If you have smelled gasoline when driving your vehicle, you may feel a bit anxious about how to handle the situation. Since gasoline is flammable, driving your vehicle could be hazardous, so you should stop driving it right away to determine the cause of the odor. Here are some steps to follow in finding the cause of a gasoline odor when driving your vehicle.
Simple Fixes
Check to make sure your gas cap is securely latched. If you failed to turn it tight enough the last time you filled your vehicle, there is a good chance the odor is coming out of the tank where the cap should be placed. Make sure you did not leak gas on the side of your vehicle. If you live in a state where an attendant pumps gas for you, they may have dripped some on the side of your vehicle. Take your vehicle to a car wash and scrub the area with soap and a scrub brush to remove.
Fuel Tank Leak
One of the main reasons why you would smell fuel in you vehicle would be if you had a fuel tank leak. Many people think that since the fuel tank is located underneath the vehicle, it wouldn't cause odors to be smelled from the inside. This is untrue, however, as gas fumes can get into small crevices within your vehicle's body. Putting the fan on in your vehicle can cause the smell to be even more intense, as it will draw the odor through the fresh air intake.
To check for a fuel tank leak, take a look underneath your vehicle after it is parked for several hours. Take a look at the tank itself, as well, to look for stains or moisture spots. If your tank is leaking, have an auto repair shop repair or replace it immediately. Even leaving your vehicle parked could be a hazard, as the gas fumes could ignite easily.
Fuel Line Leak
If the tank does not seem wet, take a look at the fuel lines that run from the tank to the engine. These will become rotted over time because of weather and because the lines are not protected by a covering underneath a vehicle. If you see moisture on or leaking from your fuel lines, they will need to be replaced right away. When a fuel line breaks on a fuel-injected vehicle, the result will be a misting of the line under your vehicle. It is extremely dangerous for this mist to be near a running exhaust, so it is best to have your vehicle towed to get repair.
Fuel Injector Leak
The fuel injectors are under the hood of your vehicle. They help push the gas into your engine, allowing it to run. If an injector is leaking, it will be able to be seen and smelled when your vehicle is running. Located your injectors by looking at your vehicle manual for the specific location. If one seems wet, it is most likely the seal or ring on the top or bottom of the fuel injector that needs replacing. Have a repair shop replace the seals and rings on each one so you do not need to worry about repeat occurrences.
If you're looking for a repair shop in your area, visit Bonita Point Auto Care 76.
Share20 May 2015
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