What are the hazards of filling up the gas tank in summer?
2 Answers
The hazards of filling up the gas tank in summer are as follows: 1. Fuel leakage can easily cause fires: The fuel at gas stations is stored underground where temperatures are lower. In hot summer, due to thermal expansion, if the tank is filled too full, fuel may overflow from the vent hole. Overflowing gasoline coming into contact with an open flame can easily lead to fires or even explosions. 2. Easy to clog the vent hole: Once the vent hole is clogged, negative pressure will form inside the fuel tank, leading to poor fuel supply or even a complete cutoff. 3. Harm to the carbon canister: The carbon canister is usually installed between the gasoline tank and the engine. If the tank is overfilled, liquid gasoline instead of gasoline vapor enters the carbon canister, causing damage to it. 4. Gasoline evaporation can cause cancer: The activated carbon canister is generally located near the fresh air intake for the cabin. When the tank is overfilled, the carbon canister becomes saturated, and excessive pressure causes it to release gas containing gasoline components into the cabin. The components of gasoline vapor have been proven to contain carcinogens such as benzene. Prolonged exposure can harm the health of passengers.
I often commute by car in the summer and find that filling up the tank is really a trap. Gasoline expands in high temperatures, and an overfilled tank can easily overflow. I once encountered a situation where I found oil leaking from the bottom of my car after driving around post-refueling. This not only wastes money but also dirties the ground, making cleanup a hassle. Moreover, thermal expansion of gasoline leads to fuel loss, meaning you pay for more than you actually get, without any increase in driving range. I recommend not filling the tank completely in summer—around 90% is ideal. This avoids waste and reduces internal tank pressure. Additionally, regularly checking the fuel cap's seal is crucial, as prolonged heat buildup can damage components, and repairs aren't cheap. Now that it's hot, I follow this practice every time, feeling more at ease and saving a bit on fuel costs.
