Is it safe to drive with a full gas can in my trunk?

Natalie L

I would say no. My main concern would be someone rear ending my car and the gas can catches fire or even worse blows up.

Adacadus

Nope, the tank probably won't seal against fumes.
Inhaling petrol fumes is NOT pleasant, and the chance of explosion is much higher than I would comfortably drive with.
If you really want to carry one, it should be on the outside of the car.

The Mr. Pine

It must have a breather device on it so the fumes are not contained. The pressure will build up and cause an explosion.

mel

not really; fumes can build up. Short distances I'd take the chance on.

Matt W

Not safe. In case of a crash your car becomes a bomb.

Fred C

Never keep a full can of gas in the trunk of your car "just in case" you run low. Carrying any type of fuel in a closed vehicle only offers a risk of fire or explosion. Gas cans are designed to vent fumes to prevent explosive concentrations of vapor from accumulating inside them, but most vehicles' trunks have no such feature. On a hot day, a small spark could have rather nasty consequences.

BFH

If it really is airtight you will probably be ok. But don't tell anyone I said that.

The answers I give in this forum are not my official opinion, and I assume no responsibility for any result good or bad, that my be directly or indirectly caused by heeding the afforementioned advice.

johN p. aka-Hey you.

I just saw a picture of a car, (I think it was a car,) that blew up because their propane tank was left inside of it. Trunks and interiors get very hot, very fast.

Dan M

I'm not a mechanic, but hope you have some that respond to your question.

My sense is that the short answer is no. For one thing, that toolbox is not going to make a difference in a severe collision.

For another, I don't know if it's correct to assume that a full can is safer than a can that is not. Again, I'm not a mechanic or engineer, but I think that if the can bursts in a violent collision, then finds a spark in that instant, it will not make a difference that the can was full.

A visit to a wrecking yard will give you a sense of how violent collisions can be. That can you bought at the auto supply store doesn't seem to have a chance. Just my 2 cents.

Don't forget that the terms "uninsured" and "drunk driver" go together for a reason.

rhsaunders

Yes. Just be sure that it is well secured.

Garacaius

Yes, as long as it is sealed shut and secured in place.

It is relatively safe but I wouldn't keep it there forever.If a hot day comes along and the tank gets hot in the trunk the can will expand an leak fumes,not good.

solidusnake

no its fine. as long as there's no significant build up of heat ,it should be fine. the only thing that can ignite it is if its extremely hot temps(you'll have to leave your car in the sun in like 100 degree weather for a couple of hours) or you have a source of flame near it, which im assuming you dont. if the can is sealed, there should be no fumes, besides some people have one in case they run out of gas. it really shouldnt be a problem at all unless youre a pyromaniac.

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: