What action should you take before touching a fuel pump to avoid static electricity?

Before touching a fuel pump, it’s crucial to discharge static electricity to avoid the risk of igniting fuel vapors. The recommended action is to touch a metal surface, such as the metal part of your vehicle or a nearby stationary object. This action helps to safely dissipate any built-up static charge from your body.

Static electricity can accumulate while you get in and out of your car, especially if you are wearing certain materials, such as synthetic fabrics. Touching a metal object allows any excess charge to flow into the ground, reducing the likelihood of a spark when you touch the fuel pump.

Other options do not directly address the static electricity issue. For example, while turning off the engine is an important safety measure when refueling, it does not prevent static discharge. Similarly, wearing gloves or standing away from the vehicle is not effective in discharging static electricity and does not provide protection against potential ignition caused by static sparks.