On p. 210 of the owner's manual for our new 2024 Prius, on the subject of refueling, it says that in order to be safe when filling the tank, you need to "touch an unpainted metal surface to discharge any static electricity." Any suggestions as to what unpainted parts of the car's metal surface would be the best choice for this purpose?
Outside of the filler hole? I wouldn't do it though because I don't want to get any chemical on my finger.
There are usually some unpainted metal parts on the gas pump itself. The most important part is the timing: A driver generally builds up the most static while scooching in or out of the driver's seat. Static-induced refill fires tend to happen in the winter when a cold driver starts the fill, latches the filler gun on and gets back in the car to stay warm. Then they get out, grab the filler gun first and zzzzap! right next to some gas fumes. Even touching the painted metal roof or fender will help. Fortunately Prius fuel tanks are small- you won't be out in the cold very long.
The painted metal of the door frame was plenty to ground and zap me in the winter. My old Taurus had an exposed bolt head at the bottom of the interior hand hold well that also did the job.
Including the people that start those fires I agree it is rare, but it is a relatively painless habit to get into. From 2000-2010 there were about 15 a year that had been reported. Theses are self reported, so I suspect lots more. However, even if ten times that number happen, it is still a very small percentage. Be safe at the gas pump, prevent static electricity fires
i guess it wasn't worth toyotas time, or ink, to detail what 'unpainted metal surface'. or at least give some examples.
Isn’t that the reason why the gas filter door is metal? Guess you could touch the back of the door which would have less paint on it.
I figure if you didn't get a static shock when closing the door after getting out to refuel, you didn't have enough charge built up to ignite any fumes.
Oh, I'm almost embarrassed I didn't think to mention: Use the latch hoop at the rear of the door jamb:
