Ce que vous devez retenir
- By touching a metal part of your car – such as the rearview mirror – you discharge any static electricity that has built up on your body.
- In cold weather, resist the urge to get back in your warm car while the pump is running – if you must, touch metal again before grabbing the nozzle handle.
- And if you’re filling portable containers, only use approved gas cans and never fill them in the bed of a pickup truck with a plastic liner (the sliding can create – you guessed it – static electricity).
Picture this: you pull into a gas station, ready to fill up your tank. Before grabbing the fuel nozzle, there’s a small gesture worth adopting that many drivers overlook – touching a metal part of your vehicle, like the rearview mirror. This simple yet little-known action might just keep you safe from a serious hazard.
The invisible danger of static electricity
We’ve all experienced static electricity. That tiny shock when touching a doorknob or that crackling feeling when removing a wool sweater. While this phenomenon is usually harmless, it can become a real safety risk at the gas pump. Why? Because fuel vapors are highly flammable, and even a small spark is enough to ignite them.
By touching a metal part of your car – such as the rearview mirror – you discharge any static electricity that has built up on your body. This contact eliminates the risk of creating a spark when you handle the gas pump nozzle. Many auto manufacturers highlight this safety measure because it greatly reduces the risk of fires or explosions (I’ve seen this recommendation in several owner’s manuals from top brands).
How does static electricity build up?
You might wonder how this static charge accumulates in the first place. It’s pretty straightforward: friction between your clothing and the car seat, walking to the pump, or even sitting in your vehicle during refueling can generate this charge. Getting back into your car while filling up is also not recommended, as this can create a new electrostatic charge. If you must return to your vehicle, touch a metal part again before resuming fueling.
(Ever notice how dry winter days seem to create more static shocks? The same principle applies when you’re at the gas station – those conditions can make static electricity even more of a concern.)
Other safety measures to take while refueling
Beyond the rearview mirror contact, other safety actions deserve your attention. For example, place gas cans on the ground during filling and keep the pump nozzle in contact with the container. This helps prevent static electricity buildup. And of course, avoiding phone use during this operation is a golden rule (even if checking messages is always tempting).
In the US, static-related fires at gas stations are rare but not unheard of. The Petroleum Equipment Institute has documented cases where static discharge ignited fuel vapors, resulting in flash fires. While these incidents represent a small percentage of the billions of refueling operations each year, they’re serious when they happen.
A small action for major safety
This simple habit of touching the rearview mirror before fueling fits into a series of safety measures that together ensure your protection and that of others around you. It’s a habit worth developing, just like turning off your engine before starting to fill the tank. By adopting these reflexes, you actively help prevent accidents at service stations.
So, will you touch your rearview mirror before fueling from now on?
The average American visits gas stations about 45 times per year. That’s 45 opportunities to practice this small but potentially life-saving habit. Next time you pull up to pump gas, remember that sometimes the simplest gestures provide the best protection.
Beyond the mirror touch: complete gas station safety
While we’re on the topic of fuel safety, let’s round out your knowledge with a few more tips:
Always make sure your car is in park and the engine is off before fueling. In cold weather, resist the urge to get back in your warm car while the pump is running – if you must, touch metal again before grabbing the nozzle handle. And if you’re filling portable containers, only use approved gas cans and never fill them in the bed of a pickup truck with a plastic liner (the sliding can create – you guessed it – static electricity).
Did you know that gas stations in some states have removed the “lock-open” tabs from pump handles? This requires you to hold the handle throughout the fueling process, which actually improves safety by keeping you present and attentive.
The cost of being cautious? About two seconds of your time. The potential savings? Avoiding a flash fire that could cause serious burns or worse. That’s what I call a good investment.
Until your next visit to the gas station, just remember: sometimes the simplest gestures are those that protect us the most effectively.
