while filling up today, i was wondering...

[Pink_Floyd]

I always leave the car running. I live in NJ and we don't have self-serve. First off let me say that I LOVE full service and our gas is no more expensive than any other place. I get 93 Super+ from Mobile for $1.73. Every gas station I've been to in NJ I've let my car run and no one has ever said anything. I have a computer in my car for music so it takes about 30 seconds to start it up which is one reason I don't like to turn the car off and then back on. Also, I don't like the idea of starting up the car more than I need to. It's stressful for the car and I'd rather just leave it running.

And one more question... Why does it matter if the car is on or off? If you're going to get a static shock it'll happen weather the motor is running or not... In fact, you're more likely to create an electrical disturbance by starting your car. When you start it puts a HUGE drain on the battery and the starter which is an electic motor. Once the car is started there is also an initial surge of electricity from the alternator back to the battery.

Please try and give me another reason I should turn the car off - none of you have convinced me.

 

[CTBMW]

I don't bother shutting off car for the few minutes it takes to add a few gallons of gas. I'm in sales,on the road calling on accounts all day-I don't even want to think how many times I start my car a day- guessing more than 30 / day easily!!. I'm just trying to get some use out of starter (wear and tear) could care less about the teaspoon of gas I use while dumping in 5 -6 gallons of gas every few days.
Why on earth would I want to haul aroung 50-60 lbs. of gas if I didn't need to?
-Mel

 

[tool fan]

Live life dangerously.....Light a cig, rub a balloon on your head, talk on the cell phone all while the car is running. J/K

Crazy things happen all the time. Look at the "flash fires" in cali or the number of people that have died from spontaneous combustion. Next time there is a fire at the gas station they are going to say that you need to be wearing an asbestos suit whilst standing on you head and a finger in your A$$ and that will become the new safety standard.

I personally don't remember hearing about to many gas station fires in the 70's or 80's for that matter. it is from all this high tech BS that is now in all the cars.

 

[Average Jae]

you guys speak of the dangers of doing so, and the stupidity of it, but again, has anyone heard of a gas station blowing up or a car blowing up because a car was running while it was being filled up?

There is no reason I can imagine to leave the car running while filling up. However, it's pretty cool to watch the miles until empty gauge tick up as the gas is being put in. Nerdy? Could be...

you can do that w/ the car off. just turn the key once, and you can listen to the radio and all other electronics works.

 

[theBMWenthusiast]

There is no reason I can imagine to leave the car running while filling up. However, it's pretty cool to watch the miles until empty gauge tick up as the gas is being put in. Nerdy? Could be...

on my dad's 740iL i can keep the car off, key in the position before starting hte engine and watch hte display show me my range without have hte car running

 

[wood_e]

I believe on modern cars, you do not have to shut the car off to fill it up. Personally, I always shut my car off when I fill up, but whenever I pull up, the gas station attendant is quick to open my gas cap before I even turn it off.

Jeez do you do ANYTHING yourself on your car

 

[pardi]

you guys speak of the dangers of doing so, and the stupidity of it, but again, has anyone heard of a gas station blowing up or a car blowing up because a car was running while it was being filled up?

Sheesh. Sure, it may not have happened in the past but does that mean it will never happen? Wouldn't it be too late when it happens? IMHO the risk is still there but the thing is that you risk the lives of not only you but others. I always turn off my car when filling up, and I frown when I see people who don't. Just like when I see people with one hand on the gas nozzle and the other holding a cell phone.

 

[canada5]

on my dad's 740iL i can keep the car off, key in the position before starting hte engine and watch hte display show me my range without have hte car running

need more time in typing class.

 

[dfskinner]

http://www.stupidvideos.com/


Play the video "Pumping Gas", you'll see what happens when you leave the car running and fill up, or go sit in you vehicle and return to the pump without touching the metal of your car prior to touching the nozzle with the car running.

Good Luck