Can Butane Gas Canisters Be Stored Inside a Car?
3 Answers
Butane gas canisters should not be stored inside a car. The canisters contain flammable gas, which is a highly combustible and explosive material, making it unsafe to keep in a vehicle. Storage of butane gas canisters: The storage temperature must not exceed 40 degrees Celsius. They should be kept in a cool, well-ventilated area, away from open flames and heat sources. Direct sunlight must be avoided, and they should be stored separately from oxygen, compressed air, and oxidizing agents. Lighting and ventilation facilities in the storage area should be explosion-proof, with switches located outside the storage room. Precautions: Most butane stoves use a regulating valve that senses pressure inside the valve body and gas canister. The pressure changes cause the explosion-proof rod inside the regulating valve to act accordingly. If the pressure becomes too high without the regulating valve's explosion-proof mechanism, the excessive pressure in the canister and valve could lead to an explosion. When safety devices are present, the explosion-proof rod inside the regulating valve will respond to excessively high pressure by either triggering the canister lever or cutting off the gas inlet/outlet to prevent further pressure buildup and potential hazards.
I've noticed many camping enthusiasts share similar concerns about transporting butane gas canisters for weekend road trips. From my experience, short-distance transport in the trunk is generally fine, but never leave them directly on sun-exposed seats. Last summer my car thermometer showed over 60°C - at such extreme temperatures even metal cans can deform. Always store canisters upright in crates with slots, using impact-resistant foam as dividers. Upon reaching the campsite, immediately move the canisters to shaded areas - never leave them in enclosed vehicles. If you detect a gas odor indicating leakage, ventilate the area immediately.
As a veteran driver with twenty years of experience, I often take my family on outings for picnics. Canister stoves can technically be carried in a car, but three key precautions must be taken: first, avoid exposing the canisters to heat—keep them away from heating vents in winter and far from windows in summer; second, storing them in the trunk is safer than inside the cabin, as they won’t become projectiles in a collision; third, never carry more than necessary—usually, four canisters or fewer is considered safe. Once, I saw a neighboring car securing canisters with rubber bands, which is highly risky as vibration and friction can generate sparks. I recommend using dedicated storage compartments and regularly checking the canisters for rust or deformation.
