Is it okay to only turn off the engine but not the power when refueling?
2 Answers
When refueling, it is not advisable to only turn off the engine without cutting the power. You should park the car, turn off the engine, and shut down the power. During refueling, the concentration of gasoline vapor in the air at the gas station is relatively high, and the fuel tank is in an open state, which increases the oxygen content inside. If an electrical device short-circuits and generates sparks, it can easily ignite the gasoline, leading to serious consequences. Below are some precautions for car refueling: Avoid overfilling the tank: If the tank is overfilled with gasoline, the high temperatures in summer combined with the heat generated by the car itself can cause the gasoline to expand. Overfilling may lead to gasoline overflowing through the vent hole, which, upon contact with an open flame, can result in spontaneous combustion with unimaginable consequences. Additionally, spilled gasoline can corrode the car body. Avoid waiting until the fuel gauge light comes on to refuel: While driving, always monitor the fuel gauge. When the indicator shows only a quarter of the tank remaining, it’s time to refuel. It’s best not to wait until the fuel light comes on. Frequently refueling only when the light is on can prevent the fuel pump from receiving proper lubrication and cooling, ultimately shortening its lifespan. If the tank remains empty for too long, the temperature difference between the inside and outside can cause moisture to form inside the tank, leading to corrosion, degraded fuel quality, and increased engine burden.
As a safety-conscious driver, I often share vehicle maintenance tips with my friends. Keeping the ignition on while refueling may seem harmless, but it actually poses significant hidden dangers. Although the engine is off, if the key remains in the ON position, the vehicle's electrical systems may still be active—such as the fan running or the dashboard lights staying on. These devices can generate small sparks or accumulate static electricity during operation, while fuel vapors are highly concentrated during refueling, creating a fire hazard. I once witnessed a minor fire at a service station caused by this very issue—luckily, it was extinguished in time. That's why I strongly recommend always removing the key or turning off the ignition switch when refueling, following the prominent warning signs at gas stations. This habit might seem tedious, but it’s lifesaving. Once formed, it becomes second nature—why not adopt it? Safety comes first; don’t risk major consequences for minor convenience.
