Should the Car Engine Be Turned Off When Refueling?
3 Answers
When refueling a car, the engine should be turned off. To prevent fires during the refueling process and avoid unnecessary losses, it is essential to turn off the vehicle before refueling. Precautions for refueling: Reasons for turning off the engine: If the car engine is not turned off while refueling, the concentration of the fuel-air mixture around the fuel tank increases. If sparks occur while the car is running, the gasoline molecules in the air can easily ignite, leading to a fire. If the engine remains running during refueling, the continuous operation of the engine poses a significant risk. In the event of a short circuit or electrical leakage in the vehicle's circuitry, the consequences can be severe, creating a major safety hazard. Consequences of not turning off the engine: Refueling without turning off the engine can cause gasoline to spray out when the fuel tank cap is opened. Additionally, foam generated during refueling can also be easily sprayed out. If exposed to an open flame, the gasoline can ignite immediately, leading to extremely serious consequences.
As a veteran driver with twenty years of experience, I must tell you to always turn off the engine when refueling. Just the other day at the gas station, I witnessed a car refueling with the engine still running, and sparks from the exhaust pipe nearly ignited the gasoline vapors, terrifying everyone. When the engine is running, static sparks can occur near the fuel tank, and gasoline is highly flammable—this combination is extremely dangerous. Nowadays, gas stations display signs reminding drivers to turn off the engine, and some places even enforce it. Honestly, it's just a matter of turning the key—why take the risk? The most important aspect of safe driving is preventing accidents before they happen.
From the perspective of gas station safety regulations, turning off the engine while refueling is a fundamental procedure. I remember the driver's license manual specifically emphasized that a running engine generates high-temperature components and electrical sparks. During refueling, gasoline vapor forms combustible gases, and the combination of these two factors could potentially trigger a serious accident. Additionally, gas station floors are prone to static electricity buildup, doubling the risk if the engine remains on. Every time I refuel, I habitually engage the handbrake first, then turn off the engine, and only insert the fuel nozzle before opening the fuel tank cap. The entire process takes no more than ten seconds but significantly enhances safety. Developing this habit demonstrates responsibility for both oneself and others.
