Do you have to turn your car off to pump gas? It’s a common question and the answer isn’t always cut and dry. Let’s take a look at the different scenarios and offer some guidance.
If you’re pumping gas into an empty tank there’s no need to turn off your car. In fact it’s better to keep the engine running to avoid any potential issues.
However if your tank is already full or you’re topping off it’s best to turn off the engine. The fuel pump has to work harder when the engine is running and that can lead to overheating and potential damage.
Some newer cars have a feature that automatically shuts off the engine when you start pumping gas. If your car has this you don’t need to do anything – it will take care of everything for you.
If you’re not sure what to do err on the side of caution and turn off your car. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!
Is it better to turn your car off when pumping gas?
No it is not necessary to turn your car off when pumping gas.