Winter Fueling Without Turning Off Engine Sparks Debate; Experts Reaffirm Safety Guidelines

A video recorded during snowy weather has sparked online debate after showing a man refueling his vehicle at a Shell gas station without turning off the engine. Many netizens from cold regions commented that it’s common practice in winter to keep the engine running to maintain cabin warmth or avoid difficulties starting diesel engines in freezing temperatures. However, safety guidelines from both fire safety authorities and the automotive industry universally require vehicles to be turned off while refueling. Gasoline vapors are highly flammable, and although the risk of fire from modern vehicles is low, potential ignition sources—such as a running engine, hot components (like catalytic converters), or static electricity from the human body—can still pose hazards. Most gas stations clearly display signs instructing drivers to “turn off engine while refueling,” a rule that not only aligns with fire safety regulations but is also mandated by law in many jurisdictions. Experts emphasize that even though such incidents are rare, minimizing potential risks remains the best practice.