Mythbusters tested out cell phones starting fires while pumping gas, and it’s not a thing that happens with normal use.
The expert they had on the episode explained most fires that begin while pumping are from static discharge. It’s even more likely to happen if you get back into your car while the pump runs and then get back out when it’s done, as doing that can increase your static charge
Turn off your cellphone? Is this a thing you’re supposed to do? The car, I understand. Filling a running vehicle is just plain dangerous, but what does a phone interfere with?
a phone can short, generate static or ignite from a bad battery.
In China maybe, or that whole Samsung year of exploding batteries once
Where do you think your phone was made?
It doesn’t “interfere” with anything, they just want you paying attention to the torrent of highly flammable liquid and vapour in your hand.
Some people, like my partner (sorry honey but…) have very poor situational awareness in general, and it plummets to significantly less than nil when they’re on the phone.
I can absolutely imagine someone spraying fuel everywhere, or lighting a cigarette, or some other bullshit because theyre talking on the phone.
I suppose the other missing piece for me is the idea that you need your phone in your hand while pumping gas. It’s a 30 second task that should generally keep your attention anyways.
Once went on a trip with my uncle. He was drinking a can of beer while driving us around. Pulled up to a pump and gets out and starts pumping gas. After a minute I realize he never turned off the truck. Apparently left it running every time.
You can do that with modern cars, the risk is essentially zero. It’s more dangerous to not ensure you’re statically discharged / not get in and out of the car
I don’t think my dad has ever turned off his car at the pump
I usually just leave mine in the car.
I do wonder how much of a difference it makes, especially considering that iphones are able to continue sending out pings for Find My even when fully shut off. I figure the biggest risk would be like plugging/unplugging a connector.
There are much greater ignition hazards at a gas station though, like people leaving their engines on, filling improper containers, reentering the vehicle while filling, smoking / vaping, etc. It’ll say not to do all that, but people don’t care there eiher.
I use my phone to pay so I never have to use my card at the pump (or in the store).
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I record the purchase & miles driven. The data helps me to track and anticipate when the car will hit certain miles so that I can predict events like new tires, brakes, oil changes and save up for them. For one car, I noticed that premium fuel improves the mileage significantly, making the purchase worthwhile if it’s <7¢ more per gallon.
Also, at Costco, some members have a digital membership card (ie: on their phone).
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Just leave it in the car. Why turn it off?
The worst is starting the pump a leaving it to go into the gas station. If I see that, I walk over and push or flip whatever to end the transaction. Don’t touch the handle or their car. Just leave it there. I’ve only seen one guy restart the pump. Mostly they just look confused and leave.
Move to NL, we dont have locks on our gas hoses, so when you let go it stops
