Should the Engine Be Turned Off When Refueling?

[Brianna]

When refueling a car, the engine should be turned off. The concentration of the fuel-air mixture around the vehicle's fuel tank increases, and if it encounters a spark, the gasoline molecules in the air can ignite, leading to a fire. Below are the hazards of refueling without turning off the engine and precautions to take when refueling: Hazards of Refueling Without Turning Off the Engine: When refueling at a gas station, if the vehicle's engine is not turned off, even though the car is stationary, the engine continues to run at high speed. A running engine inevitably involves electrical current flow, and if a short circuit or leakage occurs in the circuit at this time, it can be extremely dangerous. Precautions When 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 fueling begins. Additionally, if the gas station attendant has not turned off the fuel nozzle, the car must absolutely not be started during the refueling process.

[McTeagan]

Turning off the engine while refueling is absolutely essential, and I always do it because safety comes first. I remember last year at a gas station, I witnessed a minor incident that almost turned into a disaster: a driver was sitting in the car with the air conditioning on while waiting for the fuel to be pumped, and a little bit of gasoline vapor sprayed out. The spark from the nearby engine almost ignited it. A running engine has high internal temperatures and potential ignition sources, while gasoline is highly volatile. Any contact between the two could lead to an explosion or fire. This isn't just about personal safety—it affects everyone and every vehicle nearby. From an environmental perspective, turning off the engine also reduces emissions from idling and saves a bit of fuel. Developing the habit is simple: turn off the engine after parking, remove the key, and it's best to get out and stretch your legs. Safety is no small matter—never take risks for the sake of convenience. That little bit of time isn't worth the danger.

[DiRyan]

From an energy-saving perspective, turning off the engine while refueling is a wise move. After years of driving, I've noticed that idling the engine not only wastes fuel but also increases pollution. A vehicle consumes significantly more fuel when idling compared to being turned off, which can add up to unnecessary fuel expenses over time. More importantly, it leads to higher CO2 emissions, which is harmful to the environment. While some may prefer to keep the engine running for air conditioning or uninterrupted music, the high concentration of gasoline vapors at fueling stations poses a serious risk. In case of a leak or spark, the consequences could be catastrophic. I recommend making it a habit to turn off the engine regularly—this not only protects the car's engine from unnecessary wear but also contributes to environmental protection. Small actions like this during each refueling can accumulate into a significant impact, so don't overlook these minor details.

[DiMelanie]

It is a legal requirement and common sense to turn off the engine when refueling. I have personally witnessed gas station attendants reminding drivers to shut off their engines, otherwise they may be dissuaded or penalized. Many local regulations explicitly stipulate this because sparks generated by a running engine can ignite gasoline vapors, leading to serious accidents. For safety, after turning off the engine, do not linger inside the vehicle for too long; complete the refueling process promptly. If the engine is left running, a ruptured or leaking fuel line could cause an instant explosion. Simply put: turning off the engine takes just a few seconds, ensuring peace of mind and compliance with regulations. Following these rules reduces the risk of accidents and safeguards lives and property for both yourself and others.