Do you get too busy, only to remember the things you need much later? If so, you might have, at one point, asked yourself whether gas stations sell gas containers. For many people, it makes more sense to get a gas can from the station and carry it back to your car once you’re out of gas. But the question is, “Do gas stations sell gas containers?”
Yes, some gas stations still sell gas containers. Generally, if the station’s location is convenient, perhaps close to a decent store like Walmart, you can find gas containers for sale there.
However, do not expect the filling stations to lend you the gas cans. They hardly do this anymore. This is mainly because letting out the gas cans to strangers who might be passing by tends to cause extra liabilities. The same may lead to unnecessary losses for the fuel station. Hence, it forms part of the challenges that gas stations face today.
Keep reading to get further insights on gas containers.
Yes, as mentioned earlier, some filling stations still sell gas containers. Initially, fuel cans were a popular commodity at gas stations. But you cannot easily find them today, unless it’s a strategically positioned station.
- You need specific gas types from the gas station.
- You suddenly realize you’ve run out of gas and are a long distance from home.
How Do You Fill a Gas Container at a Gas Station?
You can fill gas containers safely at a gas station in the following ways:
- First, ensure the gas container is well-labeled and approved. The can should have labels or stamps like those of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
- Let the container sit on the ground before filling it, and ensure the nozzle touches the filler opening’s rim. This ensures that the static electricity disappears.
- Have the container filled to 95% capacity. Leave an air space so the fuel can expand as temperatures increase.
- Fill the container manually, and do not use the trigger lock found on the nozzle.
Can You Put Gas in Any Container?
No! Please note that you cannot put gas in any container. Using any unauthorized container can cause fires or lead to severe injuries. The gas storage container should be among the approved types.
Note that you can never have gasoline pumped into a plastic container and then place it at the back of your car to carry it home. Such are the instances in which you risk not getting home without setting your car on fire.
Also, keeping the gas closed in the plastic jar in the house can cause your home to catch fire. The fuel can expand and rupture the jug or blow off its top. Therefore, ensure you avoid the following when carrying or storing gasoline:
- Plastic jugs
- Glass containers
- Antifreeze jugs
- Old metal gas cans
- Unapproved metal containers
There are other gasoline storage precautions that you must observe, as listed below:
Since gasoline’s nature is flammability, it helps to store it at room temperature. You must keep it far from possible heat sources, including:
- The sun
- Hot water heater
- Furnace or space heater
Besides, it would help if you also kept the gas at least 50 feet from flaming sources like pilot lights. Gasoline vapors tend to be denser than air. Hence, they can travel along the floor to the flame sources. More so, you should ensure that no one smokes around where gasoline is stored.
What Containers Are Approved for Gasoline?
The containers approved to handle gasoline include:
- Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
- Factory Mutual (FM)-approved safety cans
The safety containers are available in various sizes. The best thing about them is the available mechanisms for opening the valve to pour the fuel. You can use funnel spouts on these cans to make pouring easier and reduce spills.
Usually, these containers have some requirements that manufacturers must meet before approval. So, even if the approved gas containers may be more expensive than the cheaper cans, they are safer and will last longer.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, since 1998, 1,200 emergency room injuries have been due to gas container explosions. All of the reports included explosions as the gasoline was poured from a plastic container. So, despite the explosions and burns, the injury risk was linked to plastic gas.
FAQs
How long can gas in plastic can last?
Pure gas stored and sealed in a plastic container can last between three and six months. This is when it starts degrading and losing its combustibility due to oxidation and evaporation. Mainly, a blend of ethanol and gasoline tends to have a shorter shelf life of at most three months.
Is an empty gas can safe?
No! An empty gas can is not safe. The container might still have some flammable fumes inside, which may explode. Remember that a container with gasoline inside mostly has vapors, and gasoline vapors tend to be explosive. It’s safe only if the inside of the gas container is fully dry. You can also place the container where there’s good ventilation. The can should have no cap to enable the release of any remaining gas fumes.
Are plastic gas cans safe?
What determines if a gas station sells gas cans?
Whether or not a gas station sells gas cans will depend on the station’s location. The reality today is that gas stations only sell products they believe customers will buy. So, if the gas station is remote and far from other stores and shopping centers, they are likely to have the gas cans available for sale.
Final Thoughts
We have discovered that some gas stations still sell gas containers. Some people may have run out of gas and gotten to the fuel stations without a fuel can. In such cases, they have no alternative but to purchase the gas container and have it filled with gasoline.
The most important thing is to guarantee that you use a suitable gas can. Ensure that the gasoline is placed in approved and labeled containers. Note that, over time, some storage materials, like specific plastic types, become brittle, opposing the gasoline.
Still, other cans aren’t durable enough to bear the pressures caused by temperature changes that lead to expansion and contraction. More so, some gas cans sold are often not sealed tight enough to avoid spilling.
The can should be adequately sealed so as not to spill gasoline on the ground. Remember that gasoline is flammable. If it spills out of the container, it might cause a fire. We must also use extreme caution when filling gas cans from a pump. Since gasoline is highly volatile, it can easily catch fire and explode, hence burning rapidly.
References:
For over ten years, Eric has served as a manager, advisor, and marketer in the retail and consumer service sector. Moreover, he is the head writer and managing editor at thestoregeeks.com. Eric is a father of two and an avid shopping geek.
