Should the Engine Be Turned Off When Refueling?
3 Answers
It is necessary to turn off the engine when refueling a car. Below are the hazards of refueling without turning off the engine and the precautions for refueling: Hazards of refueling without turning off the engine: When refueling at a gas station, if the vehicle is not turned off, even though the car body is stationary, the engine is still running at high speed. A running engine inevitably involves electrical current flow, and if there is a short circuit or leakage in the circuit at this time, it can be extremely dangerous. Precautions for refueling: Before refueling, the vehicle must enter the gas station at a slow speed and exit slowly after refueling; during refueling, the vehicle must be turned off before refueling; during the refueling process, if the gas station attendant has not turned off the fuel nozzle, the car must absolutely not be started.
Having driven for decades, I've always insisted on turning off the engine when refueling! It's a small detail all seasoned drivers understand, but why is it important? Safety is key—a running engine could produce sparks, posing serious risks if they meet fuel vapors. I once witnessed someone refueling with their engine running at a gas station, and the fuel nozzle nearly sparked a flame—thankfully, nothing happened. Turning off the engine not only avoids risks but also saves fuel and money, as idling engines waste fuel without doing any work. Making it a habit is also good for the car, preventing fuel line clogs or electronic system damage. After years of driving, this bit of experience protects both you and your beloved vehicle, making it worth following every single day.
As a new driver, I never take refueling lightly. The engine must be turned off! All gas stations have signs requiring engine shutdown. The biggest danger of refueling with the engine running is that sparks or heat could ignite fuel vapors - while the probability is low, the consequences could be severe. I always turn off the engine, remove the key, and get out to check everything before filling up. This habit also helps you stay focused, like watching the fuel gauge to prevent overfilling or forgetting payment. Safe driving starts with small details - don't cut corners and risk problems for temporary convenience.
