Should gas cylinders be placed horizontally or vertically in private cars?
3 Answers
Gas cylinders should be placed vertically in private cars, unless they are specially designed for horizontal placement. Otherwise, transporting gas cylinders in private cars is extremely dangerous, as private sedans are generally not specialized vehicles for transporting hazardous materials. A car trunk is not a safe: Valuable items such as cash, expensive digital products, premium liquor, and cigarettes should not be casually stored in the trunk. Hazardous materials are prohibited in the trunk: Storing lighters, gas cylinders, or adhesive materials in the car trunk can easily lead to spontaneous combustion or explosions. For your own safety, never store these hazardous items in the car trunk. Food items should not be stored in the trunk for long periods: Due to high temperatures inside the car, food can spoil quickly and produce unpleasant odors. Excessively heavy items: Long-term storage of heavy items can overload the trunk, affect the suspension, and increase vehicle load and fuel consumption. Make rational use of a spacious trunk: Develop the habit of organizing items systematically.
Once when I helped my neighbor transport a gas cylinder, I specifically asked a friend who does professional transportation. He said it must be placed upright and never laid flat. This is because the liquefied gas inside the cylinder is in liquid form, and the valve at the top is designed to release gas only when the cylinder is upright. If laid flat, the liquid could block the valve, leading to a large leak that fills the car with gas fumes, which is extremely dangerous. Moreover, if the cylinder is laid flat, the jostling during driving could easily damage the valve, which is very risky. It's best to secure it upright in a corner, tightly fastened to prevent it from tipping over. Crack a window for ventilation, and be extra cautious in summer when the trunk gets hot—unload it as soon as you arrive.
I've been driving for over a decade and have seen many accidents caused by improper handling of gas cylinders. The most crucial thing is to keep them upright—laying them flat is absolutely unacceptable. Most of the content in a gas cylinder is liquid, and if placed horizontally, the valve can easily leak liquid, which can explode upon encountering even a small spark. The confined space of a car cabin allows gas concentration to reach explosive limits quickly. Remember to secure the cylinder tightly in a corner using seat belts or ropes to prevent it from rolling around during braking. It's best to avoid using the air recirculation mode during transport and to keep the windows slightly open. If the cylinder is too old or shows signs of rust, don't take the risk—safety should always come first.
