Is it dangerous to fill up your tank on hot days? What Georgia residents should know
Last week, the National Weather Service issued air quality alerts in four states, advising residents in Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Oklahoma to only fill up their gas tanks in the morning or evening hours.
Meanwhile, Georgia also had a poor air quality alert for many areas of the state, but was not under a no-refill advisory at gas stations.
With Georgia’s summer just now heating up, there are some things to know about filling up when it gets hot.
Here’s what to know about the potential dangers of filling up in the heat and tips to stay safe on the road this summer:
Is it dangerous to fill up in hot temperatures?
We will go ahead and address this myth: no, your car won’t explode if you fill up in extreme heat.
In fact, it’s almost scientifically impossible because temperatures won’t get that hot.
However, when there is a heat wave or poor air quality alert active, the National Weather Service advises vulnerable groups to stay indoors, limit outdoor activities and refrain from grilling or using gas powered vehicles because it will add to pollution.
Extreme heat, among other factors, affects poor air quality because stagnant hot air increases ozone pollution and dries out soils, causing droughts and forest fires. So, while pumping gas isn’t necessarily dangerous in the heat, it can add to certain pollutants in the air.
Additionally and contrary to popular belief, not having enough gas in your tank could be dangerous in the middle of summer.
“Drivers have been advised to ensure there’s enough fuel in their tanks to avoid breaking down, as getting stranded in a heatwave is markedly more dangerous than overfilling the tank,” according to Petrochemical Energy.
More tips for drivers in the summer
Here are tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:
Check A/C performance before traveling; don’t forget to check your cabin air filter, too. A lack of air conditioning on a hot summer day affects everyone and is particularly dangerous for people in poor health or who are sensitive to heat, such as children and older adults.
Never leave children alone in the car — not even for a minute.
High summer temperatures accelerate the rate at which rubber belts and hoses degrade. Look under the hood and inspect all belts and hoses to make sure there are no signs of bulges, blisters, cracks or cuts in the rubber.
Inspect your tires at least once a month and before long road trips.
Stock your vehicle with:
Cell phone and charger
First aid kit
Flashlight
Flares and a white flag
Jumper cables
Tire pressure gauge
Jack (and ground mat) for changing a tire
Work gloves and a change of clothes
Basic repair tools and some duct tape (for temporarily repairing a hose leak)
Water and paper towels for cleaning up
Nonperishable food, drinking water and medicines
Extra windshield washer fluid
Maps
Emergency blankets, towels and coats
Have more questions? Let me know in the comments or email me at cmadden@mcclatchy.com
This story was originally published June 21, 2024 at 7:00 AM with the headline "Is it dangerous to fill up your tank on hot days? What Georgia residents should know."
