Why Do You Need to Turn Off the Engine When Refueling?

[StReid]

Turning off the engine during refueling is to prevent ignition and explosion. Gasoline is an electrolyte, classified as a flammable substance with high volatility. When refueling at a gas station, the concentration of fuel vapor mixed with air around the fuel tank increases significantly. Combined with the fact that gas stations are already dense areas of fuel vapor, it becomes extremely easy to reach the explosive limit. Once the explosive limit is reached, even static electricity—let alone an open flame—can trigger an explosion. If the engine is left running, it continues to operate at high speed, and the vehicle's electrical current flows normally. In this state, any electrical leakage could be extremely hazardous. Additionally, while the engine is running, the exhaust pipe continuously emits tailpipe emissions, often accompanied by sparks. If gasoline were to drip onto the exhaust pipe at this moment, it could easily catch fire.

[OArcher]

I've been driving for almost 30 years, and I always turn off the engine before refueling at gas stations—a habit I learned from past accident lessons. When the engine is running, internal rotating parts generate heat and sparks, especially in older cars which are more prone to issues. If gasoline vapors leak and reach a high concentration, they can easily trigger an explosion with unimaginable consequences. Early on, I saw a news report about a case where someone didn’t turn off their engine while refueling, and the car suddenly caught fire, burning down the entire gas station and injuring people—it was a nightmare. Additionally, a running engine increases the risk of static electricity, which could cause a dangerous discharge during refueling. Safety regulations clearly state: the engine must be turned off to prevent fires. Nowadays, I not only stick to this practice myself but also advise friends to turn off the engine, engage the handbrake before entering the station, and even set a reminder on their phones. Such small actions can truly save lives—don’t skip those few minutes for safety.

[StNaomi]

I believe turning off the engine while refueling is not just basic safety, but also about environmental protection and energy conservation. As a daily driver, I focus on reducing emissions. Keeping the engine running continuously emits exhaust fumes that pollute the air, especially in semi-enclosed spaces like gas stations. Inhaling these fumes is unhealthy, and over time, it exacerbates climate change. Modern cars are designed with energy-saving systems, and start-stop technology exists precisely to achieve zero emissions when stationary. Similarly, turning off the engine while refueling saves fuel and avoids unnecessary consumption. Statistics show that the risk of fire surges by 30% when the engine is running, and the consequences of igniting vapor can be severe. So every time after refueling, I always make it a habit to turn off the engine before stepping out to operate. Once it becomes a habit, it's incredibly simple and gives me much more peace of mind. Sharing this tip with young drivers to protect the planet together.

[DelAllison]

Why turn off the engine when refueling? The core reason is to prevent danger. A running engine generates heat and sparks, and gasoline vapor can ignite instantly, significantly increasing the risk of explosion if the engine is left on. I remember a friend at the repair shop warning me: turbochargers also reach high temperatures and can be ignition sources. Additionally, operating the fuel nozzle can generate static electricity, and accidental discharge could have serious consequences. Following the rule to turn off the engine is simple and helps avoid accidents and fines. When pulling into the station, shut it off before starting to refuel—safety first.