But the car should be off when pumping. Are you saying that it is running while you pump? If so, turn it off so you don't have to worry.

 

Why would I leave the car running when pumping gas?
That would be just asking for trouble.

All one would have to do is hop in, press the start button, and go, is what I am saying. The key is in my pocket.

 

I drive interstate a lot! in & out of a lot of gas stations. I often take my key/fob w/ me & lock it. so a) it's not running & b) the doors are locked

if the key is in your pocket & the engine is not running, you are probably too far away from the antenna receiver for anyone to start it. have a friend or family member test that theory for you. I know it's true for my 2014 Jeep Cherokee

side note: if your car IS running, someone can drive off with it, it's a valet feature. but they can only go 40 miles or 40 minutes, something like that. I'm sure every vehicle is different but that is something to be aware of

 

The key shouldn’t be picked up to start if you are outside with the key.

Best advice is to just close the doors. Better yet, park and then lock the doors. When you get out, only access would be the driver side door.
I know you might say the doors will unlock being that the key is near but if you stand at a proximity away from the car, you should not be able to trigger the unlock.

 

As I said, I can lock/unlock the doors, open the hatch, and trigger the alarm 10 - 15+ feet away from inside the house.

 

Definitely paranoia.

 

Not necessarily. I have no concerns filling up at gas stations in my local suburb. But my senses are heightened when filling up late at night in a sketchy area.

 

You could "what if" this all day long, but the likelihood that anyone actually does it is pretty low, unless you're in a rough area, but then I'd say they probably have a weapon and are going to take your car anyway. With the gas cap on the same side as the driver door, I doubt it will happen because people don't want to risk confrontation (again, unless they have a weapon and are intent on taking it). I regularly leave my car running (not the Highlander, but gas cap also on driver side) while filling up. With the door closed, someone would have to walk up and open the door to get in but I'm standing right there. Unless maybe I'm asleep, there's no way they could get in and shut the door without me being on them. I'm not the biggest guy out there, but I'm far from the smallest.
For the Highlander, just turn it off. As others said- I don't think it will start without the fob being inside. You could always test it at home to see how close to the interior it has to be to start the vehicle.

 

I regularly leave my car running (not the Highlander, but gas cap also on driver side) while filling up.

Why You Should Never Let Your Car Run While Pumping Gas

 

When I finished filling the tank, there is that time when my attention is diverted to the pump. How fast do you think that someone could hop into the car and drive off.

They would not be able to restart the car after they drove away but all they have to do is drive to a chop shop with my new fully-paid tank of gas.....

I have a Faraday pouch to block the signal from the key but now have to remember to close it when I get out to fill the tank.

When I finished filling the tank, there is that time when my attention is diverted to the pump. How fast do you think that someone could hop into the car and drive off.

They would not be able to restart the car after they drove away but all they have to do is drive to a chop shop with my new fully-paid tank of gas.....

I have a Faraday pouch to block the signal from the key but now have to remember to close it when I get out to fill the tank.

Check your car but our Prius won't start unless the car detects the key to be inside the cabin, not just close to the car.

 

When I finished filling the tank, there is that time when my attention is diverted to the pump. How fast do you think that someone could hop into the car and drive off.

They would not be able to restart the car after they drove away but all they have to do is drive to a chop shop with my new fully-paid tank of gas.....

I have a Faraday pouch to block the signal from the key but now have to remember to close it when I get out to fill the tank.

Turn off the car and lock the door. Problem solved!

 

Reasons to keep your car running while gassing up.
1) You drive a piece-of-**** car that you are afraid won’t start if you shut it off.
2) You are a fleeing bank robber.
3) You live in Alaska and it’s minus 80 degrees (the record).
4) you’re a **** and you want to choke the guy behind you.

 

When I finished filling the tank, there is that time when my attention is diverted to the pump. How fast do you think that someone could hop into the car and drive off.

They would not be able to restart the car after they drove away but all they have to do is drive to a chop shop with my new fully-paid tank of gas.....

I have a Faraday pouch to block the signal from the key but now have to remember to close it when I get out to fill the tank.

I never shut off car when fueling. Never have. Just me. Usually keep fob in cup holder too. Until I get out and lock. Standing right by driver door when gassing up. I am trying hard to understand this concern. Are u my mother in law ?

 

Number 4 then?

 

I am someone who does not believe in self-immolation and I can spell "you".

 

We needed to go to Los Angeles for medical tests, and adjustments.
I cannot think of one place in Los Angeles that you should bring your family to.
I quickly learned to lock the car every time I exited it. For any reason.

My wife is still trying to get me to lock our home whenever we leave. Small mountain town, outskirts next to National Forest.
I am getting better at it.

 

It still doesn't answer the question of "Why would you?" Is your need for getting back under way a matter of saving seconds that are important for time?

 

easier on vehicle... start ups wear on cars... keeps it cool... or warm.. not necessary mom

 

Sometimes when I'm filling up, depending where I'm at, there can 1-2 disheveled people approach me. It's always the same, "hello sir, can you spare some money".
I'm always alone, I MUST keep my eye on my only transportation and my wallet. I need to be better at NOT leaving the driver door open, leaving the key in the ignition, leaving my phone in the charger, etc.
Like everyone, I just want to gas and go.

 

Lock your door at the pumps. Secure the key. Remove temptation, at least don't be an easy target for car thieves.

 

Lock doors at pump is a good idea.

 

I may not always lock my doors but I have it set up to only unlock drivers door when ignition is turned off. I also always put keys and phone in my pockets.

 

"unlock only when ignition is off."
I am trying to understand that, why?

 

If I shut car off none of the other doors unlock so no one can jump in. Only driver's door unlocks and I can easily see anyone near it.

 

I am trying to see this. Can the doors automatically open when you turn the engine off? I have seen this in other cars. Maybe my confusion may be that my car is probably not enabled for that.

 

I am always armed and if someone wants my car they will find themselves in a dangerous situation.

 

So, stealing a car warrants the death penalty where you live?

 

Keep this on track.

 

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