which of the following is a proper fueling tip?
a) keep all passengers onboard while fueling
b) ensure that the engine is off and no one is onboard
c) fill the fuel tank to the brim so the fuel is visible
d) leave the engine running while you’re fueling
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is b) ensure that the engine is off and no one is onboard.
Explanation:
When fueling a vehicle, safety precautions are paramount due to the flammable nature of fuel and the risks associated with the fueling process. Let’s break down the options provided:
- a) Keep all passengers onboard while fueling: This is unsafe. Passengers should not remain inside the vehicle while it is being fueled. The presence of passengers increases the risk of injury if there is an accident or fire. Additionally, static electricity from the vehicle’s interior or from people moving can potentially ignite fuel vapors. It’s always recommended to have passengers exit the vehicle while fueling.
- b) Ensure that the engine is off and no one is onboard: This is the correct approach. Turning off the engine reduces the risk of sparks, which can ignite fuel vapors. An engine running during fueling can produce heat and potentially cause a spark that could ignite the fuel or fuel vapors. Additionally, having no one onboard minimizes the risk of harm to the passengers in the event of an emergency. Keeping the engine off and ensuring that no one is inside the vehicle are essential safety measures when fueling.
- c) Fill the fuel tank to the brim so the fuel is visible: This is a bad practice. Overfilling the fuel tank can lead to spills, which increase the risk of fire and environmental contamination. Most modern vehicles are equipped with an automatic shutoff to prevent overfilling, so it’s unnecessary to fill the tank past the point where the nozzle clicks off. Fuel should never be visible in the filler neck as this could indicate spillage.
- d) Leave the engine running while you’re fueling: This is highly dangerous and should never be done. The engine running while fueling poses significant fire and explosion risks, as the engine produces heat, electrical sparks, and exhaust emissions, all of which can ignite flammable fuel vapors. Always turn off the engine to minimize these hazards.
In conclusion, option b is the safest practice when fueling, as it ensures that the engine is off and the vehicle is free of any unnecessary occupants, reducing the risks of accidents and fires during the fueling process.