How To Safely Fill And Transport Gasoline Using A Gas Can

One unpleasant situation you can end up in is going on an off-road trip, or any trip for that matter, and running out of gas completely. This is not a regular occurrence, but you’d wish you had brought a gas can along in such a scenario. 

However, transporting gas safely and pouring it into the tank is another matter, and this article will guide you on how to do it properly.

Choosing A Gas Can

Choosing a gas can is pretty straightforward, but there are a few things to note. Firstly, it’s the color of the gas can itself. As you may know from movies or other sources, cans made for gas are red, and you must make sure you only choose from these, as white ones are for diesel and yellow for kerosene. 

Then, ensure the can you purchase has either Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) stamp to confirm quality. Also, note that some gas cans come with an in-built nozzle that helps to deliver fuel without spillage. 

After that, all that’s left is to buy the red can and fill it up.

Filling The Can

The safest way to do this is by placing an empty gas container on the ground and inserting the fuel pump nozzle into the gas container. Don’t place it on an elevated surface like a carpeted floorboard or a truck bed. Ensure the filler nozzle touches the rim of the opening to help static electricity dissipate.

Another thing to remember while filling up the gas container is to keep the cap or lid as it prevents the gasoline from spilling. Lose it and transporting gas will become a strenuous process.

One of the most important things to remember while filling up the gas container is not to fill the gas can to the brim. Never fill the gas container to the brim, as it would cause gas spillage. Instead, pour it to about 95% of the can’s volume to leave an air space, as the fuel expands when the temperature increases. 

If you are having difficulty seeing how full the can is because the nozzle or fuel pump nozzle blocks your view, stop filling the gas can when it is 50% full and take it slowly from there. You can also try removing the gas can nozzle from your gas container for better visibility. 

The very last step is putting the lid or cap on the can. The safest method to minimize gasoline spillage is to put it back on tightly when the can is still on the ground. Often, people fill the gas can on the ground but then pick it up without putting the cap back on. 

Transporting The Gas Safely

Once you fill the can up, you should place it upright on either the truck bed or in the trunk. Then, secure it in any way you see fit, so it wouldn’t slide around while the car moves. After all that’s done, if you need to refuel at any point, just turn the engine off and pour the gasoline slowly and carefully inside the tank. Afterward, wipe the can clean and store it in the car.

Generally, when it comes to the safe transportation of gasoline, you should only remember the following:

• Ensure that the filled-up gas can lid is tightly closed; 
• Put it in a place where there’s no direct sunlight;
• Don’t put it on the front or back seats as well, to, once again, avoid direct sunlight and gasoline inside the can catching fire. 

Summary

Even though it may seem easy, transporting gasoline properly and refueling from the can is slightly more complicated than you think. Firstly, you must choose the right can: the red jerry can of any capacity you desire, and ensure it has either a UL or an ASTM stamp for quality. 

Then, you must carefully pour the gas in and, preferably, avoid spillage by using a nozzle or a funnel. Never fill the gas can to the brim, and leave, so air space as the fuel expands when it’s hot. 

Lastly, when transporting, ensure the gan is clean, and no gas remains on it. Secure the cap on the can tightly, place it upright in your trunk or truck bed, and make sure it’s not under direct sunlight. 

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