Pumping gas is boring. Maybe you watch a minute of gas station TV while you’re waiting to hear the click of the nozzle, or you grab your phone to pass the time. While pumping gas might seem routine, gas pump mistakes are more common than you might think, and a moment’s distraction can put your safety at risk. Like distracted driving, distracted fueling can be dangerous. To understand more about gas pump mistakes and the fire hazards that go along with them, check out the things you should stop doing right now by reading below.
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| Smoking a cigarette while pumping gas is the biggest fire risk there is. One loose ember can ignite gasoline vapors in the air, setting anything and everything nearby on fire. If a fire does start, DO NOT REMOVE THE GAS NOZZLE. Back away immediately and alert the store attendant so they can shut off the fuel. |
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| Reentering your vehicle while it’s fueling up is a no-no. Getting in and out of your vehicle builds up static electricity on your body, which you could then transfer to the gas pump’s nozzle. That tiny spark can start a fire. To discharge any static before reaching for the pump handle, touch something metal, like your vehicle door. |
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| Driving away with the nozzle attached is another danger that’s caused by distraction. Although breakaway nozzles stop fuel from spilling, you could be on the hook for repairs — remember, gas stations have cameras. Stay alert as you leave the gas station, making sure the nozzle is secured to the gas pump — your wallet will thank you. |
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| Contrary to popular belief, using a cellphone near a gas pump can't start a fire, but checking your email or social media can still be risky. Retailers say that a high percentage of people who drive off with the nozzle attached to their cars is the result of drivers being distracted by being on the phones. |
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| Topping off the tank is another thing you should never do. That’s because automatic shutoff valves are there for a reason — gasoline needs room to expand, and overfilling the tank can build up pressure that could lead to a dangerous leak. Besides, you’re likely to spill a few drops as you get them into your tank, and that’s not very cost efficient. When the automatic shutoff clicks, stop pumping and put the nozzle back on the pump. |
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| Leaving your car running as you refuel is not a good idea. Gas vapors can mix with heat or static electricity, increasing the risk of fire — especially in colder, drier months. Double-check to make sure your car is in park and the keys are out of the ignition before you reach for the nozzle. |
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| Putting diesel fuel in an unleaded-gas tank is a mistake you want to avoid. Diesel pumps are clearly labeled with bright green handles, and the nozzles typically don’t fit into standard gas tanks. Still, accidents happen. If you accidentally put diesel into an unleaded gas tank, your car won’t run right, if it runs at all. Diesel doesn’t ignite the same way unleaded and regular gasoline do, so your engine will likely knock, misfire or not tart. Diesel is thicker than plain gas, and it could clog your fuel injectors, filters and other engine components. It’s an expensive screw-up, so if you accidentally add diesel to your non-diesel tank, turn the engine off immediately and contact a mechanic to drain it before driving. |
