas pump isn’t clogged and the vent line is intact, the venturi tube is letting out too much gasoline too quickly.
The tube can get splashed when gas rushes out at high speeds, tricking the pump into thinking that the gas tank is full. In this case, try pumping the gas slower. You can squeeze the pump handle gently.
How to Avoid Accidents at the Gas Station
Gas station pumps are highly sensitive. Misusing one or being too careless with gasoline could land you and the people around you in serious trouble. Because of this, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the various things you can do to protect yourself.
Don’t Let Gasoline Touch Your Skin
Gasoline is dangerous because it’s made up of hydrocarbons like alkanes, benzene, toluene, and xylene. These are harmful to the human body and have the potential to cause organ damage if they enter your bloodstream.
The fumes from burning gasoline are toxic, while the liquid itself can damage your skin, so it’s best to be careful when handling it.
Don’t Re-Enter Your Vehicle When Refueling
Another way to stay safe when refueling at the gas station is to refrain from re-entering your vehicle after exiting it.
There’s a slim possibility you might build up a static charge. Although the odds of this charge igniting the fuel are extraordinarily low, it’s best to avoid courting disaster.
Stay outside until your gas tank is full. If you must re-enter your vehicle, try to discharge static electricity by touching something metal away from the nozzle.
Never Overfill the Tank
It’s a terrible idea to keep topping off your vehicle’s gas tank even after it’s full. Not only do you risk fuel spill but you also run the risk of damaging your vehicle’s onboard refueling vapor recovery system.
This system absorbs toxic gases when you refuel your vehicle. Without it, you expose yourself to harmful chemicals and put yourself at risk of various illnesses or worse.
Refrain From Smoking
One of the biggest causes of gas station accidents worldwide is cigarettes being lit too close to fuel pumps. Because of this, you should never, under any circumstances, use your lighter or light matches in a gas station — or any place with gasoline, for that matter.
All it takes is contact with an open flame for an entire station to explode.
Turn Off the Engine
Last but not least, don’t forget to turn off the engine before pumping gas. When refueling, always put your vehicle in park and set the emergency brake to keep it perfectly still.
Where to Get Quality Replacement Parts for Your Fuel System
If you find that you need to visit the gas station much too often, it’s likely not the gas pump’s fault. There might be something wrong with your vehicle’s fuel system. A leak in the system can waste you a lot of money in the long run, not to mention the hazards of gas puddles being left wherever you park. If you suspect a fuel system issue, ask a trusted mechanic to assess your vehicle right away. Thankfully, CarParts.com is here if you need replacement parts to repair your fuel system.
The CarParts.com catalog has a wide selection of quality aftermarket parts at different price points. Our built-in vehicle selector makes choosing the right parts easy. It’ll only show you parts guaranteed to fit your vehicle’s make and model. Our friendly and helpful customer service team is also on standby to offer you round-the-clock support. Place your order today using our convenient and secure checkout, and we’ll deliver your parts to your door in as fast as two business days. We even have a 60-day return policy to ensure you can order online with confidence.
Don’t waste money on leaking fuel. Place your order for a new fuel line or other fuel system parts at CarParts.com today.
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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.
