Fire Safety at the Fuel Pump

You've just finished pulling a 12-mile, 8% grade, and you're now below a quarter of a tank of fuel as you come down the other side of the hill. Off in the distance is a truck stop where you can get fuel and something to eat. You're riding the brake and shifting down as you head for the truck stop. After a white knuckled 15-minute trip to the bottom of the hill, you pull into the fuel island.

STOP! Do not pull up to that pump. Your catalytic converter could be at 4,000 degrees. Your transmission could be around 350 degrees, and the brakes are definitely too hot to allow a quick stop.

Coming to a sudden stop after a long haul involving a steep grade causes the temperature in your converter and transmission to continue to rise. With your engine off, your coolant is no longer bleeding the heat from your engine. What you should do instead is pull off to the side of the station and allow for a cooling-off period. Let your vehicle run for about five minutes to cool down. Go in and have lunch and sit where you can see the vehicle if possible.

After you have taken care of yourself, go ahead and fuel your rig. Be sure to check the oil and transmission fluid levels. Kick the tires and make a complete walk-around inspection. Now that both you and your rig are fueled up, enjoy your trip.