Can You Fill Up a Car with the Engine On?

There is a long-standing debate about whether or not it is safe to fill up a car with the engine on. Some people believe that it is dangerous because it could cause a fire or explosion, while others believe that it is perfectly safe and does not pose any risks.

Arguments Against Filling Up a Car with the Engine On

Fire hazard. The main argument against filling up a car with the engine on is that it could cause a fire. When you fill up a car, gasoline vapors are released into the air. If the engine is on, these vapors could come into contact with the hot engine and ignite, causing a fire.
Explosion hazard. Another argument against filling up a car with the engine on is that it could cause an explosion. If the gasoline vapors released during refueling come into contact with a spark, they could ignite and cause an explosion. This is especially dangerous if the car is in an enclosed space, such as a garage.

Arguments For Filling Up a Car with the Engine On

It is common practice. Many people fill up their cars with the engine on without any problems. In fact, some car manufacturers even recommend filling up with the engine on.
It is safe if done properly. If you take precautions, such as turning off the ignition and avoiding smoking, it is safe to fill up your car with the engine on.

Conclusion

So, can you fill up a car with the engine on? The answer is both yes and no. It is possible to fill up a car with the engine on without any problems, but it is important to take precautions to avoid the risk of fire or explosion.

Tips for Filling Up a Car with the Engine On Safely

Turn off the ignition.
Avoid smoking.
Keep the nozzle in contact with the fuel tank.
Do not top off the tank.
Fill up in a well-ventilated area.