Vehicle Refueling Safety Guide
Following proper practices during refueling is essential for safety and to protect your vehicle
Vehicle Preparation
- Ensure the vehicle is in a safe state before starting
- Turn off the engine completely—leaving it running can create a risk of ignition from hot components or electrical systems
- Engage the parking brake to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly while refueling
Tip: Avoid using any electronic devices inside or near the vehicle during refueling, as these can sometimes generate sparks that could ignite gasoline vapors.
Nozzle Handling
- Handle the fuel nozzle carefully
- Before inserting it into the fuel tank opening, make sure the nozzle is clean to prevent dirt or debris from entering the tank
- Avoid forcing the nozzle into the opening, as this could damage the tank's filler neck or the nozzle itself
- When starting to refuel, begin with a slow flow of fuel; sudden, fast flow can cause gasoline to splash back
Vapor Safety
- Be mindful of gasoline vapors, which are highly flammable
- Keep any sources of ignition far away from the refueling area—this includes items like lighters, matches, and cigarettes
- If you notice a strong gasoline smell beyond the normal scent of refueling, stop the process immediately and check for spills or leaks
Note: Wipe up any small spills with an absorbent material, and if the spill is large, notify the gas station staff right away.
Avoid Overfilling
- Do not overfill the fuel tank
- When the nozzle clicks off automatically, it indicates that the tank is full
- Adding more fuel can cause overflow, leading to gasoline spilling onto the ground or into the vehicle's emissions system
Important: Overfilling can damage vehicle components, harm the environment, and increase the risk of gasoline contacting hot parts of the vehicle.
Post-Refueling Check
- After refueling, make sure the fuel cap is tightened securely
- A loose cap can allow gasoline vapors to escape, reducing fuel efficiency and contributing to air pollution
- It can also let dirt and moisture enter the tank, which can contaminate the fuel
Final Step: Double-check that the cap is closed properly before getting back into the vehicle and driving away.