Car Gasoline Containers: How to Use, Fill, Transport, and Dispose Them

Gasoline is a volatile and corrosive substance, but there are some really good plastic gas cans available that are perfectly safe to use. As a matter of fact, most gas cans are plastic. However, you need a container that is specifically designed and labeled for gasoline. Don’t use anything like a gallon milk jug, for example, which is totally unsafe.

Steel gas cans tend to rust on the inside due to condensation and may contaminate the gas, so make sure you check the inside of a steel gas can regularly when it’s empty. Many vehicle gas tanks are made of heavy plastic.

Pro Tips are nuggets of information direct from ASE-certified automobile technicians working with CarParts.com, which may include unique, personal insights based on their years of experience working in the automotive industry. These can help you make more informed decisions about your car.

Pro Tip: When you get some gas in a can that won’t be used for a while, add a bit of fuel stabilizer to the gas (not much) to stabilize it so that it doesn’t go bad.

But let’s take a closer look at gasoline containers’ safety:

Are Gasoline Containers Safe?

Yes, gasoline containers are safe, provided that they are well taken care of.

Gas containers can become a safety hazard when they’re improperly stored or filled. If they have gas or vapor leaks, they can ignite and cause an explosion. This could cause anything from severe burns to expensive car or garage repair bills, depending on how and where the accident happened.

Steel gas cans tend to rust on the inside due to condensation and may contaminate the gas, so make sure you check the inside of a steel gas can regularly when it’s empty.

– Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician

How to Fill a Gasoline Container Safely

Filling a gas container isn’t as simple as filling a water bottle. Spills, for example, can have hazardous consequences. Follow these steps to ensure an efficient top-up.

1. Set the empty gasoline container on the ground to prevent static electricity discharge from the nozzle to the can, particularly if the can is metal. Caution: Never fill a gas can that isn’t sitting on the ground. That means do not have it in the back of your pickup or in the trunk of your car.
2. Insert the fuel pump nozzle into the container.
3. Fill the gasoline container until it is about 95% full. Don’t fill it to the brim because vapors can expand in storage and transit. Make sure to give gas enough room in the canister.
4. Seal the gasoline container with a cap or a lid. Ensure that it’s airtight to prevent leaks.
5. Load your gasoline container onto your vehicle. Make sure it’s kept in a space that’s clean, dry, away from heat and sunlight, and far from anything that can ignite it.

Other Gasoline Container Filling Tips

Here are some tips to reduce the likelihood of leaks, spills, and other accidents while topping up a gas container.

• Wear safety equipment, such as gloves and goggles, to keep yourself safe while handling gasoline.
• Turn off your vehicle’s engine and refrain from smoking when filling gasoline containers.
• Wipe the container clean before loading it on your vehicle.
• Always check if gasoline containers have been stamped and approved by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).
• Secure your gasoline containers during transport to minimize their movement.
• Never store your gasoline container in the passenger compartments of your vehicle.
• Don’t leave gasoline containers in your vehicle for extended periods.

How to Transport Gasoline Containers

Once your gasoline containers are filled and ready to go, it’s time to load them onto your vehicle.

When storing containers filled with any liquid, it’s important to keep them upright in either your truck bed or your trunk depending on which storage compartment your vehicle has. This way, it will be less likely to spill or leak from the lid.

Before loading the container inside your vehicle, make sure the lid is properly sealed. Store it someplace away from heat and direct sunlight to prevent the gasoline vapors from expanding.

How to Safely Dispose of Gas

If you want to dispose of old or contaminated gasoline in your vehicle, you’ll need to siphon it and store it in a gasoline container. You can’t pour gasoline down a drain, pour it on the ground, or throw it into a trash can. Instead, you must bring it to a facility capable of disposing of it. If it’s a lot of gas, be prepared to pay about $10 a gallon to have it disposed of.

The exact nature and location of these disposal facilities vary depending on where you live. Keep a sharp eye out for community programs in your area dedicated to disposing of hazardous waste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about gasoline containers.

What does it mean if gasoline is expanding in its container?

If the gas container is left someplace hot, the vapors inside it expand. Metal gasoline containers are less likely to expand.

What are gasoline containers made of?

Containers for gasoline are usually made of thick metal or high-density polyethylene (HDPE). This is because gasoline tends to corrode less durable materials.

How long can gas be stored in a container?

Gasoline can typically be stored in a sealed container for up to six months without significant degradation. Just make sure to keep it someplace clean, sealed, dry, and away from sunlight and heat.

Does gasoline take the shape of its container​?

Yes, gasoline takes the shape of its container because it’s liquid.