I left the car on while pumping gas yesterday

[IamFogHat]

So I was visiting my chick in Jersey, and I'm not used to the attendants pumping it for you up there, so the change in routine I guess made me forget to turn off my car and I didn't realize it till the end.
So my question is, how dangerous was that and how stupid am I?

[Foster]

So I was visiting my chick in Jersey, and I'm not used to the attendants pumping it for you up there, so the change in routine I guess made me forget to turn off my car and I didn't realize it till the end.
So my question is, how dangerous was that and how stupid am I?

my god! we're all lucky to be alive
you could of set off a change reaction that would have destroyed the east coast

[EliSnow]

So I was visiting my chick in Jersey, and I'm not used to the attendants pumping it for you up there, so the change in routine I guess made me forget to turn off my car and I didn't realize it till the end.
So my question is, how dangerous was that and how stupid am I?

I'd say I do this about 50% of the time, most of it making the decision to do so.

Maybe it's a mistake, but I've never heard of any accidents caused by doing so.

[Hottub]

http://media.tbo.com/photos/trib/2008/feb/020608fire2.jpg

[Space Edge]

I have done this before but I guess it is possible that a static electric charge could have set off a fire.

[Chimee]

It hasn't killed me yet.

[DolaMight]

I'd say I do this about 50% of the time, most of it making the decision to do so.

Maybe it's a mistake, but I've never heard of any accidents caused by doing so.

eli's car
http://www.divinemotorsport.co.uk/site_content/site_divinemotorsport/images/products/product_1261_1.jpg

[Space Edge]

According to Yahoo Answers the following could happen

A - the running engine is a source of ignition for gas fumes. Fumes at the station are strongest while you are pumping. Any voltage leak under the hood, from a worn plug wire, or other sources, and BOOM!
B - gas fumes can travel along the ground, plug gas gets spilled on occasion. You exhaust system on a running vehicle is red hot, and can cause fire or explosion. Believe it or not, the few minutes you have the car shut off, that exhaust system can cool off by a couple of hundred degrees.
C - it is illegal most places to pump gas while the engine is running, and the attendant is required by law to turn your pump off if you do not shut your engine off.

Talk to your local fire department if you doubt what I say.

D - leaving the car idling is an ignorant waste of resources. Even if it weren't dangerous, at today's prices, there is no excuse for such wastefulness.
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080830090415AAQhZYF

[Team_Ramrod]

I'd say I do this about 50% of the time, most of it making the decision to do so.

Maybe it's a mistake, but I've never heard of any accidents caused by doing so.


There's not as much risk if it's a diesel vehicle; gas vehicles are much more prone to starting on fire. It's not a wise decision to leave your vehicle running while you are fuelling regardless of the fuel type.

This is from last winter at pumps right across from my work. My office is the grey building in the background.

Dude left his truck running.

http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/7483/burnls3.jpg

[underdog]

I don't think I've shut my car off while pumping gas in years. I never even think about it.

[GreatAmericanZero]

yeah ive done it before..no big deal

[DolaMight]

I don't think I've shut my car off while pumping gas in years. I never even think about it.

I don't know what the fuck's wrong with you people? Why do you do it? Do you really need to hear the radio for the 2 minutes you're filling up?

I've never contemplated leaving the car running whill pumping. Besides doesn't the pimply faced teenager yell at you through the pump speakers while you're filling up?

I had an attendant come rushing out like there was an emergency because my girlfriend was talking on her cell while I was filling up. I though that was too much but they've banned cellphones too now

[LaBoob]

Do you really need to hear the radio for the 2 minutes you're filling up?
What's the alternative? Being alone with my thoughts for that 2 minutes? :unsure:

[sailor]

I don't know what the fuck's wrong with you people? Why do you do it? Do you really need to hear the radio for the 2 minutes you're filling up?

I've never contemplated leaving the car running whill pumping. Besides doesn't the pimply faced teenager yell at you through the pump speakers while you're filling up?

I had an attendant come rushing out like there was an emergency because my girlfriend was talking on her cell while I was filling up. I though that was too much but they've banned cellphones too now

i was beginning to think everyone one here was a lunatic of some sort. can't imagine why you'd not turn off your car.

[biggestmexi]

eli's car
http://www.divinemotorsport.co.uk/site_content/site_divinemotorsport/images/products/product_1261_1.jpg

what does this have to do with ANYTHING!

[jauble]

I don't know what the fuck's wrong with you people? Why do you do it? Do you really need to hear the radio for the 2 minutes you're filling up?

I've never contemplated leaving the car running whill pumping. Besides doesn't the pimply faced teenager yell at you through the pump speakers while you're filling up?

I had an attendant come rushing out like there was an emergency because my girlfriend was talking on her cell while I was filling up. I though that was too much but they've banned cellphones too now

What do you mean you people?
http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2008/03_03/downey3_468x300.jpg

[underdog]

I don't know what the fuck's wrong with you people? Why do you do it? Do you really need to hear the radio for the 2 minutes you're filling up?

I don't like shutting off my AC or heat.

I was also a driver for nearly 10 years, so I was filling up a lot. I didn't like constantly starting and stopping my car. Especially once my starter started going.

I still don't see what all you people are freaking out about. I don't know if you've noticed, but your car is running when you pull up to the pump. And while you're pumping, there's other cars driving around with their engines running, too.

[biggestmexi]

I don't know what the fuck's wrong with you people? Why do you do it? Do you really need to hear the radio for the 2 minutes you're filling up?

I've never contemplated leaving the car running whill pumping. Besides doesn't the pimply faced teenager yell at you through the pump speakers while you're filling up?

I had an attendant come rushing out like there was an emergency because my girlfriend was talking on her cell while I was filling up. I though that was too much but they've banned cellphones too now

did you know there is other ways to listen to the radio without having your cars engine run?

I listen to the radio when i fill up. Why not? Why does it matter? You going to post another picture that has nothing to do bout nothing and tell me something?

[biggestmexi]

?

i like your avatar

[Jughead]

If it's a 1996 or newer car it will turn the check engine light on period because the '96 and newer OBDII pressure sensor in the tank of every car/truck sold in the U.S. will notice a change in tank pressure to atmospheric pressure as soon as you take the gas cap off with the key on/running thinking there is a leak that could cause gas fumes to leak out. When it does come on, you pay me $85 dollars so I can tell you why it came on and clear the code. I usually only charge half price of $42.50 after talking to the customer to find out if they did indeed fill it running or left the cap loose. The two typical codes are: PO442=small leak and P0455=large leak.
Happens here all the time evac code...100 bucks..For just not turning off car while fueling...:bye:

[biggestmexi]

If it's a 1996 or newer car it will turn the check engine light on period because the '96 and newer OBDII pressure sensor in the tank of every car/truck sold in the U.S. will notice a change in tank pressure to atmospheric pressure as soon as you take the gas cap off with the key on/running thinking there is a leak that could cause gas fumes to leak out. When it does come on, you pay me $85 dollars so I can tell you why it came on and clear the code. I usually only charge half price of $42.50 after talking to the customer to find out if they did indeed fill it running or left the cap loose. The two typical codes are: PO442=small leak and P0455=large leak.
Happens here all the time evac code...100 bucks..For just not turning off car while fueling...:bye:

rubbish.

the gf car is 03 she does it all the time

[Jughead]

rubbish.

the gf car is 03 she does it all the time

Ok???

[FUNKMAN]

usually i'm turned on when i'm pumping...

[oldladyfacepuncher]

I don't like shutting off my AC or heat.

I was also a driver for nearly 10 years, so I was filling up a lot. I didn't like constantly starting and stopping my car. Especially once my starter started going.

I still don't see what all you people are freaking out about. I don't know if you've noticed, but your car is running when you pull up to the pump. And while you're pumping, there's other cars driving around with their engines running, too.

I don't shut off my rigs if I fuel up in the morning. The terminal is close by, so I like to give them a few more minutes to warm up before jumping on the highway.

Yahoo is retarded. It was outlawed to prevent a gas and dash, but with remote controlled and automated pumps its a moot point now. A static charge will blow your tank whether your idling or not. If the fumes were so bad that a spark would ignite them, then you've passed out and are probably about to die from asphyxiation anyway, especially if you're outside in the open air. Your exhaust system is tucked away for a reason, and now that I think about it, on all of my vehicles it exits on the opposite side of the fuel tank inlet.

[biggestmexi]

If it's a 1996 or newer car it will turn the check engine light on period because the '96 and newer OBDII pressure sensor in the tank of every car/truck sold in the U.S. will notice a change in tank pressure to atmospheric pressure as soon as you take the gas cap off with the key on/running thinking there is a leak that could cause gas fumes to leak out. When it does come on, you pay me $85 dollars so I can tell you why it came on and clear the code. I usually only charge half price of $42.50 after talking to the customer to find out if they did indeed fill it running or left the cap loose. The two typical codes are: PO442=small leak and P0455=large leak.
Happens here all the time evac code...100 bucks..For just not turning off car while fueling...:bye:

i bet none of the people on here had a trouble code from doing this.

[oldladyfacepuncher]

If it's a 1996 or newer car it will turn the check engine light on period because the '96 and newer OBDII pressure sensor in the tank of every car/truck sold in the U.S. will notice a change in tank pressure to atmospheric pressure as soon as you take the gas cap off with the key on/running thinking there is a leak that could cause gas fumes to leak out. When it does come on, you pay me $85 dollars so I can tell you why it came on and clear the code. I usually only charge half price of $42.50 after talking to the customer to find out if they did indeed fill it running or left the cap loose. The two typical codes are: PO442=small leak and P0455=large leak.
Happens here all the time evac code...100 bucks..For just not turning off car while fueling...:bye:

No. I have several newer than 96, including an 07, and that has never happened. Also no mechanic has ever charged me for clearing a code, since they want my business, when there is a real problem.

[Jujubees2]

I had an attendant come rushing out like there was an emergency because my girlfriend was talking on her cell while I was filling up. I though that was too much but they've banned cellphones too now

The Mythbuster debunked that myth about a cellphone setting off a fire while filling up. But with gas at $4.00 a gallon why leave your engine running when you don't need to?

[Jughead]

No. I have several newer than 96, including an 07, and that has never happened. Also no mechanic has ever charged me for clearing a code, since they want my business, when there is a real problem.

Like I say It was from yahoo answers not me....Im just saying I get about 2 calls a week with evap codes from fueling the car with it running.......Bottom line its a stupid Idea to fuel any car with it running does anyone ever read there owners manual???

[biggestmexi]

The Mythbuster debunked that myth about a cellphone setting off a fire while filling up. But with gas at $4.00 a gallon why leave your engine running when you don't need to?


"That's a shockingly short amount of time."
An average idling gas engine burns 3.5 litres of fuel per hour. So if gas was selling at 85.9 cents per litre, in the 10 minutes you spent idling in the Tim Hortons lineup, you just threw away 50 cents.
If you did that five days a week, waiting for that morning coffee would cost you about $130 over a year.

How much fuel am I wasting, and how much CO2 do I produce by idling my vehicle?
The cost of idling your vehicle for 10 minutes every morning can add up. You use about 0.026 gallons of gasoline for every 10 minutes, which costs us about 5 cents. It may not sound like much, but it all adds up. Many people idle in the morning, at the ATM, at the drive-through for lunch, then waiting to pick the kids up from school. How long do you idle each day, each week, each year? And remember, millions of motorists have fallen into the idling trap.
and this is at 10 minutes

[biggestmexi]

Like I say It was from yahoo answers not me....Im just saying I get about 2 calls a week with evap codes from fueling the car with it running.......Bottom line its a stupid Idea to fuel any car with it running does anyone ever read there owners manual???

do you read your owners manuel?

[DolaMight]

what does this have to do with ANYTHING!

biggestmexi's car
http://emanuellevy.com/images/photos/ztvahvxamey.jpg

[biggestmexi]

biggestmexi's car
http://emanuellevy.com/images/photos/ztvahvxamey.jpg


oh bother

[underdog]

If it's a 1996 or newer car it will turn the check engine light on period because the '96 and newer OBDII pressure sensor in the tank of every car/truck sold in the U.S. will notice a change in tank pressure to atmospheric pressure as soon as you take the gas cap off with the key on/running thinking there is a leak that could cause gas fumes to leak out. When it does come on, you pay me $85 dollars so I can tell you why it came on and clear the code. I usually only charge half price of $42.50 after talking to the customer to find out if they did indeed fill it running or left the cap loose. The two typical codes are: PO442=small leak and P0455=large leak.
Happens here all the time evac code...100 bucks..For just not turning off car while fueling...:bye:

I drive an '08 Accord and never has the check engine light come on. Also, its under warranty, so if it did, it wouldn't cost me anything.

I used to drive Ford Windstars and the check engine light was always on because of the sensors, but its a fucking ford so its expected to be a piece of shit.

and this is at 10 minutes

So, by that math, I now waste $1.30 a year leaving my engine running. But my car stays cool/warm. I think that's a good trade-off.

[IMSlacker]

does anyone ever read there owners manual???

Only when the check engine light comes on.

[DolaMight]

n/m

[DolaMight]

n/m

[Friday]

Like I say It was from yahoo answers not me....Im just saying I get about 2 calls a week with evap codes from fueling the car with it running.......Bottom line its a stupid Idea to fuel any car with it running does anyone ever read there owners manual???

you tell em, Juggy!! bunch of maniacs!

[Furtherman]

When I travel with Jersey folk who don't know how to pump gas, I laugh.

[Friday]

When I travel with Jersey folk who don't know how to pump gas, I laugh.

x2
i hate living in this godforsaken state with such a silly law.
i have pumped my own gas many times because i can't stand waiting for the gas station schmo to come over.

[Heather 8]

x2
i hate living in this godforsaken state with such a silly law.
i have pumped my own gas many times because i can't stand waiting for the gas station schmo to come over.

Some jackass threatened to have my mom thrown in jail for attempting to pump her own gas when she visited here from New Hampshire last month.

I actually look forward to our car trips out-of-state. Not one of these fuckos at the pump know how to unlock a gas cap without bending &/or breaking the damn key.

[sr71blackbird]

I never turn the car off while pumping gas. I have a belief it is good for the car to idle while pressurizing the gas tank with the gas flowing into it.

[oldladyfacepuncher]

but its a fucking ford so its expected to be a piece of shit.

Well said. I fucking hate my fucking fords. My mechanic loves them -- they will be putting his daughter through college ... all the way through med school.

[Fallon]

At least you didn't park your car over burning coals.

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Stupid Jet fans.

[DonInNC]

Click and Clack weigh in: http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns/Archive/2007/January/11.html

[ahhdurr]

I never thought about this - always kind of thought it was just a safety precaution not to have a vehicle so ready to roll away - when it's obviously not supposed to during the time it's filling. R/F .net saves my life again!

[bigtim666]

Stock cars fuel up without shutting down the engine so i can do the same

[Jughead]

Click and Clack weigh in: http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns/Archive/2007/January/11.html

Thank you Don Signed Clack...:tongue:

[Jujubees2]

Stock cars fuel up without shutting down the engine so i can do the same

Yep, totally safe...

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42941000/jpg/_42941659_racing_car_ap.jpg

[biggestmexi]

Click and Clack weigh in: http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns/Archive/2007/January/11.html
TOM: There are several reasons why gas stations tell you to turn off your ignition while refueling. No. 1 is that if you accidentally leave your car in drive, or if it slips out of park or your dog knocks it out of park, the car could run somebody over. Or, worse, bash into the station's new Mountain Dew machine. So you dont ruin the gas station

RAY: Reason No. 2 is that they want to lessen the chances that you'll drive off without removing the nozzle, yanking their hose out of its socket.so you dont ruin the gas station

TOM: No. 3 is that they don't want anybody to be tempted to hop in your running car and steal it. It happens.pretty much so you dont ruin the gas station

RAY: Reason No. 4 is that, with modern cars, running the engine with the gas cap off will turn on the "check engine" light.busted not true

TOM: And reason No. 5 is that there are various sources of ignition in a running automobile. Aside from the ignition system itself, there are relays, fan motors and other electrical devices that could, theoretically, provide a spark if a bunch of fuel were spilled and gasoline vapor enveloped the car.Mythbusters triedThis would only happen if you just dump the gas onto and into the engine compartment.