Is it safe to keep a container of fuel in my car?

KEEPING a jerry can full of fuel in your boot may sound like a good idea when you're going on a long trip.

But what does the law say about having containers of petrol in your vehicle? Here's everything you need to know.

The Health and Safety Executive advises against storing petrol in your car or home unless absolutely necessaryCredit: Getty - Contributor

Motorists can legally store up to 30 litres of petrol in a maximum of two suitable containers in their vehicles.

But it must be kept away from the passenger compartment and in suitable portal petrol storage containers.

This means plastic petrol containers up to 10 litres in capacity, metal petrol containers up to 20 litres, or demountable fuel tanks up to 30 litres.

The caps on containers should be secured tightly during transmit to prevent them from leaking.

And fire services recommend not filling containers to the brim as fuel expands and vapour can build up in warm weather creating a hazard.

Despite being legal, the Health and Safety Executive advises not to store petrol unless you absolutely have to.

And there is a grey area in the law, as police can deem your container as a "dangerous load" or that it "may be hazardous".

The AA has also previously said it was "desperately worried" about people storing petrol and diesel in their cars, which it described as "incredibly, incredibly dangerous".

How long can you keep fuel in a car?

Drivers have about three months from filling up a container before the quality of the petrol starts to degrade.

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If in a sealed container at 20C, petrol can have a shelf life of six months, or three months if at 30C, according to the RAC.

The more heat it is exposed to, the more quickly it will go off.

Diesel on the other hand can remain usable for between six and 12 months.

If a car with fuel in the tank hasn't been driven for six months or so, experts recommend getting it drained at a garage as it could damage for car.

There is the risk of serious personal injury if petrol is stored or used in an unsafe way
Health and Safety Executive Rep.

What are the best conditions to store fuel in?

Brits can store up to 30 litres of petrol at home or non-workplace premises without informing their local Petroleum Enforcement Authority (PEA).

But it must be stored in a suitable portable metal or plastic container, one demountable fuel tank, or a combination of the two, providing it remains below 30 litres.

There are also strict rules on where it can be stored at home due to petrol being highly flammable.

The Health and Safety Executive dictates it must not be kept in living accommodation — and it must have a direct exit to open air and ventilation.

Although it is legal, several fire and rescue teams across the UK have warned Brits against storing petrol at homeCredit: Alamy

No ignition sources, excessive heat or sunlight should be present, and there should be no smoking or naked lights in the vicinity.

Containers should also be kept out of reach of children and animals.

Always decant fuel in the open air — never inside a garage or shed — and use a pouring spout or funnel.

An HSE spokesperson said: "Petrol is a dangerous substance; it is a highly flammable liquid that gives off vapour which can easily be set on fire and when not handled safely has the potential to cause a serious fire and/or explosion.

Officials warn of the risks of storing petrol at home or in vehiclesCredit: Getty Images - Getty

"This means there is the risk of serious personal injury if petrol is stored or used in an unsafe way."

An empty container that previously held petrol may also be unsafe because of the fumes that remain, so ensure you keep the cap securely fastened and follow the same advice for storing petrol.

Despite it being legal, several fire and rescue teams from across the UK have warned Brits against storing petrol at home.

A spokesperson for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service said: "We strongly advise against the storing of petrol and diesel due to their high flammability.

Is it safe to keep a container of fuel in my car?