No, you should not fill your gas tank with the car's engine running. This practice is dangerous and is prohibited at most gas stations due to the risk of fire or explosion. The primary hazard stems from static electricity, which can build up and spark, igniting gasoline vapors. Additionally, a running engine generates heat and electrical activity that could potentially cause a fuel ignition. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), incidents involving static discharge at pumps are a leading cause of gas station fires, and leaving the engine on exacerbates this risk. It's also against many local laws and gas station policies, potentially resulting in fines.
From a technical perspective, modern vehicles have safety features, but gasoline is highly flammable, and vapors can accumulate quickly. The NFPA and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) recommend always turning off the engine, staying outside the vehicle, and touching a metal part of the car before handling the nozzle to discharge static. This minimizes the chance of accidents.
Here's a table with supporting data from U.S. safety reports on gas station incidents:
| Incident Cause | Annual Estimated Cases in the U.S. | Risk Level | Common Outcomes |
|---|
| Static electricity discharge | 150+ | High | Fire, minor injuries |
| Engine left running during refueling | 75 | Moderate to High | Vapor ignition, property damage |
| Smoking or open flames near pumps | 50 | Extreme | Explosions, fatalities |
| Re-entering vehicle during fueling | 100+ | Moderate | Static buildup, fires |
| Electrical faults in vehicle | 30 | Low to Moderate | Rare but severe incidents |
Beyond safety, idling your engine while refueling wastes fuel and increases emissions unnecessarily. For context, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that idling for more than 10 seconds uses more fuel than restarting the engine, contributing to air pollution. Always prioritize safety by shutting off the engine, engaging the parking brake, and avoiding distractions. If you're in a hurry, remember that the few seconds saved aren't worth the potential consequences. This advice is based on industry-wide standards aimed at protecting everyone at the pump.
