Is it safe to keep a fuel container in my car?

KEEPING a full gallon of fuel in the trunk may seem like a good idea when you’re taking a long trip.

But what does the law say about having gasoline containers in your vehicle? Here’s everything you need to know.

Is it safe to keep a fuel container in my car?

Drivers can legally store up to 30 liters of gasoline in a maximum of two suitable containers in their vehicles.

But it must be kept away from the passenger compartment and in suitable gasoline storage containers.

This means plastic gasoline containers up to 10 liters capacity, metal gasoline containers up to 20 liters or detachable fuel tanks up to 30 liters.

Container lids must be tightly closed during transmission to prevent leaks.

And firefighters recommend not filling containers to the brim, as fuel expands and vapor can build up in hot weather, creating a hazard.

Despite it being legal, the Health and Safety Executive advises against storing petrol unless absolutely necessary.

And there is a gray area in the law, as the police may consider your container to be “dangerous cargo” or “may be dangerous”.

The AA also previously said it was “desperately concerned” about people storing petrol and diesel in their cars, which it described as “incredibly, incredibly dangerous”.

A spokesman said the British should not even think about storing it.

How long can you keep fuel in a car?

Drivers have about three months to fill a container before the quality of the gasoline begins to deteriorate.

If it is in a sealed container at 20ºC, the gasoline can have a shelf life of six months, or three months if it is at 30ºC, according to the RAC.

The more heat it is exposed to, the faster it will go out.

Diesel, on the other hand, can remain usable for between six and 12 months.

If a car with fuel in the tank has not been driven for about six months, experts recommend that it be drained at a workshop, as it could damage the car.

There is a risk of serious personal injury if gasoline is stored or used in an unsafe manner

Executive Health and Safety Representative.

What are the best conditions for storing fuel?

Brits can store up to 30 liters of petrol at home or away from work without informing their local Petroleum Enforcement Authority (PEA).

But it must be stored in a suitable portable metal or plastic container, a collapsible fuel tank or a combination of the two, as long as it remains under 30 liters.

There are also strict rules about where it can be stored in the home, due to gasoline being highly flammable.

The Health and Safety Executive determines that it must not be kept in accommodation – and must have direct access to open air and ventilation.

3

No sources of ignition, excessive heat or sunlight should be present, and there should be no smoke or naked lights nearby.

Containers must also be kept out of the reach of children and animals.

Always decant fuel outdoors – never inside a garage or shed – and use a spout or funnel.

An HSE spokesperson said: “Petrol is a dangerous substance; is a highly flammable liquid that emits vapor that can easily be ignited and when not handled safely has the potential to cause a serious fire and/or explosion.

3

“This means there is a risk of serious injury if gasoline is stored or used unsafely.”

An empty container that previously held gasoline may also be unsafe due to the vapors that remain, so be sure to keep the lid tightly closed and follow the same advice for storing gasoline.

Despite it being legal, several fire and rescue teams across the UK have warned Brits against storing petrol at home.

A spokesperson for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service said: “We strongly advise storing petrol and diesel due to their high flammability.

“Due to the risk of fire, they must be stored in approved containers, in a well-ventilated area and never indoors.”

And the RAC warns: “There is always a risk when storing flammable liquids, so for the average driver it is not advisable to keep fuel at home.”

Ten things YOU should know as a car owner

To help you feel more confident as a car owner, here are ten things you should be familiar with about your vehicle: