Car running while filling it....

[stinkynathan]

Originally posted by: mobobuff

Originally posted by: torpid
Better question... why would anyone leave it running? Leaving your car running while filling up the gas tank is self-defeating, because you are wasting gas. The only reason I can think to do it is if your car was just jump started, or your family is in the car and really likes the britney song playing on the radio.

Where do you live, just out of curiousity.

no kidding! When it's -20F with a 30 mph wind you better believe i'm going to leave my truck running

 

[dainthomas]

Originally posted by: torpid
Better question... why would anyone leave it running? Leaving your car running while filling up the gas tank is self-defeating, because you are wasting gas. The only reason I can think to do it is if your car was just jump started, or your family is in the car and really likes the britney song playing on the radio.

Umm, I left it running when I lived in ND. Who'd want to shut their car off when it's -15? IIRC, my car never exploded either.

I know Mythbusters isn't always scientifically accurate or whatever, but they did throw a lit cigarette into a puddle of gasoline and nothing happened. So I'd say it's OK.

 

[halik]

DIAF

'nuff said

 

[AMCRambler]

Backfire out the tail pipe could ignite the fumes that are created when you pump. Other than that I dont think much else could happen.

 

[Rock Hydra]

on a slightly off topic note, I've seen someone drive off with the nozzle in the car, it flung out, sprayed gas everywhere and whipped around and hit some guy in the back.

 

[Kelemvor]

Originally posted by: RiverDog

Originally posted by: Jeff7

Originally posted by: Kelemvor
Most gas pumps now have a vapor recovery system built in that sucks up the gas fumes so there really is no danger these days in all practical purposes. But they still have signs telling you to turn off the car and stop using your cell phone and everything but it's more just leftover from reasons from years ago. Kind of like the idea to change your oil every 3000 miles. Can't teach an old dog new tricks.

Really? Maybe in your state. I'm in Pennsylvania, and I have never seen anything with a vapor recovery system - the gas vapor coming out while refueling is dense enough that it produces very visible distortions in the air.

www.pabulletin.com/secure/data/vol29/29-15/584.html - 32k

Pa has had vapor recovery rules since 1998 for a lot of the stations. I see these systems nearly every time i fill up.

And I'm in WI:
http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/aw/air/tech/stageII.htm

 

[torpid]

Originally posted by: mobobuff

Originally posted by: torpid
Better question... why would anyone leave it running? Leaving your car running while filling up the gas tank is self-defeating, because you are wasting gas. The only reason I can think to do it is if your car was just jump started, or your family is in the car and really likes the britney song playing on the radio.

Where do you live, just out of curiousity.

I live in wisconsin, where it is regularly cold in the winter. The 3 minutes the car is off is not going to make a big difference if I keep the doors closed. I suppose if you are filling up at the beginning of a trip where your car had been left outside and you would like it to keep warming up while you are outside, that would be a reason, assuming you are cheap and/or stupid and don't have proper winter gear to stay warm. But if you are cheap and/or stupid, I am not sure how you are going to tolerate the 3 minutes outside. Maybe you are going to crouch behind your car next to the exhaust to keep warm.

 

[TheChort]

my friend in armenia ... 25yo ... has left his car on at the pump all his life. And in Armenia, most people drive Russian cars and most are over 10 years old. The pumps look like they could be from the 70's.

When I mentioned to him that it might be dangerous he was like, really? So I guess it's never been a problem for them.

 

[mobobuff]

Originally posted by: torpid

Originally posted by: mobobuff

Originally posted by: torpid
Better question... why would anyone leave it running? Leaving your car running while filling up the gas tank is self-defeating, because you are wasting gas. The only reason I can think to do it is if your car was just jump started, or your family is in the car and really likes the britney song playing on the radio.

Where do you live, just out of curiousity.

I live in wisconsin, where it is regularly cold in the winter. The 3 minutes the car is off is not going to make a big difference if I keep the doors closed. I suppose if you are filling up at the beginning of a trip where your car had been left outside and you would like it to keep warming up while you are outside, that would be a reason, assuming you are cheap and/or stupid and don't have proper winter gear to stay warm. But if you are cheap and/or stupid, I am not sure how you are going to tolerate the 3 minutes outside. Maybe you are going to crouch behind your car next to the exhaust to keep warm.

Haha. :laugh: Fair enough.

 

[TheChort]

I remember hearing that turning on your car use up more gas than leaving it on for 3 minutes.

 

[funboy6942]

It can ASSPLODE!

The gas itself will not go boom but the fumes will. Because you car is running there is a slight chance it will cause a spark to asscure between the filler nozzle and the rim of the tank filler neck, because the car is running there is an electrical current running throughout, the car, all it takes is one tiny little spark between the two to make it go boom . If that were to happen the fumes coming from the tank will ASSPOLDE the trapped vapors in the tank causing your vehicle to burst into assflames, with you along in it. Hence why you are to shut your car off when filling the tank, and why when filling gas cans you are to fill them while they are on the ground.

 

[amdhunter]

Newer Honda's have a retarded fuel sensor light on the dashboard that can go on if you fill it up while the engine is running. Damn light will stay on for days afterward, and if it doesn't, Honda charges $100 tor reset it.

That's all the reason I need to turn my car off. lol

 

[Raduque]

Originally posted by: supafly
FWIW my friend fills up his truck (diesel) while it's running. He says it's safe to do it with diesel.

This is true, diesel needs a very high temperature to ignite. My dad once put out a lit cigarette in a pail full of diesel fuel.

And I just have one thing to say on the whole "engine running while filling up" situation - If a running engine caused an explosion while filling up, what about all the running cars that are driving around the gas station parking lot? Each one is a bomb on wheels just WAITING to esplode! :shocked:

 

[beer]

Originally posted by: amdhunter
Newer Honda's have a retarded fuel sensor light on the dashboard that can go on if you fill it up while the engine is running. Damn light will stay on for days afterward, and if it doesn't, Honda charges $100 tor reset it.

That's all the reason I need to turn my car off. lol

wow that makes me NOT want to own a honda.

Cars trying to piss you off.
Cars just need to quit whining about everything.