Punctured Gas Tank
09-14-06, 10:45 PM
#46
Lexus Champion
True but unfortunately gasoline vaporizes so easily, there's almost no such thing as gasoline (outside a vaccum) without vapors. Also those vapors have to have the right mixture with air to ignite or explode.
09-14-06, 11:44 PM
#47
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I've seen road debris cause damage to gas tanks. I ran over a piece of metal once in a Nissan Maxima and it dented the resonator as well as dented and put a huge gash in the gas tank. Didn't puncture it, but came pretty close. I know a guy who ran over a steel rod and his gas tank got torn open like a can of sardines... It happens.
09-15-06, 06:08 AM
#48
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Yes I did ming, I'm from Arlington, VA. Hopefully I get my crystal white baby back soon.
09-15-06, 06:32 AM
#49
We all know that windshields are exposed and get hit by rocks and other flying debris. As a result, they are shatterproof for your safety. That's ok, we can live with that. What we can't live with is coming out in the morning and finding your windshield completely shattered from overnight. That's a defective glass.
Gas tanks are not supposed to be puntured and leak gas from road debris. If someone told you "good luck on your cross country drive and be careful because if you run over something in the road, it could puncture your gas tank and your car will catch on fire" would you drive on that trip? Probably not. I think the expectation is that your car's gas tank will withstand all sorts of road debris and even minor accidents and I think car manufacturers have taken great pains to ensure this. Even so, freak accidents do happen and when they do, the circumstances should be considered. The OP swears he heard nothing and gas tanks don't just sprang a leak. Would be great to see a pic.
Gas tanks are not supposed to be puntured and leak gas from road debris. If someone told you "good luck on your cross country drive and be careful because if you run over something in the road, it could puncture your gas tank and your car will catch on fire" would you drive on that trip? Probably not. I think the expectation is that your car's gas tank will withstand all sorts of road debris and even minor accidents and I think car manufacturers have taken great pains to ensure this. Even so, freak accidents do happen and when they do, the circumstances should be considered. The OP swears he heard nothing and gas tanks don't just sprang a leak. Would be great to see a pic.
09-15-06, 06:38 AM
#50
Lexus Test Driver
It was probably road debris. The same thing happened to me several years ago. I was driving my then-new `84 Audi 5000s on I-270 in Maryland and rolled over a tire chunk that another car threw at me - it acted like an electric can-opener under my car and cut through everything, including my gas tank. Check your comprehensive coverage on your insurance policy; it should cover you for this experience.
Good luck! Enjoy driving your Buick!!!
Good luck! Enjoy driving your Buick!!!
09-15-06, 11:38 AM
#51
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ugh...I still can not believe they gave me a buick lucerne as a loaner car...I feel like a 70 year old WWII vet with those old people stunner shades (really big sun glasses that old people wear)
09-15-06, 11:55 AM
#53
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the thought came across my mind...but who in their right mind would try to puncture a gas tank?? A) there is a good chance you could blow something up
B)Would'nt it be easier to key the car, smash a window, slash a tire.
Puncturing the gas tank is too deliberate and too methodical, besides I was parked in a well lit and very busy street in Arlington. But hey, you never know!!!
B)Would'nt it be easier to key the car, smash a window, slash a tire.
Puncturing the gas tank is too deliberate and too methodical, besides I was parked in a well lit and very busy street in Arlington. But hey, you never know!!!
09-15-06, 12:15 PM
#54
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Hey, if you own a lexus then you probably own a digital camera. If you could, please take a picture of the bottom of your car showing the damage done so we can analyze the situation further. Thanks ! And if you dont then nevermind but describe the hole, like what angle it seems the hole was created from and if any sides of the hole pertrude in different ways of any sort. Thanks
! And if you dont then nevermind but describe the hole, like what angle it seems the hole was created from and if any sides of the hole pertrude in different ways of any sort. Thanks
09-15-06, 12:20 PM
#55
• A cane holder
• Hearing aid plug-in
• Waterproof seats
• False teeth holder
• 35 mph speed limiter
• Lawrence Welk CD pre-loaded
BTW, I'll be 70 in 3 months.
09-15-06, 12:33 PM
#56
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Let's try not to steretype every single old person, especially ones that post on this board. If you own an IS, no matter what age, you don't fit the "stereotype".
09-15-06, 12:41 PM
#57
09-15-06, 01:03 PM
#58
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well I really can't take pictures if it because its at the dealership...The puncture hole itself is about the size of a quarter and it's on the side wall of the gas tank. Around the puncture is a dent about the size of a grape fruit...there are some scratches as well. Clearly something struck the gas tank...but it is unusual for an object to strike the gas take from the side. I know my state farm insurance is going to take some pictures of it soon..I will post them if they give me some copies.
