Is it safe to drive with a gas tank in a car?
At some point in your life, you may run out of gas while you are driving. When this happens, most people fill their gas tanks with red plastic canisters. But are they really safe to carry around in a car? What if it's empty? We will look at these different situations in this article.
An empty gas bottle may not be safe to store in a vehicle due to the fumes generated and will not empty completely. Gas vapor mixtures could explode inside these portable red containers and cause serious injury to those in the vehicle, according to CNBC.
A study by Worcester Polytechnic Institute shows that even a low level of gasoline inside a can can cause an explosion on contact with a spark or flame. The vapor around the containers on the outside causes a fire inside the gas cylinder and this mixture can cause an explosion.
Another potential danger of transporting gasoline in a car is inhalation diseases. The gas contains carbon monoxide, which can cause headaches, nausea, and flu-like symptoms. Prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide can cause serious illness, so it's best not to keep a full or empty gas bottle in your car.
If you absolutely must carry a gas canister, full or empty, tie the canister directly to the top of your vehicle on a car rack. This area is well ventilated and fumes will not build up inside the vehicle. Be sure to tie the gas bottle tightly so it doesn't spill gasoline on top of the car.
Another thing to remember is to never fill a gas can that is in the back of a truck or in the trunk of a car. When filling the gas cylinder, place it on the ground at a safe distance from people and vehicles.
Do not drive with an empty or full gas tank in the car, even if it is in the trunk. You will be exposed to smoke and this may cause a fire. If you absolutely must transport a gas bottle, tie it to your car's roof rack and make sure it's empty.
