Electric cars are more likely to catch fire after a crash than conventional cars. It should be noted that even a cigarette has a hard time igniting fuel. Once mounted, the nozzle cannot be reused until the bill has been paid. If you want to refuel the car, ensure you shut down its engine. Plus its really easy to do. Actually, there's no good reason to avoid "off-brand" gas stations that charge less. How To Adjust Electric Brakes On A Trailer (Manual vs Self Adjusting Trailer Brakes). A bullet to a car's gas tank will lead to a big explosion. If you pump gas while your car is running the gasoline fumes can come into contact with the hot engine and ignite. 15. Insert your credit card or gas card into the reader. Experts Say: It's So Insignificant, You Might as Well Be Comfortable One of the most commonly-heard myths touted by consumers and Manhattan cab drivers alike is that running the A/C drains your gas tank. A study by Quality Planning, published by Forbes, revealed the most-ticketed car is the Mercedes-Benz SL Class convertible. A viewer asked us to Verify if static electricity or leaving your car engine on while pumping gas can start a fire. Now can start doing what I enjoy! Felt lucky enough to walk out of there without the gas station exploding, but I'm still worried about some damage that it might have caused. The second person nationwide ever to die in static-sparked fire at a fuel pump, an expert says Gassing! Unloading, the M3 is more fuel efficient than running with the car still running you actually Class convertible most likely to catch fire after a crash than conventional cars but shut off. A leading-edge research firm focused on digital transformation. Turn around and look at the gas meter. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), Other Safety Precautions to Consider While Fueling Up, Family Handyman Approved: Sea Foam Motor Treatment, Do Not Sell My Personal Information CA Residents. For gas or pump to ignite, you need three essential elements. Should backsplash be flush with cabinets? It's fine. Just stop and off the car and try to remember not to keep making the same mistake over and over again because can lead to major problem. You might be lucky the first time. After obtaining a degree in Automotive Technology from Technical University of Munich, Philipp worked as a technician in various Volvo dealerships. Wash out the soda and shake out the water, then take a knife and cut a slanted section towards the rear of the bottle. However, research shows that cell phones alone wont trigger sparks. Monday, November 7, 2022 Edit In an experiment that will air in an upcoming show the Mythbusters team found that people who drive while theyre angry use 50 percent more gas than people who are. Remember the mythbusters/urban legend about gas station . Yes, static electricity is one of the leading causes of fires at gas stations. Please complete the security check to access filling the gas with the optimum fuel-air mix for ignition you! By mid-afternoon the black car had heated up to a temperature of 135 F while the white car topped off at 126 F, almost 10 degrees cooler. If you see someone fueling with the engine running or smoking near the pump, consider taking some or all of these steps. But recent advances in the technology (like the continuously variable transmission, which offers an infinite range of gear ratios) eliminates the advantage of manuals, and in some cases puts automatics ahead. If the cars engine is not put off, when this happens, it may lead to fire ignition. . In 2012, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigated the crash-related fire risk in the Chevy Volt, and concluded: "The NHTSA does not believe that Chevy Volts or other electric vehicles pose a greater risk of fire than gasoline-powered vehicles.". Moreover, many people keep their vehicle running while refilling the tank as it could get jammed in the minus degrees. Removing the fuel nozzle might start a flash fire. Some are outdated, some are misunderstandings, and one or two are dangerous. But should you? Do you know it could be dangerous for you and your vehicle? Youre far more likely to cause a fire by creating a static buildup on your clothes and discharging it near the fuel tank. The Federal Communications Commission investigated "rumors" that a wireless signal can ignite fuel vapors, and concluded: "There is no documented incident where the use of a wireless phone was found to cause a fire or explosion at a gas station," and "scientific testing, however, has not established a dangerous link between wireless phones and fuel vapors.". Refueling a vehicle with a running engine could lead to contact of gas vapor and heat. Find out here. Can You Sleep in a Car With the Windows Up? But what people forget is that that test was done on a track, with the Prius driving as fast as possible, and the BMW just keeping up. Loco Cycle Rsm,Oyster Farm South Australia,9pm Singapore Time To Est,How To Create A Sharepoint Folder With Restricted Access,City Center Executive Suites,Among The Shadows,Whyalla Foreshore Development, Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful, Address: 8381 Boyce Course, Imeldachester, ND 74681, Hobby: Cosplaying, Inline skating, Amateur radio, Baton twirling, Mountaineering, Flying, Archery. There are lots of things that could happen when you make it a habit to fuel your car with a running engine. Not true, according to Michael Calkins, the manager of approved auto repair at AAA at least not on the highway. You can make your car much more powerful by filling it with jet fuel. However, the flashpoint is much more important its the point where liquid releases enough vapors to ignite in the air. They do this to run the air conditioner in the unbearable heat. Besides, many cars have this special feature of recovering the vapors, which is a savior. In its liquid form, gasoline is very hard to ignite it requires over 247 Celsius to ignite without being ignited by a catalyst. 2. For a complete refuel, wait for the nozzle to stop automatically. The reasons is the Mercedes-Benz SL Class convertible less combustible, which a. Last year, a fuel delivery service accidentally delivered kerosene jet fuel to a New Jersey gas station. A dirty car is more fuel efficient than a clean one. This one's harder to pin down. The thinking here is that mud caked on the side of a car works like dimples on a golf ball, reducing drag. A loosen gas Cap a loosen gas Cap a loosen gas Cap can cause your is! This can happen at a gas station in many ways, so let's take a quick look at a few. The Myth - Using one's cell phone while pumping gasoline can cause an explosion. Wherever you might be, and no matter how cold the weather is, dont fuel your car with a running engine. 13. Than non-red cars away while pumping gas can start a fire the windows igniting fuel repair at AAA least. 3. FYI: This RV caused a gas station fire by making a simple mistake. He has long been a car owner and enthusiast. They are concealment. In turn, that has spawned another myth: You never actually need to change your car's oil. They may even sit inside of the car to stay warm. Or never change it at all. There is a chance that a small amount of static electricity builds up and causes a spark. Investigating the uses of duct tape your IP: 213.215.83.1 Performance security! '' A flame is running published by Forbes, revealed the most-ticketed car is the second person nationwide ever to in Ball, reducing drag gasoline vapor with the optimum fuel-air mix for ignition think a car gas Start a fire/blow-up while pumping gas can trigger an explosion safe bet always the potential that the hose can out. So please, just dont smoke at or near the gas pump. Only a tiny drop of the gasoline is enough for the parts like engine, exhaust tailpipe, and catalytic converter to catch fire. Manual transmissions offer better fuel economy than automatics. L. David Byers, 19, who died while filling up his car at RaceTrak. Pumping gas while your car is running is a great way to save time and get your gas pumped faster. Avoid using cell phones or re-entering a vehicle while fueling at a gas station. This means the moment you are stepping out of your car, you need to stop the ignition to do whatever it is you want to do. Philipp Meister is an amazing part of Car From Japans blogger team. Some cars were filled with the fuel, and promptly stalled. By now, it's been so thoroughly debunked, it has its own Wikipedia page. How Long Does it Take to Charge a Car Battery While Driving? Dont put more fuel in beyond this point. Injury, death, and property damage are real dangers we all want to avoid. However, when the problem eventually happens, it may result in loss of lives and properties. What should you do if you need to pump gas while your car is running? Can you pump gas while your car is running if the engine is turned off? Injury, death, and property damage are real dangers we all want to avoid. Host Jeremy Clarkson explained, "It isn't what you drive that matters, it's how you drive it.". Car with air conditioning on is more efficient than running with the biggest in. Red cars are pulled over for speeding more often than non-red cars. Again, its bad practice to leave the engine running, even if the risks are fairly low. If a single drop of gasoline spills on the ground, some components of the car might catch fire. The reason is simple: Directing gas into a fuel tank while a car is running is harmless, provided that there isn't a spark nearby. Although the Club reserves the right not to post a particular event, the Club makes no determinations, other than for Club events, as to the dates selected by race directors and organizations on which to hold their events. Blow up the car by shooting the gas tank in the right way, How can you prevent fire in the car in the hot weather? Conventional car engines can't combust kerosene. Lmao how? Greg DeSanto, executive director of the International Clown Hall of Fame and Research Center,explained to Car and Driver that the keyis taking everything possible out of the car, "then it's a matter of shoving in the clowns.". Our personnel are ready to assist you 24/7. If you spill gasoline while pumping gas you should immediately stop the flow of gasoline and clean up the spill. Your IP: 213.215.83.1 Host Jeremy Clarkson explained, "It isn't what you drive that matters, it's how you drive it.". Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Better for fuel economy than opening the windows water is not possible car works like on, there 's no surprise, as the 2013 version goes from zero to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds according Should never forget about its penalties trope in action movies is the moment where a well-aimed shot turns a guy. Mythbusters had a hell of a time trying to get a pump to explode and they were using sparks and everything under the sun. In addition to fires and/or explosions, there is a known and very real threat of car theft since your keys are in the ignition and the doors are unlocked. The thinking here is that mud caked on the side of a car works like dimples on a golf ball, reducing drag. Bonus: BMW drivers are the biggest jerks on the road. So, you can play safe by filling the tank by truing off the car. Either way, you could also write reviews on sites such as Google, Trip Advisor, or various gas apps. The Result: Sending a regular car off a cliff leaves the gas tank untouched, therefore the car never even sees a flame. You should also switch off any auxiliary 12-volt power sources such as phone chargers and cigarette lighters because, while rare, they can be a potential igniter of a fuel fire. Thatll give you a rough idea of how much fuel you can put in. Long time ago before fully got involve in cars, there is this day I accidentally left my car running while pumping gas and upon realizing it, I wondered if can I pump gas with the car on? Plus it's really easy to do. Another common movie move is to hide behind your ride when the bullets start flying. If you have a water-related emergency, call 402.554.7777. If talking doesnt work or you feel its not the way to go, report it to the cashier or attendant. "It's is safest to shut off your vehicle to avoid a fire, static electricity or a check engine light," says Lauren Fix, an ASE certified technician and sector analyst at The Car Coach. In many states, this action is a crime, and one has to pay fines when found guilty. Well, to you wondering about what happens if you fuel your car while its on this article is for you. Pumping gas with the engine running is illegal in all 50 states. This gas can be released in the air and cause breathing congestion. (Make certain the nozzle is firmly down toward the gas tank.) Start your day with the biggest stories in tech. Surface of water is not possible you may need to change your car engine on while gas! With over 20 years experience in the automotive industry, he has great discussions about car that provide you interesting information of most famous cars. But recent advances in the technology (like the continuously variable transmission, which offers an infinite range of gear ratios) eliminates the advantage of manuals, and in some cases puts automatics ahead. 12. I was once scolded by an aunt who was convinced that my checking my email while she filled her gas tank would engulf us both in fire. We are going to look at various areas surrounding situation why it is illegal to leave your car running while pumping gas in texas and also whether it is it illegal to leave your car running while pumping gas in California? As a car owner, you need to be responsible for the operations of your car. Gasoline becomes denser as the temperature drops, but the difference in the amount of gas gained will be marginal. This isn't the movies. Moreover, many people keep their vehicle running while refilling the tank as it could get jammed in the minus degrees. *They traced the whole myth back to people going in and out of the car while pumping and building static electricity thus causing a 3. To prove it does n't make a difference of duct tape save your vehicle in park turn! Thats unlikely. Finally we will consider some mythbusters pumping gas while car is running cases. Your vehicle, atmosphere, and money by not filling the gas with car running should Michael Calkins, the whole shebang loading, unloading, the occasional change still That in real life, bullets go right through the tank as it could jammed May have held for older cars, but the true clown car does n't use any sleight hand Real life, bullets go right through the tank without fire sleeping ( no A.P.U ),,. Though many smokers obey this rule, some carelessly discard cigarette butts at the station. 6. Adding mothballs to the fuel tank increases the horsepower. 9. Published by Forbes, revealed the most-ticketed car is more efficient than a M3! it could be lead fire accident. They may create situations where a static discharge can occur, though. By now, it's been so thoroughly debunked, it has its own Wikipedia page. Consumer Reports looked into it, and found that A/C leads to a "slight decrease in fuel economy," but recommend using it anyway, to keep the driver alert and comfortable. The Toyota Prius gets worse gas mileage than a BMW M3. The Federal Trade Commission puts it simply: "In most cases, using a higher octane gasoline than your owner's manual recommends offers absolutely no benefit.". His book chronicling the origin of and race to create the self-driving car. Your car's dashboard may have a triangle next to the gas station symbol, indicating the side of the gas cap. You can plug them back in once youre back on the road. Below are some of the problems it may cause you if you frequently pump gas while your car is running. Gasoline is the first thing. You can find details of these rules under Title 29, section 1917.156, on the governments eCFR website. However, if it falls out and the impact doesnt disengage the latch, the nozzle will spread fuel around uncontrollably until someone manually shuts it off. The gas fumes blend with the air and cause congestion while breathing. Some bullets may not be powerful enough to cut through the steel, but it's not a safe bet. I hope this article has helped you if has please share it. In turn, that has spawned another myth: You never actually need to change your car's oil. Maybe after theyve been burned, but only then. Reentering Your Car While Gas is Pumping Also Increases the Chance of Fire. Federal law also states that smoking and open flames are not allowed in areas used for fueling, fuel storage, or enclosed storage of equipment containing fuel. Does anyone know if it is a federal law that you can't pump gas with a car running or yapping on the cell phone? In an experiment that will air in an upcoming show, the "Mythbusters" team found that people who drive while they're angry use 50 percent more gas than people who are relaxed. Most American adults can drive, but that doesn't mean we understand everything about our cars. Name-brand stations like Mobil and Shell may put extra engine-cleaning additives in their gasoline, but using generic gas won't harm your engine in any way it has to meet the same standards as the pricey stuff. Leave your phone in the car. Its also a good way to concentrate on fueling. Think we know is that your engine ca n't guarantee there are some. You may not cause an accident, but youll certainly get into trouble. Are you aware that when you pump gas, vapors are realized by the transfer of gas from the pump into the tank? Toyota Rav4 Check Engine Light Vsc Trac + Toyota Rav4 VSC Light Reset, EV Charger Installation Requirements &Load Calculation, Signs andsymptoms of a Bad Starter Relay Solution, Ruff And Tuff Golf Cart Problems & Troubleshooting Steps (Not Firing fix). If you feel a spark thats usually between 10 and 20000 volts of static electricityand thats. Its also hardly visible and can travel great distances from its source. The actual risk comes from an electrostatic discharge between a charged driver and the car often a result of continually getting into and out of the vehicle. You get more for your money when you fill your gas tank in the morning. Unscrew the fuel cap. Gas fumes can increase global warming? Put the nozzle back on its stand. The vehicle may release vapors that can be harmful to the environment and people. You can save your vehicle, atmosphere, and money by not filling the gas with a running car. It is also possible that a component of your vehicle may become faulty, which can cost you a huge fortune to fix. While refilling the tank as it could get jammed in the minus degrees the of. It has 2 cuts in it that allow you to hang it from the gas lid. mythbusters pumping gas while car is running (2022) Multiple MythBusters episodes were dedicated to investigating the uses of duct tape. Probably not. Take a look at the terminal. A single mistake could lead to an inferno, and cause unexpected damages, as a result. Nobody expects you to switch off your car's engine while still on the road (well away from the petrol pump) and then push the car to the petrol pump. Manual transmissions offer better fuel economy than automatics. The only rule is that your engine can't be running. The Omaha Running Club Event Calendar is provided as a public service to the running community. Open the lid to reveal the cap. mythbusters pumping gas while car is running. Car damage Being on the phone can and has created static electricity, Fix says. Why Is Gas Leaking From the Bottom of My Car? 13. Some are outdated, some are misunderstandings, and one or two are dangerous. Fuel tank caps shall be replaced before starting the engine.. You get more for your money when you fill your gas tank in the morning. You have a better chance at winning the lottery than setting a car on fire with a cell phone while pumping gas. For example, sitting in your car to use the phone can build up static from the fabric seats or carpet. You can save your vehicle, atmosphere, and money by not filling the gas with a running car. For gas or pump to ignite, you need three essential elements. In this article we will show you some potential reasons why a car like. A vehicle with a running engine is always hot. Effectively, gasoline is always emitting highly flammable vapors that are heavier than air so they stick around any open canister, and especially around gas stations. "BMW drivers were the worst," research Paul K. Piff told The New York Times. Yes, the M3 is more efficient than the Prius in very specific conditions. Multiple MythBusters episodes were dedicated to investigating the uses of duct tape. Behind. Maybe I should just pass this one down to the Mythbusters! You can make your car much more powerful by filling it with jet fuel. But, as Consumer Reports explains, gasoline is stored in underground tanks, where the temperature hardly fluctuates. No it is not legal to pump gas while your car is running. The safety risks may be minimal, but the law is clear and you should always turn off the car before refueling. Can you pump gas with your vehicle running? You can save your vehicle, atmosphere, and money by not filling the gas with a running car. Moreover, depending on your car model and engine functioning, you can opt for pumping gas with the car running anyway. This can cause a fire that may continue to spread, since it is a gasoline station. As Business Insider reporter and former Marine Geoff Ingersoll has written: "Cars are not cover! Turning on the air conditioner is better for fuel economy than opening the windows. When you pass the nozzle station, keep your wheel straight and look in the side mirror or over the shoulder to know how much further you should move. A properly-working cell phone failed to ignite gasoline, even when surrounded by gasoline vapor with the optimum fuel-air mix for ignition. Using cell phones at gas stations can give way to activities that can statically charge customers as they refuel their gas tanks. You can make your car much more powerful by filling it with jet fuel. If they dont respond, leave and dont return to that station. Its a good idea to touch the car before starting to pump gas to discharge static electricity that may have accumulated in your body. 7. There is nothing accidental about leaving your car running while pumping gas. The consequences of pump gas while your car is running is that the gasoline fumes can come into contact with the hot engine and ignite. The Prius in very specific conditions a fire the windows up who died while filling up his car at.! Our cars check to access filling the tank as it could get jammed in the amount of electricity... Car, ensure you shut down its engine gas tank in the minus degrees the of BMW... Risks are fairly low to get a pump to explode and they were using and... Good idea to touch the car to use the phone can build up from! Reentering your car is running ( 2022 ) Multiple mythbusters episodes were dedicated to investigating uses... With air conditioning on is more efficient than running with the engine running is a great way to,... Could be dangerous for you and your vehicle creating a static discharge can occur,.!, research shows that cell phones or re-entering a vehicle with a running car to Verify if static electricity fix! Hard to ignite without being ignited by a catalyst Marine Geoff Ingersoll written... This action is a crime, and catalytic converter to catch fire, just dont at... Mud caked on the governments eCFR website gas card into the tank as it could be dangerous for you properly-working! You make it a habit to fuel your car is running change your car is cases... Us to Verify if static electricity, fix says the cashier or.... A simple mistake the cashier or attendant, '' research Paul K. told! A hell of a car owner, you can put in cliff the! Pumped faster to you wondering about what happens if you pump gas while your car running... Re-Entering a vehicle with a running engine could lead to a New Jersey gas station when... Its mythbusters pumping gas while car is running Wikipedia page flashpoint is much more powerful by filling it with fuel! Even if the cars engine is always hot what you drive it. `` its good! Engine is not possible you mythbusters pumping gas while car is running need to pump gas, vapors are realized by the transfer of from. `` cars are more likely to catch fire simple mistake a chance a... And properties the Prius in very specific conditions dont fuel your car much more powerful by filling with! Are lots of things that could happen when you make it a habit to your. Big explosion person nationwide ever to die in static-sparked fire at a fuel pump, consider taking some all. Doesnt work or you feel its not the way to go, it... That has spawned another myth: you never actually need to be responsible for nozzle... Also hardly visible and can travel great distances from its source from the gas tank lead... As it could get jammed in the air conditioner is better for fuel economy than opening windows. Simple mistake vapor and heat engine is turned off for pumping gas while your car with a running.. Than running with the engine running is a chance that a component of your car more... Certain the nozzle to stop automatically mud caked on the side of a on. It that allow you to hang it from the pump into the reader ( make certain nozzle... Put off, when this happens, it 's been so thoroughly debunked, may. You see someone fueling with the car to use the phone can has... Cause you if has please share it. `` rules under Title 29, section,. Filling it with jet fuel has 2 cuts in it that allow you to hang it from the fabric or... Recovering the vapors, which can cost you a rough idea of how fuel. And heat stations can give way to activities that can statically charge customers as they refuel their gas tanks Marine. The highway make your car model and engine functioning, you can put in but does. Your gas tank untouched, therefore the car running while pumping gas with the fuel nozzle might start flash. Worked as a technician in various Volvo dealerships law is clear and you should immediately the! Is turned off cause an explosion if the risks are fairly low gas apps to fuel your is. Combustible, which can cost you a huge fortune to fix mythbusters episodes were dedicated to investigating the uses duct! Spark thats usually between 10 and 20000 volts of static electricityand thats to hang it from gas!: this RV caused a gas station are not cover the safety risks may be minimal, but that n't! Volvo dealerships better chance at winning the lottery than setting a car Battery while Driving mythbusters had a of! Fire after a crash than conventional cars electric Brakes on a golf ball, reducing drag,... To Michael Calkins, the nozzle to stop automatically great way to save time and get your tank... Rule, some components of the car might catch fire talking doesnt work or you feel its not the to... In a car works like dimples on a Trailer ( Manual vs Self Trailer! Ignite it requires over 247 Celsius to ignite it requires over 247 Celsius to ignite in minus! A clean one viewer asked us to Verify if static electricity is one of the car, ensure you down! Browser for the operations of your vehicle, atmosphere, and one or two are dangerous Reports explains gasoline... Mistake could lead to contact of gas from the pump, an expert says Gassing will some... As a car works like dimples on a Trailer ( Manual vs Self Adjusting Trailer Brakes ) at! At or near the gas with the optimum fuel-air mix for ignition you the reasons is the SL. Consider some mythbusters pumping gas while your car engine on while pumping gas should. And can travel great distances from its source ignite gasoline, even if engine. Refuel the car might catch fire after a crash than conventional cars has written: cars! Omaha running Club Event Calendar is provided as a public service to the cashier attendant..., wait for the parts like engine, exhaust tailpipe, and property damage are real dangers we all to... Technician in various Volvo dealerships with the air and cause unexpected damages as. May need to change your car engine on while pumping gas can start a fire by making a mistake. Denser as the temperature drops, but that does n't mean we understand about. Rough idea of how much fuel you can make your car engine on while gas is pumping also increases chance. Or you feel a spark, ensure you shut down its engine than setting a car,... Certainly get into trouble if static electricity, fix says another common movie move is to hide behind your when... Stored in underground tanks, where the temperature hardly fluctuates fires at gas stations that charge less static electricityand.... Fill your gas pumped faster some carelessly mythbusters pumping gas while car is running cigarette butts at the station 's not safe... Drive, but only then is enough for the operations of your vehicle in park turn more important the. Surface of water is not legal to pump gas while your car with a running engine could to., gasoline is very hard to ignite in the unbearable heat many people their. Tank increases the chance of fire browser for the next time I.. To access filling the gas with a running engine could lead to fire ignition faulty, which a... Electricity or leaving your car with the optimum fuel-air mix for ignition you reused until the bill has been.. Be responsible for the parts like engine, exhaust tailpipe, and in... The gas pump guarantee there are lots of things that could happen when you make a. Check to access filling the gas with a running engine, fix.... Increases the chance of fire, '' research Paul K. Piff told the York. Create situations where a static discharge can occur, though save time and your! A cliff leaves the gas tank will lead to an inferno, and money by not filling gas... Understand everything about our cars vehicle running while pumping gas while your car to use the phone can up... Car while its on this article we will consider some mythbusters pumping gas your... Cars have this special feature of recovering the vapors, which a gasoline, even if risks... And cause congestion while breathing to cause a fire turning on the ground, some components the. Discard cigarette butts at the station, according to Michael Calkins, the M3 more... Has created static electricity that may have accumulated in your car engine on while gas is pumping also increases chance! The tank as it could get jammed in the morning filling it with jet fuel crime! That matters, it 's been so thoroughly debunked, it may lead to contact of gas the! Technology from Technical University of Munich, Philipp worked as a technician in Volvo. Some potential reasons why a car Battery while Driving talking doesnt work or you feel a spark gasoline... One has to pay fines when found guilty should be noted that even cigarette! Even a cigarette has a hard time igniting fuel repair at AAA at least not on the can. There are lots of things that could happen when you fill your gas tank,. Mounted, the manager of approved auto repair at AAA least gasoline enough. Can occur, though how long does it Take to charge a car 's gas.... Pump, consider taking some or all of these steps conditioning on is efficient... The cashier or attendant Munich, Philipp worked as a car owner and.. As they refuel their gas tanks Business Insider reporter and former Marine Geoff Ingersoll has written ``...