Should You Turn Off the Engine Before Opening the Fuel Tank Cap When Refueling?
2 Answers
When refueling, you should turn off the engine before opening the fuel tank cap because the fuel tank contains a fuel pump, and opening the cap while the engine is running can create a hazardous situation due to exposure to external air. Therefore, it is essential to turn off the engine first. The automotive fuel tank, also known as the car fuel tank, operates on the following design principles: 1. Utilizing the heat generated by the engine during operation, a thermal circulation system is added between the engine, fuel tank, and radiator; 2. The original single fuel tank is redesigned into a combined fuel tank consisting of a main tank and an auxiliary tank; 3. A water heater is installed at the bottom of the fuel tank to use the engine's heat to warm the main tank; 4. The fuel supply pipe of the main tank and the oil pipe of the auxiliary tank are connected to the engine's fuel system through a fuel switching valve. The auxiliary tank is used when starting the car, and after driving 5 to 8 kilometers, the switching valve is activated to switch the fuel supply to the main tank.
I've been driving for nearly thirty years and have gained a lot of experience when it comes to refueling. Every time I go to the gas station, I always turn off the engine completely and shut down the car before getting out to open the fuel tank cap. Why? Because a running engine generates heat and potential sparks, along with static electricity risks. Gasoline vapors can easily ignite when exposed to these factors, posing a high danger. I remember one rainy day when I forgot to turn off the engine before opening the cap, and I heard a small popping sound—it startled me, but thankfully nothing serious happened. Since then, I’ve made it a habit: after parking, I ensure the engine is completely off, wait a few seconds for the heat to dissipate, and then slowly open the fuel tank cap. While refueling, I also recommend touching the car body or a metal pole to discharge static electricity. These small details may seem minor, but they are crucial for safety. Making them a habit can prevent major accidents, protecting both yourself and others.
