Why Should You Avoid Refueling on Rainy Days?
2 Answers
Because gasoline and diesel are flammable and explosive liquids, they generate fuel vapor during the refueling process. During thunderstorms, the increase in electrical ions in the air may ignite the fuel vapor, which is why gas stations generally do not allow refueling during severe thunderstorms. In rainy weather, the fuel nozzle may introduce stray currents into the car's fuel tank, increasing the movement of unstable gasoline molecules and creating potential safety hazards such as fires or explosions. Below are some precautions for refueling your car: 1. Fuel Cap Location: Knowing the fuel cap location is essential. If you don’t confirm its position before refueling, you might waste time repositioning the car. 2. Gasoline Grade: Gasoline comes in several types, each with different component ratios, leading to varying performance. Always check the gasoline grade before refueling. 3. Mixing Gasoline: Some vehicles have higher gasoline requirements. If the required grade is unavailable, mixing gasoline for a short period usually has minimal impact, though lower-grade gasoline may cause higher knocking, with little other effect.
I remember one time when I went to refuel on a rainy day and almost caused a spark accident due to static electricity. The rain was falling on me, and fuel vapors were easily released into the air. A careless touch of the fuel nozzle could have ignited it—it was so dangerous. On rainy days, the ground is slippery, and if you slip or spill fuel, you could harm yourself or others. The gas station attendant often reminds me that static electricity is a common issue on rainy days, and water can also seep into the fuel tank, contaminating the fuel and affecting engine performance. It's best to wait for a sunny day to refuel and wear cotton clothes to reduce friction, ensuring safety and peace of mind. Over the years, I've learned to avoid rainy days for refueling. Developing this habit has made driving more reassuring and helped me avoid unnecessary maintenance troubles.
