About Siphoning Gas

Gas siphoning uses physics.

Gas siphoning involves using a tube to remove gasoline from a vehicle. Gas siphoning is practiced by thieves and responsible citizens alike. Gas siphoning is legal as long as the siphoner asks permission from the owner of the vehicle being siphoned. Here are a variety of applications for siphoning as well as ways to prevent it.

Identification

Gas siphoning is the process of moving gasoline from one tank to another using physics concepts and a clear plastic tube. In physics, liquid seeks its own level. So if the tube is coiled in such a way that the coiled part of the tube is at the level of the gasoline in the gas tank, the tube will fill up to the level of the gas tank when the tube is sucked on. Stop sucking as you see the tube fill up in order to avoid getting gasoline in your mouth. You can then pour the gasoline into a different container.

Considerations

Gas siphoning can be used for illegal purposes such as stealing gasoline from another car. But gas siphoning can also be used to siphon gas from your own vehicle in order to fill up another machine, such as your lawn mower. Gas can also be siphoned in order to provide gas to another motorist who has run out of gas. Of course, do not siphon gas unless you have permission from the owner of the vehicle.

Warning

Many cars are now designed to prevent gas siphoning. This prevents both gas theft and excessive gasoline spills. Also, many new cars have an anti-rollover valve, which prevents gasoline from leaking out if a car is involved in an accident. This valve also prevents gas siphoning. The anti-rollover valve should never be removed, because this could put the car owner in danger of a potential fire during a car crash.

Expert Insight

The best way to siphon a car is to buy a small diameter tube. This tube should be spun around as it is pushed down into the gas tank. In order to determine that you have reached the gasoline, blow gently into the tube until you are able to blow bubbles in the gasoline. Stop if your tube meets any resistance in order to avoid damaging the tank. Remove the tube to check and see if there is any gasoline on the tube.

Prevention/Solution

Gas siphoning can be prevented by locking the gas cap. Gas cap locks can be purchased from a variety of vendors. A sensitive car alarm might deter thieves, as will motion-activated lights. Other options include parking where there are security cameras or parking in a place where the gas cap is not easily accessible, such as near a wall.

Resources

• Gas Cap Locks