Can You Put Gas In A Running Car?

Can you pump gas with your car on or will something bad happen? This is a common question at our service department, and though the results are not often as dramatic as urban legends say, it is true that putting gas in a running car is a bad idea. Find out why it’s important to turn off the engine before you pump, and get more service tips from Major World Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram!

Can You Pump Gas with Your Car On?

Can you pump gas with your car on? Yes, there is no safety mechanism in place to prevent you from adding gas to a running vehicle. But, is it bad to put gas in a running car? The answer is yes yet again. You may have noticed signs at the gas station warning drivers from fueling up with the engine on, and there’s a good reason. While many East Hill and Manhattan drivers do it anyway with no consequences, there’s a possibility of causing significant damage.

Is It Bad to Put Gas in a Running Car?

So, what’s the worst that can happen? Pumping your gas with the engine running can lead to a fire. How does this happen? 

• When you grab the pump and start filling up your tank, gas vapors are emitted.
• Running cars produce a large amount of heat and electricity.
• When gas vapors run into heat or electricity, they can ignite and cause a fire.

What Else Should I Avoid?

Static electricity can also ignite gas vapors, causing a fire to start in front of your eyes. We recommend touching a surface to discharge static electricity before you grab the gas pump. This is a quick and simple preventative measure that can prevent flash fires.

The easiest way to prevent unexpected calamity is to get in and get out. Don’t smoke, vape, or play with your phone when you’re pumping gas. All of these tasks introduce more static, heat, and electricity into the environment. It’s not worth the risk, so stay on task when you’re at the gas stations around Westbury.

Get More Service Tips From Major World Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

Want more tips and tricks from our service department? Contact us with any questions about car safety, and feel free to stop by our dealership for your next maintenance appointment. From sales to service, we have everything that you need for top-notch travels in Long Island City!