Can a Car Fuel Tank Fire Be Extinguished with Water?
2 Answers
Fuel tank fires cannot be extinguished with water. Since oil has a lower density than water, attempting to put out a fuel tank fire with water will cause the oil to float on the water's surface and continue burning, creating a spreading fire that is difficult to control and more dangerous. During actual refueling, the amount of fuel may exceed the marked capacity. This is because the fuel tank capacity specified by car manufacturers is measured from the bottom of the tank to the safety limit level. There is additional space between the safety limit and the tank opening, designed to allow for fuel expansion when temperatures rise, preventing overflow. If fuel is filled up to the tank opening during refueling, the actual amount of fuel added will exceed the marked tank capacity. Methods to open the fuel tank: Mechanical key opening: Typically found in some rugged off-road vehicles, this method is rarely used in modern family cars due to its relative complexity. In-car switch method: The location of the fuel tank switch varies by model. It may be found on the floor to the left of the driver's seat, on the left front door panel, or on the center console, usually marked with a fuel pump icon. However, note that the in-car switch can easily lead to drivers forgetting to turn off the engine before refueling, so it's important to remember to shut off the engine before refueling. Push-button opening method: The push-button fuel tank door is currently the most convenient option. The driver simply parks the car, and the fuel attendant can press the button to open the tank for refueling. However, when not parked for refueling, remember to engage the central locking system; otherwise, the fuel tank cap can be opened.
As a responsible family car owner, I place great emphasis on safety. If a car's fuel tank catches fire, never try to extinguish it with water. I learned this from personal experience: once in a parking lot, I saw a car with a small fire, and someone tried to pour water on it, causing the flames to suddenly shoot up high, nearly injuring people. The reason is simple: gasoline is an oil-based substance with a lower density than water. When water is poured on it, the oil floats and spreads, making the fire worse. The correct method is to use a dry powder or foam fire extinguisher to put out the fire, or quickly evacuate the area and call 119 for help. I always keep a small fire extinguisher in my car and teach my children how to stay away from danger. For prevention, I regularly check the fuel tank cap and fuel lines for leaks and avoid parking near heat sources. These small habits can truly save lives—safety is no trivial matter, and being prepared is always the right thing to do.
