Choose your region for a tailor-made experience

Langue

Select the language of your choice

About
Our advices
Press area
Legal notices
Automotive

Why should you not use your cell phone/phone at a gas station?

By Bardahl • The 2/3/2021 • 5 min reading

Why should you not use your cell phone/phone at a gas station?
When you arrive at a gas station, you have certainly already noticed stickers prohibiting smoking – logical – or – less logical – using your mobile phone. There are also other gestures to avoid when filling up. But why?

Without further ado, we will answer this very common question: but why can't I make my phone calls while filling up my gas tank?

Caution

Caution

Without further suspense, we will answer this widespread question: but why can't I make my phone calls while filling up my gas tank?

We'll stop you right there: no, mobile phones do not generate sparks strong enough or exposed enough to cause an explosion! But at the end of the 90s, when GSM became popular, and even in the 21st century, it was not uncommon for a battery to explode or for a short circuit to occur. The authorities therefore preferred to play it safe by banning the use of mobile phones in gas stations, especially since they are part of "ATEX" (Explosive Atmospheres) zones. But rest assured: until now, a phone has never been recorded as the cause of an explosion at the pump.

In any case, it is also worth remembering that in a gas station, you are surrounded by highly flammable materials and many moving vehicles. That is why it is better to stay attentive to what is happening around you…

Little reminders

Little reminders

No smoking: while mobile phones have never started a fire, the same cannot be said for cigarettes, which cause explosions. In fact, fuels release flammable vapor at the slightest spark. This vapor is heavier than oxygen and therefore falls back to the ground, without evaporating completely. Therefore, the following are prohibited: lighters, matches and any kind of tobacco to put in the mouth. Do not force the tank to overflow: it is quite normal that we want to fill our tank to the maximum to travel as many kilometers as possible. But this is not ideal, especially when it is hot. Because, on the one hand, fuel expands in the heat. With a car exposed to direct sunlight, you risk losing more fuel and therefore more money. On the other hand, overflowing the tank also results in a loss of money, makes the ground slippery (think of motorcyclists!) and damages certain types of paint. Fortunately, today's pump guns have a safety stop. Don't go beyond the 3rd click.
Return to tips list