Yes, you technically can get gas with your car's engine running, but it is a significant safety risk and strongly discouraged. The primary danger is the potential for a stray spark to ignite gasoline vapors, which can lead to a fire or explosion. While modern vehicles and gas pumps have safety features, the procedure of refueling inherently creates flammable vapor. Turning off the engine eliminates a major ignition source.
The risk isn't just theoretical. Safety organizations like the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) explicitly recommend shutting off your engine. Furthermore, it's often the law. Many states and local jurisdictions have ordinances that make it illegal to refuel a running vehicle, and you could be fined. Beyond the explosion hazard, a running engine can interfere with the vehicle's onboard vapor recovery system, potentially triggering a check engine light due to an incorrect pressure reading in the fuel tank.
From a purely practical standpoint, leaving the engine on wastes fuel and contributes to unnecessary emissions. There is no benefit to keeping it running. The few seconds it takes for the engine to restart are negligible compared to the safety hazard. The standard and only recommended procedure is simple: turn off the ignition, remove the keys from the ignition (if you’re leaving the vehicle), and then proceed to refuel. This applies to all vehicles, including hybrids, where the gas engine may cycle on and off; it's safest to ensure the vehicle is completely powered down.
| Safety Concern | Reason | Potential Consequence |
|---|
| Ignition Source | A running engine has hot components (exhaust manifold) and electrical systems that can create sparks. | Fire or explosion from igniting gasoline vapors. |
| Static Electricity Discharge | Moving in and out of the car while the engine runs can generate static electricity. | A spark from your hand to the pump nozzle can cause a flash fire. |
| Vapor Recovery System Malfunction | The vehicle's system that captures fuel vapors can be disrupted by the engine running. | False check engine light, increased evaporative emissions. |
| Legal Violation | Many state and local laws prohibit refueling a running vehicle. | Citation and fine from law enforcement. |
| Fuel Waste & Emissions | Idling the engine for several minutes consumes fuel unnecessarily. | Increased cost and environmental impact. |
