Shooting a Car to Make It Explode: Debunking the Myth and Scientific Facts

For years, pop culture has fed us with the notion that shooting a car can cause it to explode. This belief, however, is far from reality. We break down this common myth and provide the scientific explanation behind why shooting a car, no matter how many times, will not result in the car blowing up.

The Myth Decoded

During an episode of MythBusters, the team tested the myth to see if it held any water. They used tracer bullets and fully automatic weapons, but the best they could achieve was igniting the gas tank, which only resulted in a flame rather than a significant explosion. The truth is that firearms cannot create the necessary conditions for a car to explode.

Why Doesn't Shooting a Car Cause It to Explode?

Contrary to popular belief, gasoline itself is not flammable. It is the vapor that can ignite and produce a small fire if mixed properly with oxygen. This means that shooting a car, even repeatedly, will not generate the right conditions to cause an explosion. There are several reasons why:

When you shoot a car, the force of the bullet hits the metal of the car, but it does not create a significant amount of gas vapor. For a gasoline vapor to ignite and cause an explosion, it needs to be at the right temperature, pressure, and concentration. The violent impact of a bullet does not provide the necessary conditions for this to happen.

The gas tank in a car is made to withstand significant physical force. It is designed to contain the fuel and prevent leaks. Shooting a gas tank from a distance or with a sufficiently powerful weapon might create a hole and cause a fire, but it will not cause the tank to explode. Modern gas tanks are built with multiple layers of protection to ensure safety under various conditions, including impact.

Attempting such experiments in the wild can be extremely dangerous. It's not recommended to test such theories by shooting objects, especially flammable ones, as it can lead to severe accidents. For educational purposes, doing this in a controlled laboratory setting has its own dangers, and it's important to follow proper safety protocols.

Operating firearms in urban areas is regulated, often with strict ordinances against shooting in populated areas. Violation of these regulations could result in severe legal consequences.

How to Test the Myth (Safely!)

If you're curious but live in a remote area, you can conduct a controlled experiment, albeit in a different way. Fill a metal bucket with gasoline and put a lid on it. This setup mimics the gas tank of a car. When you shoot this bucket, it will most likely just produce a small flame. The bucket’s metal structure and the tight seal created by the lid prevent the violent expansion and the necessary conditions for a gas explosion to occur.

Remember, this experiment is highly dangerous in any populated area. Always adhere to local laws and regulations, and prioritize safety when experimenting with chemicals and firearms.

Conclusion

Shooting a car is not the way to make it explode. This myth is rooted in popular culture and has been perpetuated by the entertainment industry. Understanding the science behind automotive safety, gas flammability, and the reality of the situation can help dispel such misconceptions.

Stay informed and stay safe. If you have any questions or need further clarification, reach out to specialized automotive and safety experts.