Is it safe to store butane gas canisters in a car?
3 Answers
It is not safe to store butane gas canisters in a car. Butane is a flammable and explosive gas, and hazardous materials should not be transported in vehicles. Here are relevant precautions: 1. Packaging and transportation: Butane gas is a flammable compressed gas. Therefore, special attention must be paid to its packaging and transportation. 2. Storage conditions: It should be stored in a cool, well-ventilated warehouse, with the temperature not exceeding 30°C, and kept away from open flames and heat sources. 3. Separate storage: To prevent direct sunlight exposure, it should be stored separately from oxygen, compressed air, and oxidizers. 4. Explosion-proof measures: Lighting, ventilation, and other facilities in the storage area should be explosion-proof, with switches located outside the warehouse.
As a professional who frequently deals with safety issues, I am well aware of the extreme danger of keeping butane gas canisters in a car. Butane is a flammable gas, and the temperature inside a closed vehicle can exceed 60 degrees Celsius under sunlight, increasing the pressure inside the canister, which may lead to leaks or explosions. A single spark or static electricity can ignite the entire vehicle. I have witnessed similar incidents on-site, where vehicles were burned out and people were injured. If you really need to carry it, such as for camping, use an insulated bag to protect the canister, place it near the trunk vent, and avoid direct sunlight. Remove it immediately after the trip and store it in a cool garage. Safety first—don’t invite trouble due to momentary negligence. Regularly check the canister for any damage or cracks, as these details can reduce risks.
As a seasoned driver with over 20 years of experience, I never recommend leaving butane gas canisters in the car. Once, on a picnic trip to the countryside, I forgot a canister on the back seat, and it leaked halfway, filling the car with a strange odor. I was so alarmed that I immediately pulled over to ventilate the car. I learned my lesson—cars experience significant shaking and rapid temperature changes, which can easily cause the canisters to rupture. Now, I only place them in the car on the day of the activity, ensuring they're tightly sealed and stored in the trunk, with the windows slightly open for ventilation while driving. I remove them immediately after the trip. For daily driving, it's wise to stay vigilant and keep a small fire extinguisher handy for peace of mind, preventing minor incidents from escalating into fires.
