What are the effects of forgetting to turn off the engine while refueling?

[DelJaxson]

Forgetting to turn off the engine while refueling does not actually cause any adverse effects on the vehicle, nor does it damage its components. However, it may lead to gasoline explosions, posing safety hazards to people at the gas station. When the car is not turned off, the engine is running at high temperatures, and the vehicle's electrical circuits and equipment are also in operation. If there is an electrical leakage, even a small spark can easily cause a fire or explosion at the gas station. Additionally, with the engine running, the fuel pump remains active, and the large amount of foam generated in the fuel tank may spray out as the fuel level rises. If there is a spark nearby, it could ignite or even cause an explosion. While the car is running, the exhaust pipe continues to emit exhaust gases. On one hand, the exhaust pipe is very hot, and on the other, it may also emit sparks, creating another safety hazard. Moreover, after refueling, it is essential to ensure that the attendant has removed the fuel nozzle and securely closed the fuel tank cap before driving away from the gas station.

[DiLila]

Once while driving into a gas station, I forgot to turn off the engine, which was still running with a humming sound. Later, a friend warned me about the fire hazard, as gasoline vapors can easily be ignited by engine sparks, potentially causing an explosion. This not only poses a threat to vehicle safety but could also harm others. Now, I've developed the habit of turning off the engine every time I refuel to avoid any potential dangers. Additionally, in some places, refueling with the engine running is illegal and can result in fines, disrupting travel plans. Refueling with the engine on also wastes fuel, reduces efficiency, and is harmful to the environment. In short, safety comes first—a small action like turning off the engine can prevent major troubles. I recommend sticking a reminder note on the fuel cap to help remember this crucial step.

[DelKaden]

From a technical perspective, refueling while the engine is running does not cause direct mechanical damage to the vehicle itself, such as immediate engine failure, but it leads to unnecessary fuel consumption and increased emissions. When I was learning about automotive knowledge, I understood that unstable engine RPM during operation results in higher fuel consumption and emits more pollutants like hydrocarbons, which are harmful to the environment. The safety risks are even greater, as gasoline vapors combined with electrical sparks can ignite rapidly. I once saw a simulation experiment showing this could trigger a massive fire. Therefore, developing the habit of turning off the engine is essential—it's not only a legal requirement but also protects us. Before every refueling, I check the engine status to ensure it's completely off, avoiding any accidents. This also improves daily driving efficiency and reduces environmental pollution.

[LilyDella]

Forgetting to turn off the engine while refueling is harmful to the environment, increasing air pollution and emitting more harmful gases such as carbon dioxide, which affects climate change. Personally, I place great emphasis on environmental protection. These small habits add up over time, and turning off the engine during refueling can reduce emissions and help protect the blue sky. In terms of safety, a running engine can produce sparks, which may ignite gasoline and pose a fire hazard. I suggest taking a deep breath before each refueling to remind yourself to turn off the engine. While this won’t damage your car’s hardware, protecting lives is more important. If you consistently fail to turn off the engine, you might also be caught by surveillance cameras and fined, affecting your daily commute.

[MirandaAnn]

In daily life, forgetting to turn off the engine while refueling may seem like a minor issue, but it carries significant hidden risks. I once experienced this firsthand—the engine was running, and the gas station attendant quickly reminded me, which gave me quite a scare. Gasoline vapors combined with sparks can easily ignite, posing risks to both the car and people. Legally, many countries, such as the United States, prohibit refueling without turning off the engine, and violations can result in fines and impact driving records. Technically, keeping the engine running wastes fuel, increases pollutant emissions, and reduces vehicle efficiency. It's best to develop the habit of turning off the engine before arriving at the gas station to ensure safety and peace of mind. Such a small action can prevent major incidents, protecting both yourself and the environment.