Sylvie Willis
Storing fuel in your car can be very dangerous if it's not done properly. Gasoline is highly flammable and the vapours emitted are harmful to human health. It is therefore important to be aware of the safety measures that need to be taken when storing fuel in your car. For example, using an approved container, tying the can securely to the roof of your car, and ensuring you are complying with local regulations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | Storing fuel in your car can be dangerous due to the risk of fire and explosion, as well as the accumulation of poisonous fumes, including carbon monoxide, which can cause lightheadedness, nausea, and brain damage or death in enclosed spaces. |
| Storage Guidelines | It is recommended to store gasoline in a detached shed or garage, at least 50 feet away from ignition sources. Check local regulations and use approved containers with proper ventilation and secure mounting. |
| Fuel Stability | Gasoline has a shelf life of around three to six months, after which it becomes less combustible and can cause engine issues. Fuel stabilizers can be used to extend stability. |
| Transportation | When transporting fuel, use robust and securely fastened containers, such as Jerry cans, mounted on the roof rack or outside the vehicle for better ventilation. Avoid spillage and ensure proper disposal of any spilled fuel. |
| Legal Considerations | Check local laws and regulations regarding the legalities of storing and transporting fuel in your area. |
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What You'll Learn
Gasoline vapours are dangerous and can lead to fire hazards or cause illnesses
Gasoline vapours are highly dangerous and can lead to fire hazards or cause illnesses. Gasoline is a human-made substance primarily used to fuel vehicles and machines with engines. It is harmful to the human body when swallowed, touched, or inhaled. Gasoline vapours are heavier than air and can travel along the floor to ignition sources, causing fire hazards. Even a small amount of vapour can be ignited, and any vapours inhaled are extremely harmful.
Gasoline vapours contain carbon monoxide, which is a colourless, odourless gas. Inhaling carbon monoxide can be fatal, causing light-headedness and nausea after short periods of exposure and leading to brain damage or death with prolonged exposure. Exposure to gasoline vapours can also irritate the sensitive lung tissues, and some chemicals may enter the bloodstream, causing healthy tissue to die.
Gasoline vapours can also cause health issues in children, who are more susceptible to their harmful effects due to their greater surface area of lung tissue. In addition, people working with gas pipelines and tanks may be at a higher risk of health problems due to daily exposure to gasoline vapours.
To ensure safety, it is crucial to store gasoline properly. It should be kept in a detached shed or garage, at least 50 feet away from ignition sources such as pilot lights. When filling up gasoline containers, wipe away any spilled fuel before loading the container into your vehicle.
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Gasoline has a shelf life of three to six months
The shelf life of gasoline depends on its type, with regular gasoline lasting three to six months, premium or high-octane fuel lasting about nine months, and diesel lasting up to a year. Organic-based ethanol has an even shorter shelf life of one to three months due to oxidation and evaporation.
There are ways to extend the shelf life of gasoline. For example, fuel stabilizers and other petroleum-based additives can slow oxidation and make the gas last longer. Additionally, it is recommended to get new gas every six months as a good rule of thumb.
It is important to be able to recognize the signs of bad gasoline. Bad fuel will have a darker or muddier appearance and a sour or disagreeable odour. If you suspect that your gasoline has gone bad, it is necessary to remove it from the tank to avoid damage to your engine and fuel system.
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Jerry cans are a universal solution for transporting extra fuel
Jerrycans, or "Jerry cans", are a widely-used solution for transporting extra fuel. The name originates from "Jerry", the nickname American troops gave to German soldiers in World War II, as the cans were first designed in Germany in the 1930s for military use. They were made from pressed steel and could hold 20 litres (4.4 gallons) of fuel.
The design was innovative for its time, as it did not require tools or funnels to use, and it included features for ease of use and robustness. The cans were adopted by the US military and saw widespread use during the Second World War, where they played a crucial role in ensuring fuel supply to Allied operations. Today, similar designs are used globally for fuel and water containers, both in military and civilian contexts.
Jerry cans are a popular choice for fuel transportation due to their durability and safety features. They are made from steel or high-density polyethylene, making them robust and impermeable. They are also available in a range of sizes, from 5 to 20 litres, and are recognised and certified for use in the European Union and on NATO missions.
When transporting extra fuel, it is important to prioritise safety. Jerry cans should be securely fastened to your vehicle, whether that's on the roof rack, in the bed, or on the tailgate. It is also crucial to wipe up any spilled fuel and to leave an air gap to prevent spillage and reduce the risk of ignition. Additionally, gasoline has a shelf life of three to six months, after which it becomes less combustible and can cause engine damage.
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Check local regulations before storing fuel in your car
Fuel is highly hazardous and combustible, so it's imperative to store and handle it with utmost care to avoid damage to the environment and yourself. Before storing fuel in your car, it's important to check local regulations to ensure safe and legal storage. Here are some guidelines and regulations to consider:
Local Regulations and Licensing
In the UK, if you're storing more than 275 litres of petrol at non-workplace premises, you need a licence from your local Petroleum Enforcing Authority (PEA). This licence is valid for up to 3 years and is non-transferable. The licence will specify your name and the storage location, and it may include conditions regarding your storage methods and dispensing arrangements. Contact your local PEA to understand the specific requirements and conditions for obtaining a licence.
Storage Location and Ventilation
It's recommended to store fuel in an open-air location. If that's not possible, ensure there is direct access to open air and adequate ventilation to prevent the buildup of poisonous fumes. Never store fuel inside your house; instead, opt for a shed or garage located at least 50 feet away from ignition sources, such as pilot lights. When storing fuel in your car, ensure the container is securely mounted and well-ventilated to prevent the accumulation of fumes.
Container Requirements
Use only approved containers designed specifically for fuel storage. These containers must be made of suitable materials, such as metal or specific types of plastic, and have tight closures like screw caps to prevent leakage of liquid or vapour. Additionally, ensure the container size adheres to the regulations for the amount of fuel you intend to store. For example, in the UK, you can store up to 30 litres of petrol in a maximum of 2 containers in your vehicle.
Safe Handling Practices
Follow safe handling practices to minimise the risk of accidents. This includes wiping off any spilled fuel before loading the container into your vehicle and ensuring the container is securely fastened to prevent slipping or jarring loose. Always handle fuel in well-ventilated areas, away from ignition sources, open flames, and underground entrances. Never smoke or use a cell phone during fuelling operations.
By following these guidelines and checking with your local authorities, you can ensure that your fuel storage practices are safe and compliant with the relevant regulations.
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Do not store fuel in the trunk of your car
Storing fuel in your car is not recommended. If you must carry spare fuel, use containers designed for this purpose and secure them in the shade, so they stay put during a roll-over or other accident. The Canada Safety Council recommends against keeping gas inside your vehicle.
If you're driving off-road, at high speeds, or for long distances, you need a more robust container that can be safely secured to your vehicle. These containers should be stored in well-ventilated areas, which rules out the passenger cabin of vehicles. If you have a truck, you can safely keep a gas container in the bed of the pickup. If you have an SUV, you can get a metal Jerry can mount installed on the back of your vehicle. Securing a Jerry can to a roof rack is also a possibility, but given the relative weight of the fuel, it's important not to overload the vehicle and throw off its centre of gravity.
Gasoline vapours are heavier than air and can travel along the floor to ignition sources. A small amount of vapour is required to create a potentially explosive atmosphere. Even a small amount of gasoline vapour can be ignited, and any vapours you inhale are very bad for you. Gasoline vapour contains carbon monoxide, which can cause light-headedness and nausea even after very short periods of exposure and can lead to brain damage or death over longer periods.
Therefore, it is not advisable to store fuel in the trunk of your car.
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Frequently asked questions
No, storing fuel in your car is not recommended due to the potential fire hazard and the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. If you must store fuel in your car, tie the can securely to the roof rack, where it is well-ventilated.
Fuel has a shelf life of three to six months, after which it becomes less combustible and may damage your engine.
If you need to store fuel in your car, use an approved container with a UL or FM symbol. Make sure the container is securely fastened and upright, with all caps and vents tightly secured. Remember to check local regulations for storing fuel in your vehicle.
