Strategic Method to Potentially Prevent Danger while Fueling during Cold Weather Seasons
Wintertime got you scared ofstatic shocks when fueling up? Well, no need to worry! Just follow these simple tips to keep your fill-ups safe and static-free.
You see, as the temperatures drop, static electricity builds up more frequently due to drier air and increased friction from your clothing and car seats. This increased static electricity pose a risk of causing sparks when pumping gas, which could possibly ignite gasoline fumes. But don't sweat it! With these easy-peasy tricks, you'll be good to go.
First off, discharge that static electricity in your body before reaching for the pump nozzle. A simple touch to a metal part of your vehicle—the car door, rearview mirror, or fuel tank cover—will do the trick. Why you ask? Touching metal helps ground the static electricity and reduces the odds of a spark when using the fuel nozzle.
Secondly, avoid re-entering your vehicle during refueling, as getting back inside can generate new static charges from friction against the seat or clothing. If you must dash back in, don't forget to touch a metal part again before you resume fueling to discharge any lingering static electricity.
Thirdly, make sure the fuel nozzle maintains contact with the opening of the fuel tank or gas can to provide a continuous path for grounding the static electricity as fuel flows. This helps prevent static charge buildup and reduces the risk of sparks.
When filling a portable gas can, place it directly on the ground rather than on an insulating surface like a plastic bed liner or inside the vehicle. Plastic surfaces prevent static charge from grounding, increasing the likelihood of sparks.
To ensure safety during fueling, always turn off all engines and shut off ignition and electronic devices before fueling. Keep away from any open flames or smoking materials, as gasoline vapors are highly flammable. Avoid overfilling to reduce fuel spills and vapor release, which can catch fire from static sparks. And always attend the fueling nozzle at all times during filling, wiping up any spills immediately.
As winter descends, these tips become essential to minimize the risk of static-related fires at the gas pump. Your safety is our priority, so discharge that static electricity, keep the nozzle grounded, place portable fuel containers on the ground, and stick to basic fueling safety practices. Trust us; your car and wallet will thank you!
Sources:[1] NFPA. (2021). Gasoline storage safety tips. https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/STAY-INFORMED/Safety-tip-sheets/Fire-Prevention-Week/Gasoline-storage-safety-tips[2] Insurance Information Institute. (n.d.). Gasolinestation fires. https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/gasolinestation-fires[3] National Conference of State Legislatures. (2021). Gasoline station laws. https://www.ncsl.org/research/environment-and-natural-resources/gasoline-station-laws.aspx
Science reveals that winter's dry air and increased friction from clothing and car seats lead to an elevated level of static electricity, potentially causing sparks when pumping gas and posing a fire risk. To combat this, adhere to health-and-wellness practices such as discharging static electricity by touching a metal part of your vehicle before reaching the pump nozzle, avoiding re-entering your vehicle during refueling, and ensuring the fuel nozzle maintains contact with the opening of the fuel tank or gas can to prevent static charge buildup.
